Oncoplastic breast surgery combines cancer removal with reconstructive and cosmetic technique, so that the result is planned as one procedure rather than cancer surgery first and appearance addressed later, if at all.
Signs Worth Getting Checked
Should You Be Worried?
Choosing breast conserving surgery does not mean choosing between removing the cancer and how the breast will look afterward. Oncoplastic technique plans both from the start, so this is not a trade-off you need to accept.
What Raises Your Risk
Risk increases with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, increasing age, and hormonal or reproductive factors. Many patients diagnosed have no single identifiable risk factor.
How It's Diagnosed
Imaging and biopsy confirming the diagnosis and tumour size relative to breast size.
Assessment of whether breast conserving surgery is appropriate.
Planning of the reshaping technique alongside tumour removal.
How It's Treated
- Tumour removal combined with reshaping technique in the same operation.
- Options range from local tissue rearrangement to more involved reduction or reconstruction techniques.
- The opposite breast may be adjusted for symmetry in some cases, discussed in advance.
- Coordinated planning with radiation oncology, since most patients will need radiation afterward.
Recovery is generally similar to standard breast conserving surgery, with some additional healing time depending on the extent of reshaping involved. Most patients return to normal activity within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's most often used when a larger tumour relative to breast size might otherwise leave a significant defect, but it can also be chosen simply for a better cosmetic outcome.
In some cases, adjusting the opposite breast for symmetry is recommended, and this is discussed and planned in advance if relevant.
No, it's planned as part of your primary surgery, not a separate later step, so it does not delay your overall treatment timeline.
Most patients who have breast conserving surgery, including oncoplastic approaches, do need radiation afterward. This is coordinated with your wider care team.
Oncoplastic surgery conserves your own breast tissue with reshaping, while a mastectomy removes the breast entirely, with reconstruction as a separate consideration.
Book Your Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Consultation in Pune
You shouldn't have to choose between treating your cancer and how you'll look afterward. Dr Vidita Powle Danait provides expert oncoplastic breast surgery in Pune.