Found a Breast Lump? Know What to Do Next
Not every breast lump is cancer. Breast lumps can have several causes, including benign conditions.
However, a new or persistent lump should not be ignored, particularly if it is accompanied by:
- A change in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple inversion
- Unusual or bloody nipple discharge
- Persistent swelling or redness
- A lump in the breast or underarm
A breast specialist can assess the lump and determine whether imaging, biopsy or further evaluation is needed.
You don't need to wait until a lump becomes painful to get it checked.
Your Biopsy Says Breast Cancer. What Happens Next?
A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when the report contains unfamiliar terms.
The next step is usually to understand what type of breast cancer you have, how extensive it is and what treatment sequence is appropriate.
Your assessment may include:
Pathology and Biopsy
The biopsy confirms whether cancer is present and provides information about the tumour.
Hormone Receptor Testing
Tests such as ER and PR help determine whether the cancer is hormone receptor positive.
HER2 Testing
HER2 testing helps identify whether the tumour has HER2-related characteristics that may influence systemic treatment.
Breast Imaging
Mammography, ultrasound and, in selected situations, MRI can help assess the breast and surrounding structures.
Staging
Additional imaging may be recommended depending on the clinical situation to determine whether there is evidence of disease beyond the breast and regional lymph nodes.
These assessments help the oncology team determine the appropriate treatment sequence.
Do I Need Breast Cancer Surgery?
Surgery is an important part of treatment for many patients with breast cancer, but the type and timing of surgery are not the same for everyone .
Depending on your diagnosis, your surgical plan may involve:
- Breast Conserving Surgery: Also known as a lumpectomy, this involves removing the cancerous area along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue while preserving the remaining breast.
- Mastectomy: A mastectomy involves removing breast tissue. It may be recommended when breast conservation is not appropriate or when other clinical factors make mastectomy the more suitable option.
- Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: Oncoplastic techniques combine cancer surgery with reconstructive principles to help preserve or restore breast shape where appropriate.
- Breast Reconstruction: Reconstruction may be considered for selected patients undergoing mastectomy. The timing and type of reconstruction depend on the cancer treatment plan and individual circumstances.
Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy
One of the most common questions after a breast cancer diagnosis is:
“Can I save my breast, or do I need a mastectomy?”
No single answer applies to every patient.
| Breast Conserving Surgery | Mastectomy |
|---|---|
| Removes the tumour with a margin of surrounding tissue | Removes the breast tissue |
| Preserves most of the breast | Removes the affected breast |
| May be suitable for selected cancers | May be recommended for certain tumour characteristics or extent of disease |
| Often followed by radiation when appropriate | Additional treatment depends on pathology and stage |
| Breast shape can be considered during surgical planning | Reconstruction may be discussed where appropriate |
The decision depends on tumour characteristics, extent of disease, breast anatomy, the treatment plan, and patient preferences .
A consultation should focus on why one option is being recommended in your particular case rather than treating lumpectomy or mastectomy as universally preferable.
When Should You See a Breast Surgeon?
You may benefit from a breast surgical consultation if:
- You have a new breast lump: Particularly if it persists or is associated with other breast changes.
- Your imaging shows a suspicious lesion: A BI-RADS 4 or BI-RADS 5 finding generally requires appropriate specialist evaluation and tissue diagnosis where indicated.
- Your biopsy has confirmed breast cancer: A surgical oncologist can assess the diagnosis and discuss whether surgery is appropriate and what type may be considered.
- You have been advised to undergo mastectomy: A second surgical opinion can help you understand why mastectomy has been recommended and whether breast-conserving surgery may be an option.
- You have been advised to undergo lumpectomy: You may want to understand the extent of surgery, expected breast changes and whether oncoplastic techniques may be appropriate.
- You are unsure about your treatment sequence: Some patients receive systemic treatment before surgery, depending on the cancer subtype and clinical situation.
What Does BI-RADS 4 or BI-RADS 5 Mean?
If you have recently received a mammography or breast imaging report, you may have come across the term BI-RADS .
BI-RADS is a standardised system for classifying breast imaging findings.
- BI-RADS 4: A BI-RADS 4 finding is considered suspicious and generally requires tissue diagnosis.
- BI-RADS 5: A BI-RADS 5 finding is highly suspicious for malignancy and requires appropriate further evaluation, usually including tissue diagnosis.
A BI-RADS category is not the same as a final cancer diagnosis . Your imaging findings need to be interpreted alongside clinical examination and, when indicated, biopsy results.
Will I Need Chemotherapy Before Breast Cancer Surgery?
Not every patient needs chemotherapy before surgery.
In selected breast cancers, treatment may be given before surgery. This is known as neoadjuvant treatment .
The decision can depend on:
- Cancer subtype
- Tumour size
- Lymph node involvement
- HER2 status
- Hormone receptor status
- Overall stage
- The planned surgical approach
The purpose of pre-surgical treatment may differ depending on the cancer subtype and individual treatment plan.
Dr Snita can evaluate the surgical aspects of your diagnosis and coordinate the overall treatment pathway with the appropriate oncology specialists when additional treatment is required.
Will I Need Radiation After Breast Cancer Surgery?
Radiation is not required in the same way for every patient.
The recommendation can depend on factors including:
- Type of surgery
- Tumour characteristics
- Lymph node involvement
- Surgical margins
- Stage of disease
- Other pathology findings
For many patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery, radiation forms part of the subsequent treatment plan. The final recommendation is made based on the complete clinical and pathology picture.
Can Breast Reconstruction Be Done With Cancer Surgery?
Breast reconstruction may be possible for selected patients undergoing mastectomy.
It may be performed at the same time as cancer surgery or at a later stage, depending on:
- Type and stage of cancer
- Need for radiation or other treatment
- General health
- Type of mastectomy
- Reconstruction options available
Oncoplastic techniques may also be considered during breast-conserving surgery when appropriate.
Discuss the reconstruction plan as part of the overall cancer treatment strategy, not as a separate decision.
Why Consult Dr Snita Sinukumar for Breast Cancer Surgery?
Surgical Oncology Training at Tata Memorial Hospital
Dr Snita Sinukumar completed her MCh in Surgical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai , after her MS in General Surgery from B.J. Medical College and Sassoon Hospital, Pune.
Her professional experience includes working as a Senior Registrar in Surgical Oncology and as a Fellow in Breast Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital.
Focused Breast Surgical Experience
Her breast surgical practice includes:
- Breast-conserving surgery
- Mastectomy
- Oncoplastic breast surgery
- Reconstructive breast procedures
Female Surgical Oncologist
For many women, discussing a breast diagnosis and surgical options with a female surgical oncologist can make the consultation more comfortable.
Dr Snita provides surgical evaluation, treatment planning and second opinions for patients with breast cancer.
Clear Treatment Planning
Breast cancer treatment often involves more than one type of specialist.
Dr Snita focuses on the surgical component while working within a multidisciplinary oncology team when chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments are required.
Book an AppointmentWatch Dr Snita Discuss Breast Cancer Surgery
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Embed Dr Snita's breast cancer video
Should You Get a Second Opinion Before Breast Cancer Surgery?
A breast cancer diagnosis often leads to decisions about surgery very quickly.
A second opinion can help you understand:
- Whether surgery is appropriate at this stage
- Why lumpectomy or mastectomy has been recommended
- Whether breast-conserving surgery may be possible
- Whether treatment before surgery has been advised and why
- Whether lymph node surgery is required
- Whether oncoplastic or reconstructive options may be considered
A second opinion is particularly useful when you are uncertain about a major surgical decision or simply want another specialist to review your reports.
What Should You Bring to Your First Breast Cancer Consultation?
Bring your complete medical record, including:
- Mammography reports and images
- Breast ultrasound reports and images
- MRI reports and images, if performed
- Biopsy or pathology report
- ER, PR and HER2 results
- Previous treatment records
- Blood test reports
- CT, PET or other staging scans, if performed
- Previous discharge summaries
If you have the original imaging files, bring them along with the written reports.
Questions to Ask Your Breast Cancer Surgeon
Before deciding on surgery, you may want to ask:
- Do I need surgery?
- Can I have breast-conserving surgery?
- Why are you recommending lumpectomy or mastectomy?
- Will my lymph nodes need to be assessed?
- Would oncoplastic surgery be appropriate for me?
- Can reconstruction be performed at the same time?
- Will I need chemotherapy before surgery?
- Will I need radiation after surgery?
- How long will the surgery take?
- How long should I expect recovery to take?
- Should I get a second opinion before proceeding?
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast Cancer Surgery With Clear, Individualised Planning
A breast cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean that you will need a mastectomy, chemotherapy or every available form of cancer treatment.
The appropriate approach depends on your cancer, your reports, your stage and your overall health .
Dr Snita Sinukumar provides surgical oncology evaluation for breast cancer, including breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, oncoplastic procedures and reconstructive options where appropriate.
Consultations: Kharadi, Pune
Surgical Care: Apollo Hospitals, Pune