Breast Surgeon (Breast & Oncoplastic Surgeon)

A breast surgeon is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the breast, especially breast cancer, benign (non-cancerous) lumps, infections, and breast-related deformities. Many breast surgeons are also trained in oncoplastic surgery to remove cancer and preserve or restore breast shape as much as possible.

What Does a Breast Surgeon Do?

• Evaluates breast lumps, nipple changes, breast pain, and breast infections.
• Diagnoses and treats breast cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.
• Performs biopsies (needle or surgical) to confirm diagnosis.
• Does breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy (removal of the whole breast), and sentinel lymph node/axillary lymph node surgery.
• Provides oncoplastic and reconstructive procedures to maintain or restore breast shape.
• Works with oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists as part of a breast cancer team.

How Does a Breast Surgeon Help You?

• Takes detailed history of breast symptoms, family history of breast/ovarian cancer, and previous reports.
• Examines both breasts and underarm (axilla), sometimes supraclavicular nodes.
• Advises appropriate tests – ultrasound, mammography, MRI, FNAC or core biopsy.
• Explains the diagnosis clearly and discusses all surgical options and their impact on appearance and function.
• Plans surgery tailored to the stage of disease and your preferences (breast preservation vs mastectomy, reconstruction options).
• Coordinates further treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy with the oncology team.

When Should You See a Breast Surgeon?

• Any new lump in the breast or underarm (even if painless).
• Nipple discharge (especially bloody or clear water-like), nipple pulled in, or change in nipple shape.
• Change in breast shape, size, or skin (dimpling, thickening, redness, orange-peel appearance).
• Persistent breast pain in one area that doesn’t go with usual treatment.
• Breast redness, swelling, or abscess not improving with basic treatment.
• Strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Which Symptoms Need Early / Urgent Attention?

• A hard, fixed lump in breast or armpit.
• Sudden breast redness, swelling, and high fever (possible abscess or inflammatory cancer).
• Skin changes over the breast that rapidly worsen.
• Any breast lump during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Where Can You Find a Breast Surgeon?

• Cancer hospitals and oncology centers with dedicated breast units.
• Large government and private hospitals with general surgery/oncology departments.
• Some specialized breast clinics and oncoplastic surgery centers.

Why Is Timely Consultation Important?

• Early detection and surgery for breast cancer greatly improve cure rates and survival.
• Timely treatment of infections and abscess prevents spread and tissue damage.
• Oncoplastic techniques can preserve breast shape and improve body image and confidence.
• Proper guidance helps avoid fear, delay, and unnecessary “home remedies” or wrong medicines.