Best Surgical Oncologists for Mastectomy in India

Breast cancer is a malignant tumour originating in the cells of the breast, most commonly in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma), which has the potential to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. It is classified by its molecular subtype, grade, and stage, all of which inform the most appropriate course of management.

Common signs include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple discharge (particularly if bloodstained), nipple inversion, or persistent pain in one area of the breast. In more advanced cases, swelling of the arm, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss may occur. These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, so their presence alone does not confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Diagnosis is typically established through a combination of imaging — most commonly mammography and ultrasound, with MRI used in selected cases — and a tissue biopsy, which allows pathologists to confirm malignancy and determine the tumour's grade and receptor status (oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2). Staging, from Stage I through Stage IV, is then assessed using clinical examination, pathology results, and where indicated, further imaging such as CT or bone scans to evaluate whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast. All of these findings are reviewed together by a qualified clinician to determine the most appropriate individual management plan.

Treatment for breast cancer is highly individualised and depends on the tumour's stage, grade, molecular subtype, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Surgical options available through our directory include lumpectomy, mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, oncoplastic breast surgery, and breast reconstruction, each suited to different clinical scenarios. These procedures are commonly combined with systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy, and with radiotherapy, to reduce the risk of recurrence — the precise combination being determined by a multidisciplinary team following full assessment.

Non-surgical treatments play a central role in breast cancer management and are used either alongside surgery or, in some cases, as the primary approach — for example, hormone therapy alone in frail or elderly patients with hormone-receptor-positive disease who are not surgical candidates. Systemic options include chemotherapy, hormone (endocrine) therapy, HER2-targeted therapy, and immunotherapy; some patients also receive neoadjuvant (pre-operative) systemic therapy to reduce tumour size before surgery. Radiotherapy is frequently recommended after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy to reduce the risk of local recurrence. The role and sequence of each non-surgical treatment is determined on an individual basis by the treating oncology team.

Mastectomy may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.

Breast cancer is typically managed by a multidisciplinary team led by a surgical oncologist and a medical oncologist, working alongside a radiation oncologist, breast radiologist, and pathologist. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons may also be involved when breast reconstruction is planned.

When selecting a provider, look for a surgical or medical oncologist with documented experience in breast cancer specifically, working within a hospital that offers a formal multidisciplinary tumour board, access to the full range of systemic therapies, and clear pathways for follow-up care and survivorship support.

Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.

Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.