Breast Oncosurgery
Breast oncosurgery (or breast surgical oncology) is a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment, ranging from conservative tumour removal to advanced mastectomy techniques. At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, our approach combines surgical expertise, aesthetics, and compassion to empower women to undergo treatment with dignity and confidence. Every procedure is designed not just to remove disease, but to restore health, function, and body image.
Who Needs Breast Oncosurgery?
Breast oncosurgery may be recommended for:
- women diagnosed with breast cancer
- those at high genetic risk (such as BRCA mutation carriers)
- individuals with benign but symptomatic or suspicious breast lesions
Surgery can be curative, preventive, or diagnostic, and may involve removal of the tumour, lymph nodes, or in some cases, the entire breast. At Apollo Athenaa, every surgical decision is guided by detailed imaging, biopsy results, patient preferences, and tumour board discussions.
Treatment Options
Simple Mastectomy
A simple mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the entire breast tissue, typically including the nipple–areola complex, to treat or prevent breast cancer. It is most commonly recommended for women with early-stage breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or those at high genetic risk who opt for risk-reducing surgery.
Modified Radical Mastectomy
Modified radical mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast along with axillary lymph nodes (levels I and II). It is most often performed in patients with invasive breast cancer where lymph node involvement is suspected or confirmed. The procedure offers both disease control and important staging information that guides further treatment.
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Skin and Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies are advanced surgical options that remove breast tissue while preserving the external appearance of the breast. These procedures offer the same level of cancer control as a traditional mastectomy in appropriately selected patients, while enabling more natural and aesthetically refined breast reconstruction.
Endoscopy-Assisted Mastectomy
Endoscopy-assisted mastectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to remove breast tissue through small, strategically placed incisions — often in hidden areas like the axilla (armpit). This approach is particularly well-suited for women who wish to avoid visible chest wall scars and prioritise cosmetic outcomes alongside cancer control.
Robotic-Assisted Mastectomy
Robotic-assisted mastectomy is a state-of-the-art surgical technique that combines the precision of minimally invasive surgery with advanced robotic technology. It allows the removal of breast tissue through small, well-concealed incisions, offering improved visualisation for the surgeon and excellent cosmetic results for the patient.
Prophylactic Mastectomy
Prophylactic mastectomy (or risk-reducing mastectomy) is a preventive surgery to remove one or both breasts in individuals at significantly elevated risk of developing breast cancer. This procedure is not performed to treat cancer, but to reduce the chance of developing it in the future.
Remote-Incision Lumpectomy
Remote-Incision Lumpectomy is an advanced form of breast-conserving surgery for women with early-stage breast cancer. Unlike traditional lumpectomy, which involves an incision directly over the tumour, RIL removes the tumour through a discreet, hidden incision — often along the inframammary fold or around the areola. This technique preserves the natural appearance of the breast without compromising oncologic safety.
Breast Conservation Surgery After Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy
Neoadjuvant systemic therapy — typically chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormonal therapy given before surgery — is often used to shrink tumours in breast cancer. For many women, this treatment transforms what would have required a mastectomy into an opportunity for breast conservation.
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Oncoplastic breast surgery combines the principles of cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to remove the tumour while preserving or restoring the breast’s natural shape. It allows more women — including those with larger tumours or challenging tumour locations — to opt for breast conservation with confidence.
Axillary Dissection
Axillary dissection is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes from the underarm (axilla) on the same side as breast cancer. It is performed to determine the extent of cancer spread and to prevent further progression.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive procedure used to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. By identifying and removing only the first few nodes likely to harbour cancer (known as sentinel nodes), this technique allows for accurate staging without the risks of full axillary dissection.
Surgery for Impalpable Breast Lesions
Impalpable breast lesions are abnormalities detected on imaging that cannot be felt during a physical examination. These may include early cancers, atypical hyperplasia, or high-risk lesions that require surgical removal for diagnosis or treatment.
Surgery for Benign Breast Lesions
Not all breast symptoms or lumps are cancerous. In fact, benign breast conditions are common and can arise from hormonal changes, developmental abnormalities, infections, or structural issues within the ducts or lobules. While many of these are harmless and may only require observation, surgery may be recommended when the lesion causes discomfort, has atypical features, or carries a small risk of future complications.
Placement of Vascular Access Devices (Chemoport)
For patients undergoing long-term chemotherapy, repeated needle pricks can cause significant discomfort and damage to peripheral veins. A chemoport, or Totally Implantable Venous Access Device (TIVAD), provides a safe, durable, and reliable alternative. Once placed, it allows medications, fluids, and blood products to be administered directly into a central vein.
How We Plan Surgery
Every breast oncosurgery at Apollo Athenaa is planned with precision, safety, and cosmetic outcomes in mind. Our specially-trained breast radiologists perform advanced precision tumour mapping using ultrasound, mammography, and breast MRI to identify the full extent of disease — including impalpable (not feelable) or satellite lesions (smaller tumour close to the primary tumour) — ensuring complete tumour removal while preserving healthy tissue. This is followed by detailed consultations with your breast oncosurgeon and reconstructive surgeon to choose the best surgical and reconstructive path for you.
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Considerations
Preserving form while treating disease is a core part of our surgical philosophy. We offer immediate and delayed reconstruction options after mastectomy using both natural tissue and implants. Reconstructive techniques include DIEP flap (using skin and fat from the abdomen), TUG flap (using inner thigh tissue), implant-based reconstruction, and nipple reconstruction or tattooing. These are tailored to the type of surgery and patient preferences to ensure the best possible aesthetic outcomes.
Why Choose Apollo Athenaa for Breast Surgery
At Apollo Athenaa, breast surgery is more than just tumour removal, it’s personalised, precise, and compassionate care delivered by a specialised team.
- Dedicated breast oncosurgery unit led by expert oncosurgeons and supported by trained breast radiologists and pathologists
- Advanced surgical options including robotic-assisted and endoscopy-assisted mastectomies
- State-of-the-art localisation tools for impalpable lesions
- In-house reconstruction team with deep expertise in both natural tissue and implant-based options
- Seamless support for body image, emotional wellness, and survivorship
At Apollo Athenaa, we walk with you through every step, from diagnosis to healing, with empathy and expertise.
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