Her Fight is Our Mission

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.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, breast-conserving surgery following neoadjuvant therapy is performed with precision. Our approach not only aims to remove all residual disease but also preserves breast shape and appearance wherever safely possible. Every plan is guided by pre-treatment imaging, tumour biology, and careful response assessment.

How the Procedure Is Performed

• The procedure is done under general anaesthesia.
• Pre-operative localisation is often required using clips placed during biopsy (to mark the original tumour site) or wire guidance if the tumour becomes non-palpable after treatment.
• A small incision is made over or near the tumour bed, or remotely for better cosmetic outcomes.
• The surgeon will remove the tumour bed (including the clip site) and a margin of surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary dissection may be performed, depending on nodal response and pre-treatment staging.
• Oncoplastic closure techniques may be used to reshape and preserve symmetry.
• The procedure typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Recovery

• Hospital stay: Most patients are discharged within 24–48 hours. Final pathology results guide the next steps in treatment planning. 
• Pain management: Post-operative discomfort is mild and managed with oral medication.
• Physiotherapy: Arm mobility and range of motion exercises are initiated early.
• Resuming routine: Return to daily routine is expected in 2–3 weeks, with full recovery in 4–6 weeks.

Key Advantages

• Makes breast conservation possible, even in cases initially requiring mastectomy.
• Oncologically safe, with outcomes comparable to mastectomy in selected patients.
• Improved cosmetic results, especially when paired with oncoplastic techniques.
• Minimises surgical morbidity, preserving breast contour and sensation where possible.
• Allows axillary downstaging, often reducing the need for full lymph node removal.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, breast-conserving surgery after neoadjuvant therapy is part of a closely monitored, multidisciplinary care pathway. Our support extends across:

• Pre-surgical planning, with tumour board review and imaging to confirm treatment response
• Precise localisation and intraoperative mapping to ensure removal of residual disease
• Pathology-guided adjuvant treatment, including radiotherapy and systemic therapy
• Post-operative follow-up, with scar care, physiotherapy, and emotional support
• Long-term surveillance, including clinical exams and breast imaging at regular intervals

This approach ensures that women receive not just tumour removal, but carefully tailored treatment that supports healing in every dimension.