Breast Conservation Surgery After
Neoadjuvant Therapy at Athenaa

What is Breast Conservation Surgery

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy — typically chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormonal therapy given before surgery — is often used to shrink tumors in breast cancer. For many women, this treatment transforms what would have required a mastectomy into an opportunity for breast conservation.

At Apollo Athenaa, 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 (including MRI breast with contrast and image guided clip placement into the tumor), tumor biology, and careful response assessment.

How the Procedure
is Performed

At Apollo Athenaa, every surgical step is carefully planned
and performed by experienced breast surgeons with a focus on
safety, precision, and recovery.

The procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Pre-operative localization is often required using clips placed during biopsy (to mark the original tumor site/lymph node involved by disease) or wire guidance if the tumor becomes non-palpable after treatment.
A small incision is made over or near the tumor bed, or remotely for better cosmetic outcomes.
The surgeon will remove the tumor 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 3.5 hours.

Recovery

Healing at Apollo Athenaa is supported through
structured post-operative care, counselling,
and rehabilitation support.

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

At Apollo Athenaa, surgery is thoughtfully planned with a personalized approach,
ensuring safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.

Breast Preservation

Makes breast conservation possible, even in cases initially requiring mastectomy.

Cosmetic Excellence

Improves aesthetic outcomes, especially when combined with oncoplastic techniques.

Reduced Morbidity

Minimizes surgical impact while preserving breast contour and sensation where possible.

Axillary Sparing

Allows axillary downstaging, often reducing the need for full lymph node removal.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, our teams remain involved at every stage,
ensuring that recovery is not only physical, but also
emotional and empowering. Post-surgery,
each woman is supported through.

Precise localization 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is breast conserving surgery after neoadjuvant therapy?

01

It is surgery performed after chemotherapy or targeted therapy, where only the remaining tumor and a margin of healthy tissue are removed, helping preserve the breast.

Why is treatment given before surgery?

02

Neoadjuvant therapy helps shrink the tumor, making breast conservation possible and allowing doctors to assess how well the cancer responds to treatment.

Is breast conserving surgery safe after chemotherapy?

03

Yes. In carefully selected patients, it offers cancer control outcomes comparable to mastectomy while preserving the breast.

Will I still need radiation therapy?

04

In most cases, radiation therapy is recommended after breast conserving surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

What if cancer is still found at the margins?

05

Additional surgery may be needed to achieve clear margins, and in some cases, mastectomy may be advised for complete safety.

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Breast Conservation Surgery After Neoadjuvant Therapy at Athenaa

Breast Conservation Surgery After
Neoadjuvant Therapy at Athenaa