Breast Cancer Surgery in Bathinda — Expert Care by Dr. Manjit Jaura
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and in India. With increasing awareness, improved screening programs, and advanced treatment options, breast cancer is now highly treatable — especially when detected early. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage (Stage I–II) breast cancer exceeds 85–95%.
At Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute (BGCI) in Bathinda, Dr. Manjit Jaura — a Senior Oncologist with over 20 years of experience — provides comprehensive, compassionate breast cancer care. From accurate diagnosis and staging through to the most appropriate surgical treatment and coordination of adjuvant therapy, patients receive world-class oncological care close to home.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It can arise from the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma) of the breast. Breast cancer can be:
- Non-Invasive (In Situ) — Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) or Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS); cancer cells haven't spread beyond their original location; highly curable
- Invasive/Infiltrating — Cancer has grown into surrounding breast tissue; can potentially spread to lymph nodes and other organs
Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer
- Hormone Receptor Positive (ER+/PR+) — Most common; responds to hormonal therapy; generally better prognosis
- HER2-Positive — Aggressive but responds well to targeted therapies (trastuzumab)
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) — No ER, PR, or HER2; treated with chemotherapy; more challenging
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
- Female gender and age >50 years
- Family history — first-degree relative with breast cancer
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations — carries 50–80% lifetime risk
- Personal history of breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions
- Dense breast tissue on mammography
- Hormone replacement therapy — prolonged use
- Early menarche (<12 years) or late menopause (>55 years)
- Nulliparity or first child after 30 years
- Alcohol consumption and obesity
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- Painless lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- Change in breast size, shape, or appearance
- Skin changes — dimpling, puckering, redness (peau d'orange)
- Nipple changes — retraction, inversion, discharge (especially blood-stained)
- Breast or nipple pain (less common as presenting symptom)
- Swelling in the armpit (lymph node enlargement)
- Skin ulceration in advanced cases
Monthly Self-Examination
Dr. Manjit Jaura recommends monthly breast self-examination for all women above 20 years. This takes only 5 minutes and can detect early changes. Any new lump or change should be evaluated by a doctor immediately — don't wait to see if it goes away.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis at BGCI Bathinda
Dr. Manjit Jaura conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation:
- Clinical Breast Examination — Detailed physical examination of both breasts and axillary (armpit) nodes
- Mammography — Standard imaging for women above 40; can detect very early cancers
- Breast Ultrasound — Preferred for younger women with dense breasts; characterizes lumps
- MRI Breast — For high-risk patients, assessing extent of disease, and pre-surgical planning
- FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) — Quick initial tissue assessment
- Core Needle Biopsy (CNB) — Gold standard for definitive diagnosis; larger tissue samples for histology and IHC
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) — ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67 — determines molecular subtype and guides treatment
- Staging Workup — CT scan chest/abdomen/pelvis, bone scan, PET-CT for advanced staging
Breast Cancer Treatment at BGCI
Treatment is individualized based on tumor stage, molecular subtype, patient age, and preferences. Dr. Manjit Jaura coordinates all aspects of treatment:
Surgical Treatment (Dr. Manjit Jaura's Primary Specialty)
1. Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS / Lumpectomy)
Only the tumor and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue are removed, preserving the breast. Followed by radiotherapy. Offers equivalent survival outcomes as mastectomy for appropriate patients.
- Suitable for: Stage I–II tumors with favorable tumor:breast size ratio
- Advantages: Preserves the breast; excellent cosmetic outcome
- Requires: Radiotherapy after surgery
2. Simple Mastectomy (Total Mastectomy)
Entire breast tissue is removed without axillary dissection. Used for multifocal tumors, large tumors relative to breast size, DCIS, or as prophylactic surgery for high-risk women (BRCA mutation carriers).
3. Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM)
The entire breast plus all axillary lymph nodes are removed. Standard procedure for most invasive breast cancers where lymph node involvement is present or suspected.
4. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)
A minimally invasive procedure to sample only the first (sentinel) lymph node(s) draining the tumor. If sentinel nodes are clear, full axillary dissection is avoided — dramatically reducing side effects like lymphedema.
5. Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)
Removal of all axillary lymph nodes when cancer is confirmed in them. Essential for accurate staging and local control.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (Pre-Surgery)
In locally advanced or HER2+ cancers, chemotherapy before surgery can shrink the tumor, making it potentially eligible for breast conservation, and assessing response to treatment.
Adjuvant Treatments (Post-Surgery Coordination)
- Chemotherapy — Coordinate with medical oncologist; standard for high-risk, triple-negative, and HER2+ cases
- Targeted Therapy — Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2+ cancers; highly effective
- Hormonal Therapy — Tamoxifen (pre-menopausal) or aromatase inhibitors (post-menopausal) for ER+ cancers; 5–10 years
- Radiotherapy — After lumpectomy; sometimes after mastectomy for high-risk features
Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Dr. Manjit Jaura counsels patients regarding breast reconstruction options following mastectomy, including implant-based reconstruction and coordination with plastic surgeons for flap-based reconstruction. Reconstruction can be immediate (at the time of mastectomy) or delayed.
Life After Breast Cancer Treatment
- Regular follow-up — clinical examination every 3–6 months for 5 years, then annually
- Mammography annually for the remaining breast (after lumpectomy)
- Monitoring for treatment side effects and long-term complications
- Surveillance for recurrence and second cancers
- Physiotherapy for lymphedema and shoulder mobility
- Psychological support — counselling and support groups
- Ongoing hormonal therapy adherence for 5–10 years
Why Choose Dr. Manjit Jaura for Breast Cancer Surgery in Bathinda?
- 20+ years of experience in breast cancer surgery
- Expertise in breast-conserving surgery — preserving aesthetics while ensuring cure
- Modern sentinel node biopsy technique — avoiding unnecessary axillary dissection
- Coordinated multimodal treatment with oncologists and radiotherapists
- Compassionate, patient-centered approach — cancer care with a human touch
- Post-treatment support and regular surveillance programs
Breast Cancer FAQ
01
Is a lump in the breast always cancer?
No. The majority of breast lumps are benign — fibroadenomas, cysts, lipomas, or fibrocystic changes. However, every new breast lump must be evaluated by Dr. Manjit Jaura with clinical examination and appropriate imaging (ultrasound/mammography) and biopsy if needed. Do not ignore any new breast lump.
02
Can I keep my breast after breast cancer treatment?
Yes, in many cases. Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) removes only the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue, preserving the breast. This is appropriate for early-stage cancers (Stage I–II) with favorable tumor size to breast ratio. Dr. Manjit Jaura discusses all options thoroughly to help you make the best decision.
03
What is the success rate of breast cancer treatment?
Success rates depend on the stage. Stage I: 95%+ five-year survival. Stage II: 80–90%. Stage III: 55–75%. Stage IV (metastatic): 25–30% but treatment is rapidly improving. Early detection through regular self-examination and mammography is the most powerful tool for improving outcomes.
04
How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?
Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol, avoid smoking, breastfeed if possible, and limit HRT duration. For high-risk women (BRCA mutation, strong family history), Dr. Manjit Jaura provides genetic counselling and enhanced surveillance programs including annual MRI.
