Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant condition in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the breast tissue. It may arise from the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma) and can vary widely in behaviour, aggressiveness, and treatment requirements. Breast cancer may present as a lump, skin or nipple changes, nipple discharge, breast pain, or may be detected on screening imaging before symptoms develop. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve outcomes

What to expect

Before Your Surgery

  • Authorization will be arranged by the rooms or hospital staff.
  • Fasting:
  • No solid food for 6 hours before surgery
  • No clear liquids for 2 hours before surgery
  • Most chronic medications may be taken, except diabetic medication (to be discussed with your doctor).
  • Inform your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication.
  • Additional investigations may be required before surgery.

Day of Surgery

Breast cancer surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The type of incision and extent of surgery depend on the planned procedure. Dressings and, in some cases, drains are placed, and post-operative instructions are provided.

Procedure

Management of breast cancer is individualised and depends on tumour type, size, stage, receptor status, and patient factors.
  • Diagnostic assessment includes imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI) and biopsy.
  • Surgical options may include:
    • Wide local excision (lumpectomy)
    • Mastectomy
  • Lymph node assessment may involve sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary surgery.
  • Surgery may be combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
  • All surgical specimens are sent for histological analysis.
Treatment is planned within a multidisciplinary team.

Procedure Length

Surgical procedures typically take 60–180 minutes, depending on the type and extent of surgery.

Possible Complications

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Seroma or haematoma formation
  • Scarring or cosmetic breast changes
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Lymphoedema (arm swelling) following lymph node surgery
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Need for further surgery
  • Unintended damage to surrounding structures
  • Complications are uncommon but possible. Contact the rooms urgently if you experience increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, fever, or arm swelling.

Duration of Hospital Stay

Lumpectomy: usually day surgery or 1 night Mastectomy or axillary surgery: 1–3 days, depending on recovery and drain management

Discharge Instructions

  • Keep wounds clean and dry.
  • Follow drain-care instructions if applicable.
  • Take prescribed pain medication as directed.
  • Wear a supportive bra if advised.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
  • Monitor for signs of infection, swelling, or fluid collection.

Return to Activities

  • Light activities may resume within 1–2 weeks.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks, or until cleared by your doctor.
  • Gentle arm exercises may be advised following lymph node surgery.
  Return to work depends on the extent of surgery and adjuvant treatment:
  • Desk-based work: 2–4 weeks
  • Physical work: longer recovery may be required
  A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled 1–2 weeks after surgery for:
  • Wound and drain review
  • Discussion of histology results
  • Planning of additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy
  • Ongoing surveillance planning
If a follow-up appointment is not provided, please contact the rooms to confirm.