BREAST CANCER SURGERY TAURANGA
DIAGNOSIS
Assessment of a breast concern usually involves a combination of clinical history, examination, breast imaging and, when needed, a tissue sample. This is known as triple assessment and is the standard approach to investigating breast symptoms. During the consultation in Tauranga, your symptoms, personal history and family history are reviewed carefully, followed by a breast and lymph node examination. Imaging may include mammography and targeted ultrasound, with MRI used in selected situations. If further breast cancer confirmation is needed, a needle biopsy can be performed under clinical, ultrasound or mammographic guidance. Together, these steps help provide an accurate diagnosis and guide the most appropriate care.
BREAST CANCER SURGERY
The type of surgery for breast cancer depends on several factors, including tumour size and position, breast size, and whether the lymph nodes need assessment. The main options are breast conserving surgery or total mastectomy. In invasive breast cancer, surgery is usually combined with axillary nodal surgery, either sentinel node biopsy or axillary clearance.
Breast Conserving Surgery
Breast conserving surgery, also known as wide local excision or lumpectomy, may be suitable if the tumour can be removed with clear margins while maintaining a satisfactory breast shape. It is usually combined with radiotherapy and, in many cases, has similar long-term outcomes to total mastectomy.
Oncoplastic breast surgery uses specialised techniques to remove the tumour while aiming for the best possible cosmetic result. This may involve reshaping the breast, using breast reduction techniques, or combining mastectomy with reconstruction.
Total Mastectomy
In some cases, breast conserving surgery may not be possible or recommended, and total mastectomy may be the better option. Reconstruction can be discussed where appropriate, depending on the cancer stage and individual circumstances. For some people, particularly older patients, a straightforward mastectomy may avoid the need for radiotherapy or further surgery.
Sentinel Node Biopsy
In invasive breast cancer, and some cases of extensive DCIS, sentinel node biopsy may be performed at the same time as breast surgery. The sentinel node is the first lymph node draining the breast and is tested to check whether cancer cells have spread. If cancer is found in the lymph nodes, further axillary surgery may sometimes be needed.
FURTHER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT
Adjuvant Treatment
Additional breast cancer treatment may be recommended after surgery, including radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, HER2-targeted treatment or other drug therapies. Peter Chin in Tauranga will discuss all suitable options in detail so you can make an informed decision about the most appropriate treatment plan.
Neo-adjuvant Treatment
For certain types of breast cancer and clinical presentations, the optimal treatment pathway may involve drug treatment BEFORE surgery. This is called "Neo-adjuvant" therapy and is the modern standard of care for some triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancers. It can reduce the size of the cancer and, on some occasions, may result in the cancer completely disappearing before surgery.
RESOURCES:
Breast Cancer Foundation:
www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/
Support Services, Tauranga