DIAGNOSIS

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Dr Peter Chin MBBS (Melb), FRACS is an experienced oncoplastic breast surgeon in Tauranga, providing specialist breast cancer consultations, diagnosis and surgical treatment for patients throughout Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty.

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With more than 20 years of specialist experience and over 2,000 breast cancer operations performed, Peter combines modern breast cancer surgery techniques with a personalised approach to patient care. His expertise includes breast conserving surgery, mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and advanced oncoplastic breast surgery.

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Peter understands that a breast cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience. He takes time to explain your diagnosis, discuss the available surgical and treatment options, and help you make informed decisions about your care.

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Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Assessment

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Accurate breast cancer diagnosis is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment.

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Peter Chin provides specialist breast consultations in Tauranga, carefully reviewing your symptoms, medical history, family history and any previous breast imaging or investigation results.

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Breast cancer assessment commonly involves triple assessment, which combines clinical examination, breast imaging and, when required, a tissue biopsy.

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During your consultation, Peter will assess your breast concerns and review whether further investigations are needed. These may include mammography, targeted breast ultrasound or MRI in selected circumstances.

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If an abnormality requires further investigation, a needle biopsy may be recommended to establish a diagnosis. This can be performed using clinical, ultrasound or mammographic guidance, depending on the findings.

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Together, these investigations help determine the nature of the breast condition and guide the next steps in your care.

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For further information about investigating breast lumps, pain and other symptoms, visit our Breast Assessment Tauranga page.

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Breast Cancer Surgery in Tauranga

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Peter Chin specialises in breast cancer surgery, offering surgical treatment tailored to each patient's diagnosis, breast anatomy, treatment requirements and personal preferences.

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The most appropriate surgical procedure depends on several factors, including the size and location of the cancer, the size and shape of the breast, and whether lymph node assessment is required.

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The principal surgical options include breast conserving surgery and total mastectomy. Some patients may also require sentinel lymph node biopsy or other axillary surgery.

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Peter will explain the benefits, limitations and potential risks of each suitable procedure, helping you understand the treatment options available.

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Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)

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Breast conserving surgery, also known as lumpectomy or wide local excision, involves removing the cancer while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.

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Peter Chin performs breast conserving surgery for suitable patients in Tauranga, with the aim of achieving clear surgical margins while maintaining a satisfactory breast shape.

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Breast conserving surgery is usually followed by radiotherapy. For appropriately selected patients, breast conserving surgery combined with radiotherapy offers survival outcomes comparable to mastectomy.

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Peter's specialist training in oncoplastic breast surgery allows him to incorporate advanced techniques where appropriate, combining effective cancer removal with careful consideration of breast appearance.

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Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgery

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Oncoplastic breast surgery combines breast cancer removal with reconstructive and plastic surgical techniques to help preserve or restore breast shape.

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Peter Chin undertook specialist training at the Edinburgh Breast Unit in the United Kingdom and has extensive experience in advanced oncoplastic breast surgery.

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Depending on the patient's circumstances, techniques may include breast reshaping, therapeutic mammoplasty, tissue rearrangement and reconstructive procedures.

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Peter's approach prioritises safe cancer treatment while considering the cosmetic and functional outcomes of surgery.

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Total Mastectomy

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A total mastectomy involves removing breast tissue and may be recommended when breast conserving surgery is unsuitable or when a patient prefers this treatment option.

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Peter Chin performs mastectomy surgery in Tauranga and will discuss the most appropriate surgical approach based on the cancer diagnosis, treatment requirements and individual preferences.

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Where suitable, breast reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy or as a separate procedure after cancer treatment.

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Peter has particular expertise in modern mastectomy and reconstructive techniques, including nipple-sparing mastectomy and implant-based reconstruction.

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For more information about the available procedures, visit our Breast Reconstruction Tauranga page.

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Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Axillary Surgery

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Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important procedure used to assess whether breast cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.

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The sentinel lymph nodes are the first lymph nodes that receive drainage from the breast. During the procedure, one or more of these nodes are removed and examined for cancer cells.

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Peter Chin performs sentinel lymph node biopsy as part of breast cancer surgery when clinically indicated.

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If cancer is detected in the lymph nodes, further treatment may be recommended. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve radiotherapy, additional lymph node surgery or other treatments.

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Peter will explain whether lymph node assessment is appropriate and how the results may influence your treatment plan.

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Further Breast Cancer Treatment

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Breast cancer treatment may involve more than surgery. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, additional treatments may be recommended before or after an operation.

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Peter Chin works with the wider breast cancer treatment team to help patients understand their surgical options and how these fit into their overall treatment pathway.

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Adjuvant Breast Cancer Treatment

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Adjuvant treatment refers to additional treatment given after breast cancer surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.

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Depending on the characteristics of the cancer, this may include:

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Radiotherapy

Hormonal (endocrine) therapy

Chemotherapy

HER2-targeted therapy

Other targeted or drug treatments

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Peter will discuss how recommended treatments may affect your surgical care and help coordinate appropriate specialist input.

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Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer Treatment

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Neoadjuvant treatment is treatment given before breast cancer surgery, most commonly involving chemotherapy, targeted therapy or other drug treatments.

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This approach may be recommended for certain types of breast cancer, including some HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers.

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Neoadjuvant treatment can reduce the size of a tumour before surgery and may make breast conserving surgery possible for some patients.

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In certain cases, treatment may produce a complete pathological response, meaning no residual invasive cancer is found in the examined tissue after treatment.

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Peter Chin will discuss how treatment before surgery may influence the surgical options available and the timing of an operation.

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Why Choose Dr Peter Chin for Breast Cancer Surgery in Tauranga?

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Dr Peter Chin is a specialist oncoplastic breast and general surgeon with more than two decades of experience in breast cancer surgery.

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He established the breast service at Tauranga Hospital and has performed more than 2,000 breast cancer operations. He also undertook advanced specialist training at the Edinburgh Breast Unit and continues to contribute to breast surgery education and training across Australia and New Zealand.

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His areas of expertise include breast conserving surgery, advanced oncoplastic techniques, mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

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Peter's approach combines specialist surgical experience with clear communication, personalised advice and careful consideration of each patient's treatment needs.

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To learn more about his qualifications, training and surgical experience, visit About Dr Peter Chin.

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Arrange a Breast Cancer Surgery Consultation in Tauranga

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If you have received a breast cancer diagnosis, have an abnormal breast imaging result or would like specialist advice about your surgical treatment options, Peter Chin provides private breast surgery consultations in Tauranga.

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During your consultation, Peter will review your diagnosis, discuss the investigations and treatment recommendations, and explain the surgical options appropriate to your circumstances.

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Contact Peter Chin's Tauranga practice to enquire about arranging a specialist breast consultation.

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