Breast Cancer Surgery in HSR Layout, Bengaluru
Report review, individual surgical planning and a clear discussion of your next step with Dr. Anil Kamath.
Emergency: 24 × 7
Understanding breast cancer surgery
Breast cancer surgery planning begins with a confirmed diagnosis and a discussion about what an operation would achieve. At Greenview Medical Center, opposite Agara Lake in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, you can request a surgical oncology consultation with Dr. Anil Kamath to review a breast lump, biopsy findings or a proposed treatment. Bring existing images and reports so the discussion can consider breast conservation, lymph-node assessment and whether other treatments are needed. A new lump does not automatically mean cancer or require breast removal. Call to confirm an on-call appointment and the specific procedures available at this location before arranging admission.
At a glance: Breast cancer surgery
| Speciality | Oncology and surgical assessment |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Dr. Anil Kamath |
| Oncology appointments | On call. Please call to confirm a slot. |
| Hospital OPD | 24/7 |
| Location | 20 & 21, 14th Main Road, Opposite Agara Lake, Sector 5, 1st Block Koramangala, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102 |
| Emergency number | 080 6792 7777 |
| Cashless insurance | 43 insurers and TPAs |
Symptoms and when to see a doctor
A new breast lump or an unexplained change in the breast or nipple needs medical assessment, even if it is painless. Many changes are caused by cysts, infection or other non-cancer conditions. Examination and appropriate tests, rather than the appearance or feel of a lump alone, establish the next step.
Warning signs
Tell a doctor about a breast or armpit lump, skin dimpling, an altered breast shape, a nipple turning inward or unexpected nipple discharge. Note when the change began and whether it varies with your menstrual cycle. Previous breast imaging is useful for comparison, but a normal older result does not explain a new symptom. Breast cancer can affect men too. Do not squeeze a lump repeatedly or assume that an absence of pain makes assessment unnecessary. A family history may influence the discussion but is not required for a breast change to deserve attention.
Urgent signs
A rapidly worsening painful, red breast with fever may indicate infection and needs prompt review. Heavy bleeding, severe pain or breathing difficulty needs emergency assessment. After an operation, fever, spreading redness, discharge from a wound or increasing swelling should be reported to the surgical team. Sudden chest pain or severe breathlessness is an emergency. If you are already receiving cancer medicines, tell the team about your treatment because fever may need a different level of urgency.
How diagnosis works
Breast diagnosis brings together examination, imaging and, when needed, a tissue sample. A biopsy identifies the type of cells and can provide information that changes treatment planning. Your specialist should explain whether the available results are sufficient, what remains uncertain and why any further test is being recommended.
Tests
Depending on the finding, assessment may involve ultrasound, mammography or another imaging test, followed by an image-guided or other biopsy. Not everyone needs every investigation. Ask whether the biopsy result agrees with the imaging findings and whether receptor testing is available in the report. Hormone receptors and HER2 can influence treatment decisions, but a result should be interpreted by the oncology team. A preventive package is not a substitute for investigating a new lump.
Staging
Staging describes the extent of the cancer, including its size and any lymph-node or distant involvement. Further scans are chosen according to the clinical situation; routine scans for every person are not assumed. The grade describes how abnormal the cells look and is different from stage. A report using the spelling tumor refers to a tumour. Ask which findings are confirmed, which are suspected and whether a test result could change the sequence of treatment.
Multidisciplinary review
A breast plan may need input from surgery, pathology, radiology, medical oncology and radiation oncology. Sometimes medicines are advised before surgery. If treatment is coordinated with a partner centre, request the name of the responsible team and a clear handover of reports. Do not change an existing treatment plan solely because an online description appears to suggest a different operation.
Pathology and tissue diagnosis·Imaging and diagnostic support
Surgical options explained
Lumpectomy removes the cancer with a rim of surrounding tissue, while mastectomy removes the breast. Neither operation is appropriate for everyone. The choice depends on the cancer's size, position, distribution, suitability for additional treatment and your preferences. Discuss the complete plan, including lymph nodes and reconstruction, before deciding.
| Option | What it involves | What to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Lumpectomy | Cancer and a margin of breast tissue are removed. | Whether clear margins are achievable and radiotherapy is appropriate. |
| Mastectomy | Most or all breast tissue is removed. | Why breast conservation is unsuitable, and closure or reconstruction choices. |
| Sentinel node biopsy | Selected first-draining lymph nodes are assessed. | Whether indicated and locally available. |
| Reconstruction or oncoplastic planning | Breast shape or a breast mound may be reconstructed. | Timing, risks and local or partner arrangements. |
Margins and lymph nodes
The removed tissue is examined to check the edges, called margins. Cancer at a margin may mean another operation is discussed. Sentinel node biopsy is not the same as removing many underarm nodes; the extent of node surgery depends on findings and the planned treatment. Ask about swelling, altered sensation and shoulder movement. Lymph-node procedures can increase the risk of lymphoedema, so instructions should be specific to your operation rather than copied from someone else's recovery.
Breast shape and additional treatment
Reconstruction may be immediate or delayed, and some people choose an external prosthesis or a flat closure. Oncoplastic surgery combines tumour removal with reshaping where suitable. These are choices to explore, not confirmed local offerings. Radiotherapy is commonly considered after breast conservation. Chemotherapy, hormonal treatment or targeted medicines depend on the diagnosis and may be discussed before or after surgery. Greenview can evaluate and coordinate partner-centre care; ask where each part will take place.
Before, during and after surgery
Preparation for breast surgery covers your general health, the planned operation and the support needed at home. Recovery differs between a small breast-conserving operation and more extensive surgery with reconstruction. Your own written instructions should explain medicines, wound care, arm movement and who to contact if a problem develops.
- Review the exact operation, side and lymph-node plan with the surgeon.
- Complete the anaesthesia assessment and follow personalised medicine and fasting instructions.
- Ask what drains, dressings or activity restrictions may be needed.
- Arrange the pathology-results visit and any partner-centre follow-up.
Preparation
List regular medicines, blood thinners, supplements, allergies, diabetes and previous anaesthesia problems. Do not stop prescribed medicines without instructions. Tell the team about smoking and practical concerns such as transport, childcare or lifting at work. Ask whether someone needs to stay with you after the procedure.
Hospital stay
The stay depends on the operation, recovery from anaesthesia, pain control and any reconstruction or drain needs. No fixed discharge time or length of stay is promised. Before leaving, understand the contact number and what to do outside routine clinic hours.
Recovery
Shoulder movement, fatigue and sensation can change after surgery. Guided physiotherapy may help, but exercises must match the surgeon's restrictions. Emotional concerns about body image deserve support alongside physical recovery.
Wound care
Follow the team's dressing and drain instructions. Report increasing redness, discharge, fever or swelling; do not apply unapproved creams to the wound.
Diet
Ask about eating after anaesthesia, hydration and any nausea. A balanced diet supports recovery, but no food or supplement replaces recommended cancer treatment.
Follow-up schedule
Confirm when final pathology will be reviewed, who checks the wound and how referrals are arranged. Breast surveillance and further treatment depend on the findings.
Risks and questions to ask your surgeon
Breast surgery can cause bleeding, infection, fluid collection, wound problems, altered sensation and changes in appearance. Node surgery can affect arm swelling and movement. Your risks depend on the planned procedure and health conditions. Ask which complications are most relevant to you and how the team would manage them.
- Why is this operation advised instead of breast conservation or another approach?
- What happens if the final margins or nodes change the plan?
- Could I discuss reconstruction, a prosthesis or flat closure?
- Which arm exercises and restrictions apply to me?
- Who coordinates radiotherapy or medicines if they are recommended?
Making an informed choice
Bring a written list of concerns and ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained. It is reasonable to ask about time for a second opinion when the clinical situation allows. Consent should describe the intended operation and possible changes, not simply a promise that all disease will be removed. Discuss how recovery could affect daily tasks, work and family responsibilities.
Why patients choose Greenview for this assessment
Greenview Medical Center provides a local place in HSR Layout to discuss breast reports with its listed surgical oncologist. Hospital records describe emergency care, ICU, laboratory and imaging support. These facilities support assessment but do not prove that every breast procedure, reconstruction or oncology medicine is provided at this hospital.
Planning around your needs
The surgeon is listed as on call, while hospital OPD hours are 24/7. Confirm a slot before travelling with images or tissue reports. Ask the team to distinguish investigations done here from those arranged elsewhere. Counselling and rehabilitation discussions can address concerns about confidence, shoulder function and family support. Availability of a specific operation must be confirmed before admission, even when a doctor lists that field among their interests.
Insurance and admission
Cashless cover for breast surgery depends on your policy, the diagnosis and the insurer's approval. Greenview's partner list contains 43 insurers and TPAs combined. Bring your insurance card, identification, biopsy result and proposed admission details. The desk can explain preauthorisation documents, but cannot guarantee approval or complete payment of every expense.
Clarifying the proposed admission
Ask whether the estimate separates surgery, reconstruction, investigations, medicines and any partner-centre treatment. No fixed price is stated here. Clarify exclusions and personal responsibility before a planned admission, and ask what happens if pathology changes the treatment. Keep copies of insurer correspondence and make sure the approved operation matches the surgeon's current plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a breast cancer surgeon in HSR Layout?
Greenview Medical Center lists Dr. Anil Kamath for surgical oncology consultations in HSR Layout. You can request a breast-report review and discuss surgery options. His appointments are on call, so confirm the slot and the specific breast procedures available at the hospital before travelling or planning an admission.
Does a breast lump always mean cancer?
No. Cysts, infection and other non-cancer changes can cause a breast lump. A new or persistent lump still needs assessment because touch alone cannot establish the cause. The doctor considers examination, appropriate imaging and whether a biopsy is needed. Do not wait for pain before arranging a review.
Can I keep my breast after a cancer diagnosis?
Breast-conserving surgery may be suitable for some cancers, but the decision depends on size, position, extent and the wider treatment plan. Lumpectomy often involves radiotherapy afterwards. Ask whether clear margins are achievable, what another operation might involve and how your preferences fit the options being discussed with your team.
Will I need lymph-node surgery?
Not every breast operation uses the same lymph-node procedure. The surgeon considers examination, imaging, biopsy findings and the treatment sequence. Sentinel node biopsy assesses selected draining nodes, while more extensive surgery has different risks. Ask why node surgery is advised and what arm-care guidance applies to your particular operation.
How long does recovery from breast surgery take?
Recovery varies with the operation, reconstruction, wound healing and your general health. Return to work also depends on lifting and other duties. Ask for personalised guidance on arm movement, driving, wound checks and fatigue. A timeline given to another person should not replace instructions from your own surgical team.
Does cashless insurance cover breast cancer surgery?
Cover depends on policy terms, waiting periods, the proposed procedure and insurer preauthorisation. Greenview works with 43 insurers and TPAs combined, but this does not guarantee every operation or reconstruction is covered. Ask the insurance desk which documents are needed and what expenses may remain your responsibility before planned admission.
Can I discuss reconstruction before mastectomy?
Yes, reconstruction, an external prosthesis and flat closure are topics to discuss before deciding. Suitability and timing depend on the cancer plan, other treatments and health considerations. Confirm which reconstructive options are provided locally or coordinated with a partner centre. The discussion should include recovery, additional procedures and your preferences.
Does a normal mammogram rule out a new breast symptom?
A previous normal result does not explain every later breast change. Tell the doctor about a new lump, nipple change or discharge, even if screening was reassuring. Assessment is tailored to the current symptom. Confirm local mammography arrangements, and do not use a routine health package instead of diagnostic review.
Related care for breast cancer surgery
- Breast imaging and diagnostic arrangements
- Biopsy and pathology support
- Reconstructive surgery assessment
- Shoulder movement and rehabilitation
- Emotional health and counselling
- Dr. Anil Kamath's qualifications and availability
- Hospital address and visit planning
- Preventive health packages, not symptom diagnosis
Questions to ask your cancer surgeon
Bring your breast imaging, biopsy result and the questions you want answered to an oncology consultation at Greenview Medical Center. Confirm Dr. Anil Kamath's appointment and procedure availability before travelling. A report review can help you understand options without committing you to an operation.
Sources and medical information
These condition-specific sources explain general assessment and treatment. They do not verify Greenview's procedure availability. The educational information needs to be interpreted with your own reports and clinical advice.
- NCI: breast cancer surgery
- NCI: lumpectomy
- NCI: mastectomy
- NHS: breast cancer symptoms
- NCI: how cancer is diagnosed
This information is not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan. Read the medical disclaimer.
If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty or a high fever, call 080 6792 7777 or go to our 24x7 emergency department.