Surgery coordination
Lumpectomy or mastectomy plans are reviewed alongside systemic therapy timing — before or after surgery when needed.
7 min read
Breast cancer care: clarity from diagnosis to ongoing support
Breast cancer treatment depends on the type of tumour, stage, hormone and HER2 status, and your overall health. Dr. (Brig.) A. K. Dhar helps you understand reports, compare options, and plan systemic care with calm, clear guidance.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumour. It can affect both women and men, though it is far more common in women. Most cases begin in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or milk-producing glands (lobular carcinoma).
Care is personalised. Hormone receptor status, HER2 status, staging, and your preferences all shape whether surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination is recommended.
The goal is not only tumour control — it is a plan you understand, with support for side effects, follow-up, and questions that arise along the way.
Common signs and symptoms
Not every lump is cancer, but any new change deserves review.
- A lump in the breast or underarm
- Change in breast size or shape
- Nipple discharge, especially if bloody
- Nipple turning inward
- Skin changes such as redness or dimpling
- Persistent breast pain that does not settle
Screening mammograms can find cancers before symptoms appear. Discuss screening timing with your doctor based on age and risk.
When to seek oncology review
- A new breast lump, nipple change, or skin change
- An abnormal mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy report
- A confirmed diagnosis and you want a clear treatment plan
- You need a second opinion before surgery or systemic therapy
- Treatment has started and you have questions about response or side effects
How breast cancer is assessed
Diagnosis usually combines clinical exam with imaging and biopsy.
- 01Clinical breast examination
- 02Mammography and ultrasound
- 03Biopsy to confirm cancer type
- 04Hormone receptor and HER2 testing on the tumour
- 05MRI in selected cases
- 06Staging scans when needed to understand extent of disease
QUICK CHECK
Does this apply to you?
This checklist helps organise your concerns. It does not replace a consultation.
Select anything that applies — then book a visit to review reports together.
Book appointmentTreatment pathways we discuss
Options depend on stage, biology, and your goals. Many people receive more than one modality over time.
Chemotherapy
Used when cancer biology or stage suggests benefit, with clear explanation of schedule, side effects, and supportive care.
Hormone therapy
For hormone-receptor-positive disease — oral or injectable options that reduce recurrence risk over years.
Targeted therapy & immunotherapy
HER2-directed drugs and selected immunotherapy where evidence supports their use for your tumour type.
How care typically unfolds
01
Report review
Pathology, imaging, and prior opinions are reviewed so the conversation starts with clear facts.
What to prepare and expect
- Bring mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy reports
- Share family history and current medicines
- Note symptoms, prior surgeries, and fertility concerns if relevant
- Write down the questions you most need answered
Frequently asked questions
No. Many lumps are benign. Imaging and, when needed, biopsy clarify the cause. Any new lump should still be checked promptly.
Not always. Decisions depend on stage, tumour biology, lymph node status, and genomic tests in selected cases. Some patients do well with surgery and hormone therapy alone.
HER2-positive tumours overexpress a protein that can drive growth. Targeted HER2 therapies are often part of treatment and have improved outcomes significantly.
Yes, though it is uncommon. Men with a breast lump, nipple change, or family history should seek the same careful evaluation.
Whenever you want more confidence before major decisions — after diagnosis, before surgery, or when comparing systemic options. Bringing full reports helps the review.
LET'S TAKE THE NEXT STEPYour care deserves
Your care deserves
a conversation.
Share a few details and the clinic team will help arrange a consultation with Dr. Dhar. Prefer to talk now? Reach the appointment desk directly.
ClinicMarengo Asia HospitalsGurugram, HaryanaGet directions