Breast Cancer

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Compassionate & Advanced Breast Cancer Care in Varanasi

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis is one of life’s toughest challenges, but you don’t have to face it alone. Dr. Swapnil Patel, a Gold Medalist from AIIMS Delhi and former Associate Professor at Tata Cancer Hospital (Varanasi), is redefining breast cancer surgery in Varanasi.

With experience treating over 500 breast cancer patients in the last 3 years, Dr. Patel specializes in Breast Conservation Surgery and Oncoplastic Reconstruction. His mission is simple: to provide the same advanced protocols found in Mumbai or Delhi right here in Purvanchal. At Upkar Cancer Institute, we focus on “Organ Preservation”—removing the cancer while saving the breast’s natural appearance and the patient’s self-esteem.

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Causes and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

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Early detection is the most powerful tool we have. Being “Breast Aware” means knowing what is normal for you and noticing changes early.

Common Risk Factors:

  • Gender & Age: While men can get breast cancer, it is most common in women over 40.
  • Genetics: Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption.
  • Reproductive History: Early onset of periods (before 12) or late menopause (after 55).
  • Family History: Having a first-degree relative (mother or sister) with the disease.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to radiation or prolonged hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Warning Symptoms (When to see Dr. Patel):

  • Painless Lump: A hard mass in the breast or underarm (armpit).
  • Skin Changes: Dimpling or puckering that looks like an “orange peel” (Peau d’orange).
  • Nipple Changes: A newly inverted (pulled in) nipple or persistent redness/scaling.
  • Discharge: Any nipple discharge other than breast milk, especially if bloody.
  • Shape/Size Change: Unexplained swelling or distortion of one breast.
  • Persistent Pain: While most breast cancers are painless, new and localized pain should be checked.

Benefits of Oncoplastic Surgery

Modern breast surgery is no longer just about “removing the lump.” It is about healing the person. Dr. Patel’s specialized training allows for:

  • Breast Conservation (BCS): Why remove the whole breast? We remove only the tumor with clear margins, preserving the rest of the organ.
  • Oncoplastic Reconstruction: Using plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast after tumor removal, ensuring minimal cosmetic deformity.
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): A specialized technique to check for cancer spread without removing all armpit nodes, preventing long-term arm swelling (Lymphedema).
  • Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction: If a full removal is necessary, we offer immediate reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue or implants.
  • AIIMS & Tata Memorial Protocols: Access to the world’s best treatment pathways in your home city.
  • Insurance Support: We believe financial status should never dictate the quality of cancer care.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not necessarily. Studies show that Breast Conservation Surgery + Radiation has the same long-term survival rates as a mastectomy for early-stage cancer. Dr. Patel will help you choose the safest path.

No. 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). However, every new lump needs a Triple Assessment (Physical exam, Imaging/Mammography, and Biopsy) for peace of mind.

General guidelines suggest women at average risk should start annual screenings at age 40. If you have a family history, you may need to start earlier.