Oncoplastic breast surgery has emerged as a preferred alternative for breast cancer patients who desire to conserve their natural breasts despite their medical condition and undergoing anti-cancer treatment.
It is an advanced surgical procedure performed using cancer and plastic surgery techniques. It aims to remove the cancer-affected tissues and areas while preserving the natural appearance of the breast or reconstructing it for a normal appearance. Also, the outcome of oncoplastic surgery is far better than lumpectomy or traditional breast-conserving surgery.
Dr. Garvit Chitkara, a leading Breast Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai with nearly 15 years of experience, offers comprehensive breast cancer treatment. He has acquired expertise in performing oncoplastic breast conservation surgery for patients wishing, or reconstruct them.
Ms. Vishaka Goyal, co-founder of Clinicspots, a healthcare and medical tourism portal, points out, “Dr. Garvit Chitkara is considered as one of the best oncologists in Mumbai, offers a multidisciplinary approach in treating cancer. A highly committed doctor, Dr. Garvit Chitkara strives to help his patients recover sooner and better.’
Dr. Garvit explains that oncoplastic breast reconstruction surgery involves surgery to remove the cancer tissues in the breast, while plastic surgery to reshape or reconstruct the breasts. In the reconstruction surgery, the surgeons use the patient’s tissues or implants to recreate a breast to ensure normal breasts as much as possible.
He shares a patient story of a 37-year-old female with a family history of breast cancer from her father’s side. She had developed a left breast lump of 3 months duration and was growing larger. She also complained of persistent pain in the breast. The clinical diagnosis revealed Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Ipsilateral Axillary Metastasis. A large 5.5 x 4.5 cm tumor was growing in the retromolar area of her left breast. It was a matter of concern as she was in her premenopause stage with no history of medical problems.
Since the patient had a strong family history of breast cancer on her paternal side, she had to undergo hereditary cancer gene panel testing and genetic counselling. A VUS (Variant of Unknown Significance) was identified in the MSH2 gene, and her family members with cancer history had developed cancer in the same location. Hence, there was an urgency to prevent the cancer from spreading further and recover sooner and better.
Surgery to prevent the recurrence of cancer for which she had to undergo sugery was essential. Dr. Garvit presented two options viz., breast preservation or breast conservation. She opted for breast reconstruction instead of breast preservation. Dr. Garvit planned the entire breast reconstruction procedure which included a skin-sparing mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. He also performed Extended Latissimus Dorsi flap-based whole breast reconstruction.
Skin-sparing mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical approach to remove the tumor and preserve the overlying skin envelope, and essential to performing breast reconstruction for the best possible outcomes of the procedure. The sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed during that time to assess the spread of cancer to the nearby lymph nodes.
The extended Latissimus Dorsi flap-based whole breast reconstruction procedure uses a portion of portion of the latissimus dorsi muscle, along with an extended section of skin and fat from the back, to create a new breast mound and reconstruct a symmetrical and natural-looking breast as an outcome of the reconstruction procedure.
The patient has recovered well and is satisfied with Dr. Garvit Chitkara’s patient-centric approach right from the first consultation and through the extensive diagnosis and genetic counselling, treatment, including the breast reconstruction procedure.
Reflecting on this case, Dr. Garvit Chitkara states, ‘I believe in treating every patient based on their medical history, clinical evidence and diagnosis. In this case, I stressed the need for genetic counselling considering her family history of cancer. It was essential to come up with a multidisciplinary treatment to help her recover well from cancer. Moreover, it is important to communicate effectively and involve the patient in every decision-making during the treatment.’
Dr. Garvit Chitkara extends his expertise and support to treat every breast cancer patient. He makes an effort to develop and foster a healthy doctor-patient relationship based on faith and trust. His medical acumen and surgical competency in comprehensive breast cancer treatment ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Contact Dr. Garvit Chitkara for consultation or appointment at:
Contact Number: +91-91673 28325
Clinic at Chembur
Jiwan Breast Clinic
202 Centre point, Above Apollo Medical Shop,
Opp, SBI bank, Rd no 18, Near Ambedkar Garden,
Chembur East
Mumbai – 40007
Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care,
Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital,
Vile Parle West,
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056
About Dr. Garvit Chitkara
Dr. Garvit Chitkara is currently a Senior Consultant in Breast surgical oncology and oncoplasty at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care in Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai. He has more than has 15+ years of experience in oncoplastic surgeries and breast cancer treatment. He is well-versed with cutting-edge technology and international standard protocols to deliver comprehensive breast cancer care. He offers a bespoke multidisciplinary approach focussing on patient’s speedy recovery and wellness. He was associated with Tata Memorial Hospital, where he practised as a Consultant Breast surgeon and taught breast oncology.