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Breast cancer is a serious and complicated disease that necessitates specialised medical care. There are plenty of highly qualified and knowledgeable breast cancer doctors and specialists in India who are committed to providing their patients the best possible care.
With so many options available, determining which doctor is the right match for you or your loved one’s needs can be difficult. This is why it is critical to research and identify the top 10 breast cancer doctors in India, or the best doctor in India for breast cancer. You can be assured that you or your loved one is getting the very best care and treatment for breast cancer by selecting the best doctor for breast cancer in India.
Here, we will discuss what breast cancer is, the symptoms of breast cancer, who is a breast cancer doctor, and when to visit a breast cancer doctor.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast cells when the cells start to multiply uncontrollably. It is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in women. It can also happen in men, but it is extremely uncommon. Breast tumour can start in a number of different locations in the breast, including the ducts that transport milk to the nipple and the glands that make milk. If not treated promptly, it can spread to other regions of the body.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer signs and symptoms include:
- A thickening or lump in the breast that feels distinct from the rest of the tissue
- Breast shape, size, or appearance changes
- Skin changes over the breast, including dimpling
- A nipple that has recently inverted
- The pigmented area of the surrounding skin of the areola (nipple) or breast skin that is scaling, peeling, crusting, or flaking
- Pitting or redness of the skin over the breast, similar to orange skin
When should you see a breast cancer doctor?
Make an appointment with a medical professional right away if you notice a mass or other change in your breast, even if your most recent mammogram was normal.
Who is a breast cancer specialist or doctor?
A breast cancer specialist or doctor is a medical expert who specialises in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. They have extensive training and experience in the use of cutting-edge diagnostic techniques such as mammography, breast MRI, and ultrasound. They are also versed in different treatment options, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Breast tumour treatment is complicated and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The breast cancer doctors and specialists are grouped into different categories, with everyone having a specific area of expertise. These include:
Medical oncologist
A medical oncologist is a doctor who specialises in the medical treatment of tumours. Medical oncologists understand the behaviour and growth of cancers, and they also know how to treat them with medication. They also assess the probability of the cancer returning and if there is a need for additional treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.
The medical oncologist oversees the patient’s overall cancer care and monitors their health throughout treatment. They monitor the progress on a regular basis, evaluate their laboratory tests and X-ray findings, and manage their medical care both before and after treatment.
 Surgical oncologist
A surgical oncologist is a doctor specialising in cancer surgery. Surgical oncologists perform biopsies as well as other procedures, including lump or breast removal. These doctors, after completing general surgery training, get additional qualifications in surgical oncology.
Breast surgeon
A surgeon who specialises in breast cancer surgery and is trained in removing breast tumours and adjacent lymph nodes while preserving as much of the breast tissue as possible is a breast surgeon. Biopsies may also be performed by these doctors in order to identify or treat cancer.
Radiologist
A doctor who has received training in interpreting X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, and other types of imaging that focus inside the body is a radiologist.
Plastic surgeon
A reconstruction specialist surgeon is referred to as a plastic surgeon.
Pathologist
A pathologist is a doctor who examines the samples of tissue under a microscope. They determine if cancer is present, the size of the cancer, if the surgical procedure removed all of the tumour, and what number of lymph nodes, if any, have cancer.
Radiation oncologist
A doctor specialising in radiotherapy to treat cancer is a radiation oncologist.
Five points to look for when choosing breast cancer doctors
There are several essential factors to take into account when selecting a breast cancer specialist.
- It is critical to find a doctor who specialises in treating breast cancer.
- Consider the doctor’s experience and expertise in breast cancer treatment as well as their qualifications and credentials.
- Choose a doctor with whom you feel at ease and who communicates effectively with you.
- Think about the doctor’s treatment strategy and their philosophy about breast cancer care.
- The location and convenience of the doctor’s practice should be considered.
A note by LivLong
Finally, seeking the advice of a breast cancer specialist is critical for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who are experiencing breast pain and abnormalities such as cysts in the breast and lumps or masses.
A breast cancer specialist is professionally qualified to provide comprehensive breast care, including breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Patients at a breast cancer hospital have access to the most recent advancements in breast cancer treatment, cutting-edge technology, and multidisciplinary teams of medical professionals who work together to provide the best possible care.
Individuals must prioritise their breast health and have regular screenings and check-ups in order to identify any potential issues early on. Patients can receive personalised care and support from a breast cancer specialist throughout their breast cancer journey.
FAQs
What do you call a breast cancer doctor?
A breast cancer specialist or breast cancer oncologist is another term for a breast cancer doctor. There are several sub-specialties within these categories, including medical oncologists, breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons, who specialise in the treatment and management of breast cancer.
What questions should I ask a breast surgeon?
It is critical to be able to communicate openly and honestly with your cancer treatment team. They would want to address every question you have so you can make well-informed choices.
Here are some of the questions you may want to ask your doctor:
• What kind of breast tumour am I suffering from?
• How extensive is the cancer? What exactly is its location?
• Is it possible that the cancer has advanced to the lymph nodes as well as other organs?
• What stage is my cancer at? What does it imply?
• Will I require any additional testing procedures before we can make a treatment decision?
• What is my cancer's hormone receptor status? What exactly does this mean?
• What is my cancer's long-term outlook (prognosis)?
• What is my probability of surviving based on your assessment of my cancer?
• Who can assist me if I'm concerned about the expense and health insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment?
What does a breast oncologist do?
A breast oncologist is a medical specialist in breast cancer treatment. They may use a wide range of therapies, including chemotherapy, to stop cancer cell growth or prevent cancer from spreading to other organs in the body. Breast oncologists work collaboratively with the other specialists, including breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons, to create a personalised care strategy for every patient based on their specific needs and preferences.
What happens at the first visit to a breast oncologist?
During the initial visit, the oncologist will go over more details about the patient's breast cancer, especially the type and location of the cancer. The patient and their doctor will go over the treatment options and decide which ones are best for them.
The doctor might also discuss the prognosis of the disease with the patient. Their prognosis, or survival probability, will be determined by a combination of factors, which may include:
• The cancer stage (the size and spread of the tumour) and grade (the speed with which the cancer cells grow)
• The patient's overall health
• Patient's age
• How well you tolerate treatment