Being told you need breast cancer surgery is frightening for most women. A lot of that fear comes not from the surgery itself but from not knowing what it involves. Understanding what actually happens before, during, and immediately after the procedure takes away some of that uncertainty. It also helps patients ask better questions and make more informed decisions about their care.
According to Dr. Garvit Chitkara, a leading Breast Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai,
“A well-informed patient handles surgery better. When you understand what is going to happen and why, you walk into the operating room with clarity instead of fear. I always make time to explain the procedure in detail because that conversation is part of the treatment.”
What happens before breast cancer surgery?
Preparation begins well before the day of surgery. Each step is designed to make the procedure safer and the outcome more predictable:
- Pre-surgical evaluation: Blood tests, imaging, and an ECG are done to assess overall health and confirm surgical fitness. Any medications that increase bleeding risk are paused in advance.
- Tumour marking: In some cases, a wire or seed localisation procedure is done before surgery to precisely mark the tumour, especially when it cannot be felt from the outside.
- Anaesthesia consultation: A pre-operative meeting with the anaesthesiologist covers the type of anaesthesia planned, any allergies, and what to expect on waking.
- Fasting instructions: Patients are asked to stop eating and drinking from the night before surgery to reduce anaesthesia-related risks.
The surgical team plans each case individually based on tumour size, location, stage, and the patient’s overall health. For a detailed overview of surgical options, the breast cancer surgery service page covers every procedure offered.
Have questions about breast cancer surgery or your treatment plan?
What happens during and after breast cancer surgery?
The procedure itself varies by type, but the core steps follow a consistent pattern:
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered so the patient is fully asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Tumour removal: Depending on the surgical plan, either the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue is removed (lumpectomy or breast conservation surgery), or the entire breast is removed (mastectomy). The goal in both cases is clear surgical margins, meaning no cancer cells at the edges of the removed tissue.
- Lymph node assessment: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed in most cases to check whether cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes under the arm. If sentinel nodes are positive, further axillary surgery may be needed.
- Closure and dressings: The incision is closed with sutures, a drain may be placed to prevent fluid build-up, and a sterile dressing is applied. Most patients are moved to recovery within one to two hours.
After surgery, patients are monitored in recovery before being shifted to the ward. Pain is managed with medication, drains are checked regularly, and the pathology report from the removed tissue guides next steps in treatment. If you are considering your surgical options, understanding the evidence behind conservation surgery is a useful next step.
Why Choose Dr Garvit Chitkara
Dr. Garvit Chitkara is Associate Director of Breast Surgical Oncology and Oncoplasty at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, Mumbai, with over 17 years of experience in breast surgical oncology. Trained at Tata Memorial Hospital and with a clinical observership at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, he is known for precise surgical technique, thorough pre-surgical counselling, and outcomes that balance oncologic safety with quality of life.
FAQ
How long does breast cancer surgery take?
Most procedures take between one and three hours depending on the type of surgery and whether lymph node assessment is included.
Will I be awake during breast cancer surgery?
No. General anaesthesia is used, so you will be fully asleep and will not feel or remember anything during the procedure.
How long is the hospital stay after breast cancer surgery?
Lumpectomy often allows same-day or next-day discharge. Mastectomy usually requires a stay of two to four days depending on recovery progress.
Is breast cancer surgery painful?
Discomfort is normal in the days after surgery and is managed effectively with prescribed medication. Severe pain is uncommon.
