Breast conditions may present as a lump, pain, swelling, nipple discharge, infection or changes in the skin or nipple. While many breast lumps are benign, every persistent or new breast lump should be properly evaluated before treatment is planned.
Dr. Sushant Wadhera provides evaluation and surgical management for selected breast conditions in Delhi. Treatment is based on clinical examination, imaging findings and, when required, biopsy or histopathology.
Common Breast Conditions We Evaluate
Breast Lump
A breast lump may develop due to several causes, including fibroadenoma, cysts, infection or other breast conditions. Clinical examination and imaging help determine whether observation, biopsy or surgical removal is required.
Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma is a common benign breast lump, particularly in younger women. Small and stable fibroadenomas may only require monitoring. Surgical removal may be considered when the lump is increasing in size, causing discomfort, creating cosmetic concern or when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Breast Cyst
Breast cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can sometimes cause pain or tenderness. Many simple cysts do not require surgery. Further treatment may be advised if the cyst is recurrent, symptomatic, complicated or requires diagnostic confirmation.
Breast Abscess
A breast abscess is a collection of pus caused by infection and may lead to pain, redness, swelling and fever. Treatment may include antibiotics and drainage depending on the size, location and severity of the infection.
Nipple or Skin Lesions
Certain nipple or breast skin lesions may require surgical evaluation, particularly when they are persistent, recurrent, increasing in size or associated with discharge or other breast changes.
Breast Lump Evaluation
A breast lump should not be treated based on appearance alone. Evaluation may include:
- Clinical breast examination
- Breast ultrasound
- Mammography where appropriate
- Fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy
- Blood tests in selected cases
- Histopathology after surgical removal when required
The investigations needed depend on age, symptoms, examination findings and imaging results.
Excision Biopsy of Breast Lump
An excision biopsy involves surgically removing a breast lump so that the tissue can be examined under a microscope.
It may be recommended when:
- The diagnosis remains uncertain
- A lump is increasing in size
- Imaging or biopsy findings require complete removal
- The lump causes pain or discomfort
- There is significant cosmetic concern
- The surgeon recommends removal based on clinical findings
Histopathology provides the final tissue diagnosis after removal.
Fibroadenoma Excision
Surgical removal of a fibroadenoma may be considered when the lump is large, growing, painful or affecting breast shape.
The procedure is usually planned to remove the lump while preserving as much normal breast tissue as possible. In suitable cases, it may be performed as a day-care procedure.
Breast Abscess Drainage
An established breast abscess may require drainage of the pus collection. Depending on its size and location, drainage may be performed through needle aspiration or a small surgical incision.
Antibiotics may also be prescribed where required. Recurrent abscesses may need further evaluation to identify an underlying cause.
Is Every Breast Lump Cancerous?
No. Many breast lumps are benign. However, it is not possible to reliably determine the nature of every breast lump without proper examination and, where required, imaging or biopsy.
A persistent, new or changing breast lump should therefore be evaluated rather than ignored.
When Should You Consult a Surgeon?
Medical evaluation is recommended if you notice:
- A new breast lump
- A lump increasing in size
- Persistent breast pain
- Redness or swelling
- Pus or unusual nipple discharge
- Skin dimpling or nipple changes
- Recurrent breast infection
- A lump that feels hard or fixed
- Persistent changes affecting one breast
Recovery After Breast Lump Surgery
Recovery depends on the size and location of the lump and the type of procedure performed.
Many minor breast procedures can be completed as day-care surgery. Patients usually receive instructions regarding wound care, dressing, pain medicines, physical activity and follow-up.
The removed tissue may be sent for histopathological examination when indicated.
Possible Risks of Breast Surgery
Possible risks may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain or swelling
- Scar formation
- Seroma or fluid collection
- Changes in breast contour
- Altered sensation around the operated area
- Need for additional treatment depending on pathology results
The expected benefits and possible risks should be discussed before surgery.
Why Consult Dr. Sushant Wadhera for Breast Surgery in Delhi?
Dr. Sushant Wadhera provides evaluation and surgical treatment for selected breast lumps, fibroadenomas, cysts, breast abscesses and other minor breast surgical conditions.
The focus is on establishing the correct diagnosis first and recommending surgery only when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Sushant Wadhera
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FNB (Minimal Access Surgery)
General, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every breast lump need surgery?
No. Many benign breast lumps can be monitored. Surgery may be considered when a lump is growing, painful, recurrent, cosmetically bothersome or when the diagnosis requires confirmation.
How is a breast lump diagnosed?
Evaluation may include clinical examination, ultrasound, mammography and needle or core biopsy depending on the patient’s age and findings.
Can fibroadenoma be removed by surgery?
Yes. Fibroadenoma excision may be considered for large, growing or symptomatic lumps, or when there is uncertainty about the diagnosis.
Is breast lump surgery a day-care procedure?
Many uncomplicated breast lump excisions can be performed as day-care procedures, although this depends on the size, location and individual medical condition.
Is a breast abscess treated with antibiotics alone?
Some infections may respond to antibiotics, but an established abscess often requires drainage in addition to medical treatment.
Is histopathology required after breast lump removal?
When a breast lump is surgically removed, it is commonly sent for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.
When should a breast lump be checked urgently?
A rapidly growing, hard or fixed lump, bloody nipple discharge, significant skin changes, nipple retraction or persistent one-sided symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Can a breast lump come back after surgery?
Recurrence depends on the type of breast condition. Some patients may develop new benign lumps or cysts even after a previous lump has been removed.