Twenty-two years after overcoming breast cancer, a 52-year-old woman was shocked to discover a new lump in the same breast. An avid trekker and mountaineer, she had undergone breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in her early thirties and had remained cancer-free for over two decades.
A biopsy revealed that the lump was not a recurrence of her earlier cancer but a new breast cancer with different biological characteristics. Fortunately, a PET scan showed that the disease had not spread elsewhere.
Personalised Surgery Offers a Breast-Sparing Solution
The patient initially underwent an attempt at repeat breast-conserving surgery at another hospital. However, the procedure resulted in significant tissue loss, and cancer cells remained at the surgical margins. She was subsequently advised to undergo a mastectomy.
Seeking another opinion, she consulted Dr. Vani Parmar, Head of Department – Breast Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane. Evaluation showed that the tumour was at a very early stage, with predominantly pre-invasive disease and minimal invasive cancer. Since it was strongly hormone-sensitive, chemotherapy was not required.
As per the press release, Dr. Parmar performed a partial skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and tissue expander. The procedure achieved cancer clearance while helping restore the breast shape. The expander will subsequently be replaced with a permanent implant to achieve better symmetry.
Because the patient had already received radiation during her first cancer treatment, and considering the characteristics of the new tumour, additional radiation was not required.
Returning to an Active Life
The patient has completed the tissue expansion phase and is preparing for permanent implant placement. She has also returned to an active outdoor lifestyle and looks forward to resuming trekking.
Dr. Parmar emphasised that breast cancer survivors should remain vigilant even decades after treatment. “A new breast cancer can still develop years—even decades—later. Importantly, this is not always a recurrence of the previous cancer,” she said.
She advised women not to ignore new breast lumps, nipple discharge, skin changes or persistent thickening, regardless of how long ago they completed treatment.
Dr. Parmar further highlighted that modern breast oncosurgery and reconstructive techniques can provide effective cancer control while helping carefully selected patients preserve body image and quality of life. Regular follow-ups and early evaluation remain essential for better outcomes.