Head, Neck & Breast Surgeries
Breast Surgery
Breast surgery ranges from biopsy and removal of a benign lump to breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy for cancer. The operation is planned only after imaging and tissue diagnosis, with attention to disease control, appearance and patient priorities.
Educational planning information. Individual advice follows examination and review of investigations. Consultations are available in Rawalpindi for patients from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Clinical focusHead, neck and breast anatomy
01Breast conditions that may require surgery02Head, neck and breast anatomy03Head, Neck & Breast Surgeries
Procedure-specific visual guideWhy choose Dr. Naveed
Experienced surgical judgement for Breast Surgery
Clear diagnosis, realistic treatment planning and careful follow-up from a consultant surgeon whose clinical practice is shaped by academic teaching and military medical service.
01 · Understanding the procedure
What Breast Surgery is designed to achieve
A breast lump may be a cyst, fibroadenoma, inflammatory change or cancer. Some abnormalities are seen only on mammography or ultrasound. Triple assessment—clinical review, imaging and biopsy—helps establish the diagnosis.
Breast surgery ranges from biopsy and removal of a benign lump to breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy for cancer. The operation is planned only after imaging and tissue diagnosis, with attention to disease control, appearance and patient priorities.
02 · Conditions treated
Conditions and clinical situations addressed by Breast Surgery
The exact indication is confirmed from symptoms, examination and appropriate investigations.
Breast conditions that may require surgery
A breast lump may be a cyst, fibroadenoma, inflammatory change or cancer. Some abnormalities are seen only on mammography or ultrasound. Triple assessment—clinical review, imaging and biopsy—helps establish the diagnosis.
Cancer or pre-cancer requiring local control
Cancer or pre-cancer requiring local control
A growing
A growing, symptomatic or uncertain benign lesion
Persistent diagnostic uncertainty after needle biopsy
Persistent diagnostic uncertainty after needle biopsy
03 · Symptoms
Symptoms that may lead to a Breast Surgery consultation
A new breast or armpit lump
Skin dimpling, nipple inversion or bloody nipple discharge
A change in breast size or shape
Persistent focal pain is usually benign but still merits assessment
Symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Severe, rapidly worsening or emergency symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
04 · Causes
Why the condition behind Breast Surgery may develop
- 01
Benign cysts, fibroadenoma or other non-cancerous changes
- 02
Infection or inflammation
- 03
Ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer
05 · Risk factors
Risk context considered before Breast Surgery
Benign cysts
Benign cysts, fibroadenoma or other non-cancerous changes
Infection or inflammation
Infection or inflammation
Ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer
Ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer
06 · Diagnosis
How the need for Breast Surgery is assessed
Clinical examination is combined with ultrasound and/or mammography. Core biopsy confirms tissue type. MRI, lymph-node assessment and staging scans are used selectively.
Clinical history
Clinical examination is combined with ultrasound and/or mammography.
Focused examination
Core biopsy confirms tissue type.
Laboratory testing
MRI, lymph-node assessment and staging scans are used selectively.
Imaging
Imaging is chosen when it can define anatomy, disease extent or an alternative explanation for the symptoms.
Special investigations
Any endoscopy, tissue sampling, vascular study or other specialist test is selected for the clinical question raised by breast conditions that may require surgery; not every patient needs every test.
07 · Treatment options
Treatment choices before and alongside Breast Surgery
Observation, lifestyle measures, medical care, a focused procedure or surgery may be considered according to the confirmed diagnosis.
Non-surgical option 01
Observation or image follow-up for a confirmed benign lesion
Targeted treatment
Needle drainage for selected cysts
Targeted treatment
Excision biopsy, wide local excision or mastectomy
Surgical treatment
Sentinel lymph-node biopsy or axillary surgery when indicated
08 · Surgical indications
When Breast Surgery may be recommended
Surgery is discussed only when the diagnosis, expected benefit, alternatives and individual risks support intervention.
- Cancer or pre-cancer requiring local control
- A growing, symptomatic or uncertain benign lesion
- Persistent diagnostic uncertainty after needle biopsy
- Patient preference after multidisciplinary discussion
09 · Procedure overview
The Breast Surgery care pathway
Consultation
Discuss symptoms, priorities, previous care and relevant reports before deciding whether Breast Surgery is appropriate.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination is combined with ultrasound and/or mammography.
Preparation
The team reviews medicines, anaesthetic readiness and procedure-specific instructions for Breast Surgery.
Procedure
Breast-conserving surgery removes the lesion with a margin of tissue Mastectomy removes most breast tissue and may be combined with reconstruction
Recovery
Recovery depends on the size of operation and whether lymph-node surgery or reconstruction is included.
Follow-up
Healing, symptoms and the result of Breast Surgery are reviewed, with further care arranged when clinically necessary.
10 · Operative approach
How Breast Surgery may be performed
- 01
Breast-conserving surgery removes the lesion with a margin of tissue
- 02
Mastectomy removes most breast tissue and may be combined with reconstruction
- 03
Lymph-node staging is tailored to the diagnosis
What Breast Surgery aims to improve
- Definitive diagnosis and treatment of the targeted lesion
- Local cancer control as part of a wider oncology plan
- Relief of symptoms from selected benign lumps
Balanced consent for Breast Surgery
- Bleeding, infection, seroma and delayed wound healing
- Change in breast shape, scarring or asymmetry
- Altered sensation, shoulder stiffness or lymphoedema after lymph-node surgery
- Need for further surgery if margins are not clear
No operation can guarantee an outcome. Personal risk depends on diagnosis, anatomy, health and the final technique.
13 · Recovery timeline
Recovery checkpoints after Breast Surgery
Recovery depends on the size of operation and whether lymph-node surgery or reconstruction is included. Arm exercises and gradual return to activity are important. Pathology results determine whether additional treatment is advised. These checkpoints are planning prompts—not promises—and the treating team’s instructions take priority.
Week 1
Recovery depends on the size of operation and whether lymph-node surgery or reconstruction is included. Early priorities include pain control, safe movement and the first wound or procedure check when advised.
Week 2
Wear recommended support and complete shoulder exercises Activity still follows the individual discharge plan.
Week 4
Follow wound and drain instructions Return to work or exercise depends on the procedure and job demands.
Week 6
Report redness, fever, increasing swelling or shortness of breath A slower or faster course can both be normal depending on the operation.
Long-term
Definitive diagnosis and treatment of the targeted lesion Ongoing surveillance or specialist follow-up is arranged when the diagnosis requires it.
14 · Preparation
Preparing safely for Breast Surgery
01
Bring the complete record
Take reports, imaging, pathology and details of previous treatment relevant to breast conditions that may require surgery.
02
Review medicines and allergies
Share prescribed medicines, blood thinners, diabetes treatment, supplements and allergies. Do not stop treatment without clinical instruction.
03
Complete pre-operative checks
Clinical examination is combined with ultrasound and/or mammography.
04
Follow fasting instructions
Fasting depends on the anaesthesia plan for Breast Surgery; use the exact times supplied by the treating hospital.
05
Prepare for discharge
Arrange transport, suitable support and the supplies recommended for the expected day case or short inpatient stay, depending on extent.
06
Know the recovery plan
Ask about wounds, bathing, diet, lifting, driving, work, exercise and the warning signs specific to Breast Surgery.
15 · Aftercare
Aftercare following Breast Surgery
Written discharge instructions are individualized. Keep them accessible and contact the treating team when recovery differs from the expected plan.
- Wear recommended support and complete shoulder exercises
- Follow wound and drain instructions
- Report redness, fever, increasing swelling or shortness of breath
- Attend pathology, oncology and surveillance appointments
16 · Patient questions
Frequently asked questions about Breast Surgery
Ten procedure-specific answers to support a more informed consultation.
01Does every breast lump need removal?+
No. Many benign lumps can be observed after reliable imaging and biopsy.
02Will I need a mastectomy?+
Not necessarily. Breast-conserving surgery is possible for many cancers, depending on size, location, breast size and patient preference.
03Why might a second operation be needed?+
If pathology shows cancer cells close to a margin, more tissue may need removal to achieve adequate local control.
04How is the need for Breast Surgery confirmed?+
Clinical examination is combined with ultrasound and/or mammography. Core biopsy confirms tissue type. MRI, lymph-node assessment and staging scans are used selectively.
05When might Breast Surgery be recommended?+
Cancer or pre-cancer requiring local control A growing, symptomatic or uncertain benign lesion
06Are there alternatives to Breast Surgery?+
Observation or image follow-up for a confirmed benign lesion Needle drainage for selected cysts Excision biopsy, wide local excision or mastectomy
07What anaesthesia may be used for Breast Surgery?+
Usually general; selected minor procedures may differ. The anaesthetist confirms the safest option after reviewing the operation, medical history and individual risk.
08How long might I stay in hospital after Breast Surgery?+
Day case or short inpatient stay, depending on extent. Discharge depends on the procedure, pain control, mobility, eating or drinking where relevant, and the absence of concerning findings.
09What should I expect while recovering from Breast Surgery?+
Recovery depends on the size of operation and whether lymph-node surgery or reconstruction is included. Arm exercises and gradual return to activity are important. Pathology results determine whether additional treatment is advised.
10Which warning signs matter after Breast Surgery?+
Follow the discharge instructions provided by the treating team. Important procedure-specific advice includes: Report redness, fever, increasing swelling or shortness of breath Attend pathology, oncology and surveillance appointments
Authoritative patient-information referencesGeneral education supporting this procedure guide.
17 · Meet your surgeon
Dr. Naveed Ahmed Sheen
Consultant Colorectal & Laparoscopic SurgeonAssistant Professor and Major (Retired), combining 15+ years of surgical experience with academic teaching, military medical service and a patient-centred approach.
- MRCS · Dip (AFPGMI) · CHPE
- 1000+ successful surgeries
- 5000+ patients treated
Confidential surgical consultationDiscuss Breast Surgery
Discuss Breast Surgery
with Dr. Naveed
Bring your symptoms, reports and questions for a diagnosis-led discussion of appropriate options, benefits, risks and recovery planning.