A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It often brings many questions about treatments and the future. Breast cancer treatment in Birmingham and any major city usually involves a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Mr Jamie Vatish is a key member of this team. He is a consultant oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon. Mr Vatish focuses on surgical management, particularly oncoplastic techniques. These methods prioritise cancer removal and excellent aesthetic outcomes.
An overview of breast cancer treatments
You should understand that doctors highly personalise breast cancer treatment. The specific plan depends on the cancer’s type and stage. Individual patient factors also guide the approach. Treatment frequently combines several methods. These can include:
- Surgery: To remove the cancerous tissue.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Radiotherapy: High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy: This blocks or lowers hormones that help specific cancers grow.
- Targeted Therapy: These drugs specifically attack molecules involved in cancer growth.
Your dedicated medical team will discuss the best treatment combination for you.
The central role of surgery in breast cancer treatment
For most breast cancers, surgery is a primary treatment. Its main aim is to remove the tumour from the breast. Surgeons also assess lymph nodes in the armpit. This checks if the cancer has spread. The main types of breast cancer surgery are:
- Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS): Doctors also call this a lumpectomy or wide local excision. The surgeon removes the tumour and some surrounding healthy tissue. This preserves most of the breast.
- Mastectomy: This procedure removes all breast tissue.
Surgeons usually perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy too. This procedure identifies and removes the first few lymph nodes. These are where cancer cells most likely spread first.
Oncoplastic surgery
Oncoplastic surgery is a significant advance in breast cancer surgical management. Mr Jamie Vatish has specialist expertise in this field. Oncoplastic surgery integrates cancer surgery principles with plastic surgery techniques. It has two main goals. First, complete removal of the breast cancer. Second, achieving the best possible cosmetic appearance. This may include reconstructing a new breast if a mastectomy is needed.
How oncoplastic techniques enhance breast cancer surgery
- In Breast-Conserving Surgery: Surgeons can use oncoplastic techniques for patients having a lumpectomy. This is especially helpful if a larger tumour needs removal. These techniques reshape the remaining breast tissue. It helps prevent indentations and maintains symmetry. Mr Vatish skilfully uses methods like chest wall perforator flaps. These can allow more extensive tissue removal during breast conservation. For some patients, this might avoid a mastectomy.
- In Mastectomy: When a mastectomy is necessary, oncoplastic principles guide immediate breast reconstruction. This means Mr Vatish can start creating a new breast mound during the same operation. He may use implants or the patient’s own tissue. This approach can improve a patient’s wellbeing and body image.
Incorporating oncoplastic techniques into breast cancer treatment in Birmingham offers many benefits. These include better aesthetic outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. It also enhances quality of life. Furthermore, surgeons can often achieve wider surgical margins around the cancer. This can reduce the risk of local recurrence. Mr Vatish’s advanced training supports his skill in these procedures. This includes a prestigious National Fellowship in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery. His work at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, a major breast unit, also highlights his expertise.
Your personalised surgical treatment plan in Birmingham
During your consultation, you and Mr Vatish will discuss all suitable surgical options. He will explain the potential benefits of oncoplastic techniques for your case and considers your cancer type and stage. He also looks at your body shape and personal preferences. This helps him develop a tailored surgical plan with you.
Accessing expert surgical breast cancer treatment in Birmingham
Surgery is a vital part of treating breast cancer. Experienced surgeons like Mr Jamie Vatish offer advanced oncoplastic surgery. This means patients in Birmingham can benefit from effective cancer removal. These treatments also consider their long-term aesthetic and emotional well-being.
If you have a breast cancer diagnosis and wish to discuss surgical options, please contact Mr Jamie Vatish’s private secretary, Elizabeth Nelson.