Patient Information
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and the incidence is increasing in the UK.
Approximately 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, the majority of breast cancer is treatable and with modern therapies, many of our patients are going on with their lives unaffected by cancer.
Being diagnosed early, provides the greatest chance of a good outcome with the 5 year survival for stage 1 breast cancer being approximately 99%.
Want to find out more?
To find out more information or to make an appointment please get in touch with Mr Jamie Vatish.
Breast cancer treatments
Surgery to the Breast:
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for breast cancer. It involves the removal of the tumour and surrounding tissues and can be categorized into:
Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast. Variants include total mastectomy, radical mastectomy, and skin-sparing mastectomy.
Surgery to the Axilla/ Lymph Nodes:
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Removal of one or a few lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of multiple/the majority of lymph nodes in the underarm area.
Further Treatments
In the majority of cases, further treatments will also be required to reduce the chance of any cancer recurring. This is called adjuvant therapy and includes:
Radiotherapy uses high-energy x-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It is usually given after surgery to remove any remaining cancer cells and lower the risk of recurrence.
Types of radiotherapy include:
External Beam Radiation: The most common form, where radiation is delivered to the breast from a machine outside the body.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) is a form of radiation treatment administered during surgery. It delivers targeted radiation directly to the tumor site while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone Therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
It works by blocking the body’s ability to produce hormones or by interfering with how hormones affect breast cancer cells. Common hormone therapy treatments include:
Tamoxifen: Blocks oestrogen receptors on breast cancer cells, preventing oestrogen from fuelling tumour growth.
Aromatase Inhibitors: Lowers oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase. Examples include Anastrozole, Letrozole, and Exemestane.
Ovarian Suppression: In premenopausal women, ovarian suppression can be achieved through surgery, radiation, or medication to stop the ovaries from producing oestrogen.
Chemotherapy
Targeted Treatments and Immunotherapies
Lifestyle Modification
Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Oncoplastic Breast Surgical Techniques help preserve the overall aesthetic appearance of the breast when breast cancer surgery is performed alongside keeping scaring to a minimum.
Common reasons to utilise oncoplastic breast surgery are:
A small volume breast, where removing a cancer would leave a significant and unsightly defect in breast volume
A large cancer which when removed would overly distort the breast or lead to asymmetry between breasts
A breast cancer in a challenging position such as in the cleavage area
When a patient has a desire to improve the overall appearance or volume of their breasts
Common oncoplastic techniques include mammoplasty, mastopexy, chest wall perforator flaps and lipomodeling. Mr Vatish has extensive experience in utilising these procedures to provide the best aesthetic outcomes for his patients.
Occasionally when a cancer is very extensive, in multiple parts of the breast or a patient has a high risk genetic variant, then a mastectomy will be recommended. In suitable women, reconstruction is an option. Mr Vatish will go through the various options with you including an implant based reconstruction or using your own tissue (autologous).
Benign Breast Conditions
The Common Benign Breast Issues that we see in the One Stop Clinic are:
Breast Pain
Fibroadenoma
Breast Cysts
Infection
Duct Ectasia
Intraductal Papilloma
Fat Necrosis
Fibrocystic Change
Breast Cancer Genetics
If a first-degree relative such as a mother, sister, or daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer, a person’s risk of developing the disease is roughly doubled. The risk is even greater if multiple close relatives have had breast cancer or if a relative was diagnosed before the age of 50. However, most women with a family history of breast cancer will never develop the condition.
If you have a strong family history of certain cancers, there may be a faulty gene in your family that increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Scientists have identified several gene mutations that can raise the risk, and tests are available for some of them.
The most well-known genes associated with breast cancer risk are BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer gene. Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which normally help prevent cells from growing and dividing uncontrollably. If either of these genes has a mutation (fault), it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, increasing the risk of several cancers, including breast cancer.
TP53
Testing for these gene mutations can help identify individuals at higher risk of breast cancer. If you are identified as carrying a faulty gene, then there are options to reduce your risk of developing cancer including surgery.
Rare Breast Conditions
Mr Vatish forms part of the Regional Multidisciplinary Team that treats patients from the West Midlands who develop a Breast Angiosarcoma.
Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of immune cancer associated with breast implants.
Fortunately, the condition is rare (1 in 24000 risk) and more prevalent in implants with a rougher surface. The classic presentation is the sudden onset of a large swelling (seroma) around a previously normal implant and this is typically many years after the implant was inserted.
Mr Vatish has a specialist interest in this condition, having treated many patients with BIA-ALCL during his fellowship in the Leeds Breast Unit.
Cosmetic Breast Surgery
Mr Jamie Vatish is a dedicated cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon offering Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty) at leading hospitals in Birmingham. This operation helps patients achieve a breast size more in proportion with their body, alleviating physical discomfort and improving self-image.
The breast reduction procedure Mr Vatish performs is under general anaesthesia, and the operation typically takes between two and four hours.
The specific surgical technique depends on the amount of tissue to remove, the patient’s anatomy, and the desired outcome. However, the procedure generally consists of three primary steps: tissue removal, repositioning the nipple and areola, and reshaping the breast.
FAQs
Please find below some common questions and answers regarding consultations, treatments, and procedures with Mr Jamie Vatish.
Do I need a GP referral to see Mr Vatish?
No, however, if you are using private medical insurance, your insurer will typically require a GP referral before authorising your appointment. If you are self-funding your treatment, a referral is not required, but it is recommended to ensure continuity of care and the transfer of relevant medical history. Mr Vatish will also send your consultation letter to your GP for their records.
What is the benefit of the One Stop Clinic?
What does Oncoplastic breast surgery involve?
Can I have reconstruction at the same time as my cancer surgery?
the tumour’s location, the stage of the disease, and your overall health. Mr Vatish will discuss the different methods, such as implant-based or tissue-based reconstruction, during your consultation.
I have a family history of breast cancer; am I at high risk?
A family history of breast cancer does not mean you will develop the condition, but it may
increase your risk compared to the general population. If you are concerned, Mr Vatish can review your family history to assess your risk level and discuss genetic testing or appropriate screening schedules.
I have noticed a lump or breast pain. Should I be concerned?
While many breast symptoms are caused by benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas, any new or changing symptom warrants investigation. It is important to have these checked by a specialist to rule out underlying issues and provide peace of mind.
How should I prepare for my surgery?
You will receive specific instructions regarding your procedure well in advance. This includes
guidance on fasting, medication adjustments, and managing your lifestyle habits – such as
stopping smoking – to support healing. Please follow these instructions closely to minimise the risk of complications.
What is the typical recovery time after breast surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the operation. Simple biopsies or minor procedures often allow for a return to light activities within a few days. More extensive surgery, such as reconstruction or reduction, requires a longer recovery period. Mr Vatish will provide a clear, personalised plan regarding your activity limits and follow-up care.
What does a breast reduction procedure entail?
Breast reduction surgery is performed to alleviate physical discomfort, such as back or
shoulder pain, and to improve the shape of the breast. The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue and skin and repositioning the nipple to achieve a size and shape that is in proportion to your body.