RG Hospitals has achieved a groundbreaking success in breast cancer care, performing a precise breast-conserving surgery (removing only the tumor while saving the breast) on a 64-year-old patient at its Rajouri Garden center. This case sets a new standard in early detection and minimally invasive treatment, prioritizing patient quality of life alongside complete cancer removal.

A 64-year-old female patient presented with pathological nipple discharge from the left breast. Further evaluation with MRI revealed a 4 mm suspicious nodule, warranting prompt management. The case was handled by Dr. Neerja Gupta, Senior Consultant, Breast Surgical Oncology, who planned a breast-conserving approach tailored to the patient’s condition post necessary evaluation.

The patient underwent left breast wide excision with duct excision  of the lesion, along with careful specimen and duct marker sampling for detailed histopathological examination. Layered closure was performed to ensure optimal cosmetic outcomes without compromising oncological safety.

Final histopathology confirmed a 6 mm Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) of the left breast, staged as T1bN0(sn)M0, with all surgical margins free of tumor. Also, sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed  using the advanced dual-dye technique with Indocyanine Green (ICG) and Blue Dye. Intraoperative frozen section analysis showed no evidence of tumor in the sentinel lymph nodes, a finding that was later confirmed on the final report.

Commenting on the case, Dr. Neerja Gupta, Senior Consultant – Breast Surgical Oncology at RG Hospitals, said, “Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes in breast cancer. This case highlights how breast-conserving surgery, combined with precise imaging and advanced sentinel node mapping, can ensure effective cancer control while preserving the breast and maintaining quality of life for the patient.”

The patient had a smooth and uneventful postoperative recovery, with normal staging investigations and no complications reported. This case of a subcentimetric tumor presenting as nipple discharge highlights the importance of early detection and timely intervention.

Through the use of advanced imaging, dual-dye sentinel node mapping, and meticulous surgical technique, RG Hospitals ensured accurate staging, complete tumor clearance, and excellent cosmetic and clinical outcomes. The case underscores the hospital’s continued focus on breast conservation, minimally invasive procedures, and precision oncology.