Breast cancer is divided into 4 stages
It is given roughly below there is a variation depending on presence of nodes
Stage 1 upto 2.5 cms
Stage 2 upto 5 cms
Stage 3 anything more than 5 cms without outside spread
Stage 4 spread outside body
It is always better to do PET scan before commencing on any treatment. Sometimes evena stage 2 tumour can be seen to spread outside. Effectively it means conversion of stage 2 to stage 4 disease .This translates into fact that no extensive surgery is warranted in stage 4 case.
Not all patients get arm oedema. It depends on the amount of dissection. But for those people who do get it,it is a very permanent distressing and painful part of their lives.
Breast cancer when treated in stage 1 upto 3 cms has a very good chance of cure. Beyond that the cure rates decrease.Therefore whether surgery or laser it is important to get treated as early as possible.
Yes absolutely. Laser Ablation of Breast Fibroadenoma is a USFDA approved procedure. It is extremely effective in destroying lesions up to 4 cms in size. With advantage of No scarring and it can be repeated in case of New Lesions. This makes it ideal for young girls who are apprehensive in scarring of breast which may be extensive.