BREAST | SKIN | THYROID | BOWEL | CONSULTATION
What it is:
Breast cancer surgery treats breast cancer using breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, or reconstructive techniques.
When surgery is recommended:
Diagnosed breast cancer
High-risk lesions unsuitable for non-surgical management
Risk-reducing surgery for hereditary mutations (BRCA1/2)
How diagnosis is made:
Clinical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy. A multidisciplinary team review guides the treatment plan.
Procedure:
Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery (OBCS): Volume displacement (small reshaping) or therapeutic reduction (larger defects) preserves breast shape and symmetry.
Mastectomy Options: Simple, skin-sparing, or nipple-sparing, sometimes with immediate or delayed reconstruction.
Axillary Surgery: Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary clearance if nodes are involved.
Reconstruction Options: Implant-based or autologous flaps (latissimus dorsi, fat grafting). Timing and technique are tailored to patient needs.
Recovery:
Day-stay or 1–2 nights. Light activity in a few days, desk work in 1–2 weeks, heavier work later. Wound care, drains, and pain management guidance provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depends on tumour location, size, and safety; discussed pre-operatively
Immediate or delayed, based on surgery type, cancer therapy, and personal preference
They may require revision in the future; autologous tissue provides more durable volume
Removal of the first draining lymph node to check for cancer spread
What it is:
Skin cancer surgery is a wide local excision removes melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with guideline-based margins. Reconstruction preserves function and cosmetic appearance.
When surgery is recommended:
Biopsy-proven or suspicious lesions
Lesions that grow, bleed, or do not heal
Melanoma where staging affects treatment
Procedure:
Direct closure: Small lesions closed with stitches
Local flap reconstruction: Nearby skin rotated or advanced for larger defects
Skin grafts: For wounds that cannot be closed directly
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB): For melanoma staging
Recovery:
Day surgery or overnight stay. Dressings remain for several days; suture removal and scar care guidance provided. Follow-up coordinated with dermatology or oncology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if melanoma thickness or features meet criteria; the plan is personalised
Depends on lesion size, location, and reconstruction type
What it is:
Surgery removes part or all of the thyroid, sometimes with lymph node dissection. Nerve-sparing and parathyroid-preserving techniques protect voice and calcium levels.
When surgery is recommended:
Confirmed or highly suspicious thyroid cancer
Larger, invasive, or multifocal tumors
Nodal involvement requiring neck dissection
Procedure:
Hemithyroidectomy: One thyroid lobe ± isthmus
Total thyroidectomy: Entire thyroid removed
Neck dissection: Lymph nodes removed if indicated
Recovery: Overnight stay; voice and calcium levels monitored. Thyroxine may be needed after total thyroidectomy. Desk work in ~1–2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes if the whole thyroid is removed; sometimes not with hemithyroidectomy
Only for certain cancers based on pathology and risk level
What it is:
Surgery treats bowel cancer by removing affected segments, often including nearby lymph nodes.
When surgery is recommended:
Confirmed bowel cancer
Large or non-resectable lesions
Bowel obstruction, bleeding, or perforation
Procedure:
Right hemicolectomy: Removes caecum, ascending colon, lymph nodes, and re-joins bowel ends
Small bowel resection: Removes tumor-affected segment; may require temporary stoma
Approach: Usually laparoscopic if suitable; open surgery for complex cases
Recovery:
Hospital stay ~4–7 days. Early mobilisation encouraged. Desk work ~3–4 weeks, heavier duties later. Oncology follow-up for chemotherapy discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, depending on tumour location, healing, or emergency setting; many can be reversed later.
Depends on pathology (tumour stage, nodes); you will recieve a personalised plan.
If you’re seeking an experienced cancer surgeon in South West Sydney, arranging a consultation with Dr Ali Rizvi is the next important step.
During your appointment, you will:
Discuss your diagnosis, test results, and personal concerns in detail
Review imaging, biopsy findings, and pathology reports
Understand your treatment options, including whether surgery is recommended
Learn about the type of cancer surgery advised and the reasons behind it
Receive personalised guidance focused on safety, recovery, and long-term outcomes
Your cancer treatment journey should feel clear, informed, and supported — with confidence in your surgeon and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs
Visit our Surgery in Sydney page to explore all procedures offered by Dr Ali Rizvi and learn how we can help you with your surgical care.
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