KOCHI: The Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences conducted a one-day workshop for doctors and medical students on ‘The Latest Developments in the Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Breast Cancer.’
Experts who spoke at the workshop said the majority of the patients in the country were unaware of the cutting-edge procedures currently available for the early diagnosis and effective management of breast cancer.
“A new scanning procedure called Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) provides high-definition images of the breast, allowing detection of even the most complex and hidden lesions or growths in the tissue. It is a very effective tool for detection of breast cancer,” said AIMS Department of Radiology associate professor Janaki Dharmarajan.
In a new procedure called Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB), the test is conducted by removing only a single targeted lymph node, giving substantial relief to patients. The rest of the lymph nodes are removed only if the biopsy is positive.
“While most of the cancer treatment centres in the West have already adopted SLNB as a standard, it is yet to gain a foothold in India,” said Department of Surgical Oncology HoD D K Vijayakumar.
“Due to the novel treatment options that are currently available, even patients with final-stage breast cancer can hope to get cured,” said Department of Medical Oncology clinical associate professor Wesley M Jose.