At MGM Cancer Institute in Chennai, doctors excised two fibroadenoma lumps in a 33‑year‑old woman using two distinct methods – open surgery for the areolar‑adjacent mass and ultrasound‑guided Vacuum‑Assisted Excision (VAE) for the central lump. The minimally invasive VAE left no scar and required no sutures.

  • Open surgery performed for the lump near the areolar region
  • Ultrasound‑guided VAE used for the centrally located lump
  • VAE leaves no scar, no sutures, and preserves breast shape

Case Overview

A 33‑year‑old woman presented at MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, with two benign fibroadenoma masses in the same breast. One mass was situated close to the areola, while the other lay in the mid‑breast region. Early detection through routine screening enabled timely intervention.

Vacuum‑Assisted Excision (VAE) Procedure

Because the areolar‑adjacent lump required removal of overlying skin and a margin of normal tissue, surgeons opted for conventional open surgery. The second lump, being well‑positioned for image‑guided removal, was excised using ultrasound‑guided Vacuum‑Assisted Excision (VAE), a minimally invasive technique that employs suction to extract the tissue without incisions.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that adopting VAE for suitable breast lesions can drastically reduce postoperative complications and improve cosmetic outcomes, especially for young women who are concerned about breast appearance.

"VAE is a safe, rapid, patient‑centric option, but it is not suitable for every type of breast mass," said Dr. M.A. Raja, Director, Medical Oncology.
Did You Know?: Vacuum‑Assisted Excision was first introduced in Europe in the 1990s and has since become a standard minimally invasive tool in major Indian cancer centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is VAE applicable to all breast lumps?

Answer: No, VAE is best suited for small, benign, and easily accessible lesions. Larger or malignant‑suspicious lumps still require traditional surgery.

Question 2: How much recovery time does a patient need after VAE?

Answer: VAE is typically a daycare procedure; most patients can go home the same day and resume normal activities within 24‑48 hours.