Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment

Is breast cancer treatment expensive?

THE BREAST DOCTORS SAY:

Cost of breast cancer treatment depends largely on type of cancer, type of treatment and ward class status you select. 

For a subsidized patient, approximate charges for surgery can be as low as S$500 for a small early cancer, to S$1800 for a patient receiving mastectomy and breast reconstruction.  These are covered under Medisave. For chemotherapy, the cost will depend on the type of drugs used and can range from <$100 per cycle to a few hundred or even thousands of dollars for non-standard drugs.  For patients in private wards, the costs will be correspondingly higher.

Lump under the armpit

I wish to get a second opinion from you. Six months ago,I had found a small lump under my armpit a week before my mensus.The size is like a green bean and it is painful. However, the size normally reduces after mensus and not painful. I had consult other doctor and undergone ultrasound as I am below 35 years old, and the result show that it is not cancer. However, I am a bit worry because it has been there for six months and never disappear. Does KK brease centre operate on saturday? Can i make an appointment on saturday morning? Thank You very much for your help.

THE BREAST DOCTORS SAY:

The symptoms you describe sound like there is a small amount of breast tissue under the armpit, resulting in the small lump.  It is quite common for women to experience some degree of swelling and pain of the breasts a few days before their menses, and which subsides when the menses arrives.  This is due to the effects of the hormonal changes on the breast tissue and should not be worrying.  Breast tissue in the armpit can range from a tiny lump like what you have, to a significant size like a small apple which can be unsightly but they are essentially harmless.

If you would like a consultation, please contact the KK Breast Centre at 63948076 to select an appointment time at your convenience.  The KK Breast Centre has daily clinics from Monday to Friday, but it is closed on Saturdays.  Do remember to bring your ultrasound films for your appointment.

Eczema of the breasts

I have eczema on my abdomen as well on my breast. Both my nipples’ areola areas are red and itchy and painful when touched. Whenever I wear bra or tight fitting clothings, the situation gets worse and if I scratch the areas, there are even liquid coming out from the wounds.
I am been treated at the National Skin Centre and have already being prescibed :
2 courses of oral steroid
Fucicort cream to apply on the affected areas
QV wash to bathe and QV cream to apply.

But my situation has not improve and I am particularly concern about the breast areas. Would it lead to something serious?

 THE BREAST DOCTORS SAY: 

Eczema of the breasts affecting the areola is not uncommon.  It usually affects women who have eczema elsewhere, and sensitive/dry skin.  As this usually occurs in the superficial skin layer, it will not lead to anything serious within the breast tissue, such as cancer.   A rare form of breast cancer can appear as a reddish, scaly rash over the nipple and areola, but this usually occurs in women in their 50s or older, on one side of the breast only and without a history of eczema or sensitive skin.

Is It OK To Ignore A Lump If I Just Had My Mammogram?

I am 42 years old and I think I can feel a lump in my right breast. I just had my mammogram done 3 months ago at the polyclinic and they told me it was normal. Is it ok to leave the breast lump alone then?

THE BREAST DOCTORS SAY:

The short answer to your question is no it’s not OK to leave it alone. You should see a breast specialist and have the lump checked.

But don’t panic. Many women develop some form of breast symptoms some time in their life and the good news is that the majority are not caused by cancer.

It’s great that you have discovered the lump during a self-examination. It is probably not cancerous, but it may be, and early detection and acting quickly will significantly improve the odds of treating it successfully. In fact, breast cancer that is discovered in the first stage is now curable in 90% of cases.

What you have could be a real lump or it could be just lumpy tissue. A mammogram can miss up to 5-10% of cancers, so a normal mammogram does not mean that you can leave the lump alone. Your breast specialist will discuss with you whether you may need additional tests, such as an ultrasound of the breast.

For more indepth information, try these articles in our library:

• Breast Symptoms and What They Mean
• What Should I Do If I Have Breast Symptoms?
• Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) About Breast Cancer