Finding a lump in your breast can naturally cause concern, even when medical examinations confirm that it is benign. In addition to establishing an accurate diagnosis, patients may need to consider suitable treatment options, including alternatives that do not involve surgery.
One treatment option that may be considered in certain cases is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). This technology uses highly focused, high-intensity ultrasound waves to target and destroy tissue without requiring surgical incisions.
Olivia Novita, a patient with a benign breast tumor at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, also experienced the benefits of this treatment. After undergoing just one HIFU procedure, the lump in her right breast decreased in size from 1.8 cm to 1.2 cm within three months.
This change was identified when Olivia returned for a follow-up ultrasound examination to monitor her condition. Here is an overview of her treatment journey and the changes in her benign breast tumor following HIFU treatment with dr. Abdul Rachman, Sp.B(K)Onk, at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital.
Contents
How Olivia’s Benign Breast Tumor Shrunk After One HIFU Treatment
Olivia initially discovered lumps in both of her breasts during a self-examination. At the time, two lumps were identified: one measuring 1.8 cm in her right breast and another measuring 0.6 cm in her left breast.
Although she did not experience any pain, the findings prompted Olivia to seek further medical consultation. Following an examination, her doctor informed her that both lumps were benign.
Olivia had initially considered undergoing surgery to remove the lumps. However, she was still apprehensive, particularly about the possibility of undergoing general anesthesia. She then consulted dr. Abdul Rachman, Sp.B(K)Onk, to explore alternative treatment options that would suit her condition.
After discussing the available options with her doctor, Olivia decided to undergo one HIFU treatment at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital. One of the reasons she was interested in this procedure was that it did not require surgical removal of the lump, unlike conventional surgery. She also remained conscious throughout the procedure, which made her feel more comfortable.
Three months after undergoing HIFU, Olivia returned to the hospital for a follow-up ultrasound examination. The results showed that the lump in her right breast, which had initially measured 1.8 cm, had decreased to 1.2 cm.
The reduction occurred gradually. The lump initially measured 1.8 cm, then decreased to 1.6 cm, followed by 1.4 cm, before reaching 1.2 cm at her most recent examination.
Olivia explained that she could still feel the lump, but its size continued to decrease over time. This is because HIFU works by using focused ultrasound energy to destroy targeted tissue. The treated tissue subsequently undergoes changes and gradually shrinks rather than being immediately removed, as it would be during conventional surgery.
Olivia expressed satisfaction with her HIFU experience at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital. In addition to feeling comfortable during the procedure, she appreciated the care and support provided by the doctors and nurses throughout her treatment and follow-up examinations.
She is scheduled to return for another follow-up appointment in three months to monitor the condition of her breast lump.
How Does HIFU Work to Shrink a Benign Breast Tumor?
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, is a medical procedure that uses highly focused, high-intensity ultrasound waves to treat targeted tissue in certain medical conditions, including tumors.
Unlike conventional ultrasound examinations, which use sound waves to produce images of organs and body tissues, HIFU uses ultrasound energy to heat and destroy the targeted tissue.
The way HIFU works can be compared to a magnifying glass focusing sunlight onto a single point. During the procedure, multiple ultrasound waves are directed and concentrated on the area of tissue being treated. The accumulated energy raises the temperature of the tissue to a level that can damage or destroy the targeted cells.
In general, HIFU works through the following steps:
- Ultrasound waves are directed toward the targeted tissue. The doctor directs high-intensity ultrasound waves toward the tumor or tissue that needs treatment.
- The ultrasound energy is focused on a specific point. Ultrasound waves from different directions converge at a predetermined area, concentrating energy within the targeted tissue.
- The tissue temperature increases. The focused energy generates heat within the targeted tissue, raising its temperature to a level that can damage the cells in that area.
- The tumor tissue is damaged. The heating process causes the targeted tissue to undergo ablation, or tissue destruction. The treated tissue subsequently undergoes changes and gradually shrinks.
One of the advantages of HIFU technology is that ultrasound waves can pass through layers of body tissue, such as the skin, without damaging them along the way to the targeted area. The heat is concentrated only at the predetermined treatment site, helping protect the surrounding tissue.
During the procedure, doctors generally use imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to identify the location of the targeted tissue and monitor the treatment process.
What Are the Advantages of HIFU for Treating Benign Breast Tumors?
HIFU offers several advantages as a tumor treatment method, including for certain cases involving benign breast tumors. This procedure uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to target specific tissue without requiring surgical incisions.
Some of the advantages of HIFU include:
1. No Surgical Incisions Required
HIFU is a non-invasive procedure, meaning doctors do not need to make incisions in the body to reach the targeted tissue. The procedure also does not use radiation.
2. Precise Targeting of Tumor Tissue
Ultrasound energy is focused on the tissue being treated. This helps minimize the impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.
3. Relatively Shorter Recovery Time
HIFU can generally be performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients do not always need to be hospitalized. Some patients may also be able to resume their usual activities within a few days, depending on their individual condition.
Despite these advantages, HIFU is not necessarily suitable for every patient or every type of breast lump. A doctor must conduct an examination first to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether this procedure is an appropriate treatment option.
Facilities for Patients Traveling from Other Cities and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides various supporting facilities to ensure greater comfort for patients traveling from other cities or overseas, including:
- VIP Transportation: A convenient pick-up service from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or seaports to the hospital. Patients are accompanied by a dedicated Patient Experience Officer (PEO) throughout the journey.
- Medical Ambulance Pick-Up: A specialized transportation service for patients with specific medical conditions, available from arrival points such as airports, train stations, or seaports. The service is equipped with medical equipment and supported by professional healthcare personnel.
- Accommodation (Sleep Hub and Apartments): Comfortable accommodation facilities for patients’ accompanying family members. The Sleep Hub is located on the 8th floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, with additional apartment options available nearby.
- International Patient Relations: Dedicated assistance for international patients, including medical coordination, interpreter services, and administrative support. For further information or assistance from the International Patient Relations team, please contact +62 21 5092 8888 or email [email protected].
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These services allow you to arrange appointments, check queue numbers, and access other important information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general reference. It does not represent the full range of medical services that may be performed by each doctor. To determine the most appropriate treatment for your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.
For questions, suggestions, or further information, please contact our call center at +62 811-1900-2000.
