Treatment in Korea
Planning Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Surgery and Reconstruction in Korea
Breast cancer treatment abroad involves a connected series of decisions. Pathology, imaging, biomarkers, lymph-node findings, general health and the possible need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy can all affect whether surgery should happen first, which operation is appropriate and whether reconstruction should be immediate or delayed.
A preliminary review can help identify missing information and questions for a Korean clinical team. It cannot replace an examination, pathology review or multidisciplinary treatment decision.
Korea Breast Care provides structured, evidence-based information for international patients. It is not a hospital and does not diagnose cancer, select a procedure or guarantee that treatment in Korea is appropriate.
Korea Breast Care is not a hospital. Final decisions require review by qualified medical professionals.
Quick journey overview
Before travel
Collect pathology, biomarker, imaging and treatment records and clarify the purpose of the review.
Before booking treatment
Ask whether surgery should occur first and whether reconstruction can be planned safely around possible radiotherapy or systemic treatment.
In Korea
Complete the institution’s review, additional assessment and informed decision-making.
Before returning home
Receive wound, drain, medication, activity, pathology and follow-up instructions.
After returning home
Transfer the final records and treatment plan to a local breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist or rehabilitation team as required.
01 Clarify what you need from a Korean review
International patients may seek different forms of help. The records and urgency depend on the question being asked.
- Review of an abnormal mammogram, ultrasound or MRI
- Confirmation of a biopsy diagnosis
- Review of pathology and biomarkers
- A second opinion on surgery
- Assessment for breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy
- Planning immediate or delayed reconstruction
- Review after a previous mastectomy
- Planning transfer of care after surgery
State clearly whether you are requesting information, a written record review, an in-person consultation or possible treatment. These are different services and should not be presented as interchangeable.
RelatedUnderstanding Your Diagnosis
02 Do not book surgery before treatment sequencing is reviewed
Breast cancer surgery is not always the first treatment. Tumor type, size, lymph-node findings and biomarkers may indicate that systemic treatment should begin before surgery.
A preliminary surgical preference should therefore remain provisional until the clinical team has reviewed the available information.
- Has invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ been confirmed?
- Are ER, PR and HER2 results available?
- Is disease extent adequately shown on imaging?
- Are lymph nodes suspicious or biopsy-proven?
- Could treatment before surgery be considered?
- Is postoperative radiotherapy likely?
- Could radiotherapy affect reconstruction timing or method?
- Who will provide treatment after the patient returns home?
RelatedBreast Cancer Surgery
03 Prepare the core medical records
The receiving institution decides which records are required. Send only through the secure route specified by the institution or coordination service.
- Pathology report from the biopsy or previous surgery
- Biomarker reports, including ER, PR and HER2 when tested
- Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, CT or PET reports when available
- Original imaging files in DICOM format when requested
- Biopsy procedure report
- Operative reports from previous breast or axillary surgery
- Previous chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER2-directed therapy or radiotherapy records
- Current medication list and allergies
- Relevant medical conditions and anaesthesia history
- Genetic-test reports if already performed
Reports should not be treated as interchangeable with original images or tissue material. The hospital may be able to review reports first and request additional material only when necessary.
RelatedMedical Records Checklist
04 Pathology slides and blocks require institution-specific instructions
Do not ship glass slides or paraffin blocks to an unconfirmed address. Tissue material is valuable, fragile and subject to laboratory, courier and customs procedures.
Before arranging shipment, obtain written instructions from the receiving pathology department or international centre.
- Whether digital reports are sufficient for the first review
- Whether glass slides, unstained slides or a paraffin block are required
- Which specimens and case numbers to send
- Packaging and temperature requirements
- Approved courier or hand-carry process
- Customs documentation
- Return, retention and disposal policy
- Who is responsible for shipping and return costs
05 Imaging should be complete and usable
Screenshots and photographs of scans are not substitutes for original imaging files. When requested, obtain DICOM files and the radiology reports from the facility that performed the examination.
- Mammography
- Breast and axillary ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- CT or PET imaging when clinically indicated
- Images from before and after systemic treatment
- Prior comparison studies
The Korean team may request repeat imaging if the study is incomplete, outdated, technically unsuitable or inconsistent with pathology or examination findings.
RelatedBreast Imaging
06 Biomarkers help determine treatment options
Breast cancers are commonly evaluated for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2. Other tests may also be relevant depending on the clinical situation.
Biomarker results influence systemic treatment and can affect the timing of surgery. They should be interpreted together with stage, grade, histology and the patient’s overall condition.
- ER and PR status
- HER2 result and test method
- Tumor grade and histologic type
- Ki-67 when reported
- Results of relevant multigene or germline tests when already performed
Do not use biomarker results alone to choose an operation or reconstruction method without clinical review.
RelatedStaging and Biomarkers
07 Understand the main surgical decisions
The main breast operations include breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy. Lymph-node evaluation may also be required. Reconstruction can be performed at the same operation or later in selected patients.
- Whether breast-conserving surgery can achieve appropriate cancer removal
- Whether postoperative radiotherapy is expected
- Whether mastectomy is medically required or one of several options
- Which lymph-node procedure is appropriate
- Whether nipple- or skin-sparing surgery is oncologically suitable
- Whether immediate reconstruction could complicate later treatment
- Whether implant-based or autologous reconstruction is being considered
- Whether delayed reconstruction may be safer or more practical
RelatedSurgeryReconstruction
08 Plan a flexible stay rather than a fixed package
The required stay depends on the purpose of the visit, the type of surgery, reconstruction, complications, pathology turnaround and the availability of postoperative care at home.
- Second-opinion review only
- Additional biopsy or imaging
- Breast-conserving surgery
- Mastectomy without reconstruction
- Mastectomy with implant reconstruction
- Mastectomy with autologous reconstruction
- Revision or delayed reconstruction
- Need for repeated wound or drain review
A provisional itinerary may be useful, but it should not be sold as a guaranteed 14-day or 21-day pathway. Use changeable travel arrangements where possible.
09 Decide who should travel with you
Major cancer surgery, anaesthesia and upper-body movement restrictions can make a companion valuable. The hospital may also have policies about discharge, consent and bedside attendance.
- Transport and admission
- Communication during fatigue or medication effects
- Help with clothing, meals and luggage
- Support with wound or drain records
- Attendance at pathology and treatment-planning discussions
- Coordination with the home-country medical team
A professional escort or interpreter can support logistics and communication but cannot replace a legal representative, clinical caregiver or emergency service when these are required.
10 Prepare accommodation for postoperative recovery
Accommodation should prioritise access to the treating hospital and practical recovery needs rather than tourism convenience.
- Short travel time to the hospital
- Lift access and minimal stairs
- Space for a companion
- Private bathroom
- Chair and bed that are easy to use
- Laundry facilities
- Refrigerator for food or prescribed items
- Reliable taxi access
- Flexible extension if discharge or pathology is delayed
- Nearby pharmacy and emergency department
The treating team should explain any restrictions related to arm movement, lifting, sleeping position, showering or drain management.
11 Wound and drain care must be individualised
Some breast operations use drains and others do not. Drain duration and removal criteria vary by operation, surgeon and output pattern.
- How to empty and record the drain if one is used
- How to secure the tubing
- What output or colour changes to report
- How to protect the wound during washing
- When dressings should be changed
- Whether sutures require removal
- What level of arm movement is permitted
- Who to contact outside clinic hours
Do not publish a single drain-output threshold, shower date or exercise schedule as a universal rule.
12 Know which symptoms need urgent assessment
Before discharge, obtain written instructions that distinguish expected postoperative symptoms from signs requiring review.
- Rapid breast or chest-wall swelling
- Persistent or increasing bleeding
- New shortness of breath or chest pain
- Fainting or sudden severe weakness
- Fever with worsening redness, pain or discharge
- A painful or swollen leg
- New arm or hand swelling that is significant or worsening
- Wound opening or tissue colour change
- Drain dislodgement or sudden loss of function when a drain is required
- Any rapid deterioration
13 Plan rehabilitation and daily activity
Shoulder and arm recovery varies with the extent of breast and lymph-node surgery, reconstruction and complications. The clinical team should provide a procedure-specific rehabilitation plan.
- When gentle movement should begin
- Which movements are restricted
- Lifting limits
- Posture and breathing exercises
- When physiotherapy is indicated
- Symptoms that could suggest infection, nerve problems or lymphedema
- When work, driving and exercise may resume
Do not add a generic exercise video unless it has been approved for the relevant operation and reviewed by an appropriate clinician.
14 Prepare for the final pathology and next treatment decision
The operation does not complete the treatment-planning process. The final pathology may affect recommendations for chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, HER2-directed therapy or radiotherapy.
- Tumor size and histologic type
- Margins
- Lymph-node findings
- Grade
- ER, PR and HER2
- Response to treatment given before surgery
- Additional molecular or genetic tests when indicated
Before leaving Korea, clarify when the final pathology will be available, how it will be explained and how the treatment recommendation will be transferred to the home oncology team.
15 Plan return travel and airline clearance
Fitness to fly depends on the operation, reconstruction, wound condition, mobility, pain control, blood-clot risk, drains, oxygen needs and flight duration.
- Whether the treating clinician considers travel appropriate
- Whether a drain, wound device or recent major operation requires airline review
- Whether the airline requires a MEDIF or medical certificate
- Whether wheelchair or mobility assistance is needed
- How prescribed medicines and dressings will be carried
- How luggage and lifting will be managed
- Where urgent care will be obtained after arrival
Do not state that all patients are safe to fly after a fixed number of days. Confirm the operating airline’s current medical-assistance rules.
16 Take a complete transfer-of-care package home
The home-country team needs enough information to continue treatment without avoidable delay.
- English discharge summary
- Operation report
- Final pathology report and biomarker addenda
- Imaging reports and relevant DICOM files
- Reconstruction details, implant information or flap summary
- Medication list
- Wound and drain instructions
- Activity and rehabilitation plan
- Recommended oncology and radiotherapy timeline
- Contact route for non-emergency questions
- Itemised bill and receipts
Ask the Korean team which records will be available before departure and which may need to be sent later after finalisation.
17 Arrange continuity of cancer care before treatment
Cross-border treatment is safer when a qualified team at home is identified before surgery.
- Who will review final pathology
- Who will prescribe systemic treatment
- Where radiotherapy can be delivered
- Who will assess wounds or drains after return
- Who will manage rehabilitation and lymphedema concerns
- How urgent complications will be handled locally
- How Korean and local clinicians can exchange records
18 General travel preparation
Confirm current official requirements immediately before travel. Entry, medicine-import and airline rules can change.
- Passport, visa and entry requirements
- Electronic arrival declaration
- Rules for prescription and controlled medicines
- International card limits and payment arrangements
- Mobile data and reliable contact access
- Airport and hospital transport
- Travel-insurance exclusions for planned cancer treatment
- Accessibility and dietary needs
- Emergency contacts in Korea and at home
Official travel and entry links
Confirm current official requirements immediately before travel; rules can change. These are government and carrier sources, not part of Korea Breast Care.
- K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) (external link, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
- Korea electronic arrival declaration (e-Arrival Card) (external link, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
- Korea Customs Service (English) (external link, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — medication import (external link, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
- Airline medical assistance (example carrier) (external link, opens in a new tab)
Example carrier link. Always check the rules of the airline you will actually fly.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27
Frequently asked questions
Can Korea Breast Care tell me which operation I need?
No. The website can help you understand the questions and organise records, but the operation can be selected only after qualified clinicians review pathology, imaging, disease extent, biomarkers, health and treatment sequencing.
Do I need to send my pathology slides to Korea?
Not always. Begin by asking the receiving institution which documents and materials it needs. Some reviews may start with reports and images; others may require glass slides, unstained slides, a paraffin block or additional testing.
Can I arrange immediate reconstruction before travelling?
You can request an assessment, but immediate reconstruction cannot be confirmed in advance from preference alone. The cancer operation, possible radiotherapy, anatomy, health and postoperative-care plan must be reviewed together.
How long should I remain in Korea after surgery?
There is no universal stay. It depends on the operation, reconstruction, wound and drain care, pathology timing, complications, return flight and the availability of qualified care at home.
Can I fly home with a drain?
A drain does not automatically make flying possible or impossible. The treating team and operating airline must assess the device, wound, mobility, complications and need for medical clearance.
Related How a Review Works
Prepare your records before requesting a review
Prepare your records before requesting a review.
Tell us what has been confirmed, what treatment has already been discussed and what you want a Korean clinical team to review. Korea Breast Care will help you organise the information required for an appropriate specialist review.
Medical disclaimer
This page provides general educational and travel-preparation information. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, staging, a treatment recommendation or confirmation that treatment in Korea is appropriate. Breast-cancer decisions require individual review by qualified medical professionals. Urgent symptoms require local medical assessment. Korea Breast Care, operated by DYPHI, is not a hospital and does not provide surgery, pathology, prescribing, oncology treatment or emergency care.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27