What is Breast Cancer? Its causes, symptoms, and treatment
Dr. Dinesh Patel
Learn about breast cancer, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Understand early detection methods, risk factors, and advanced therapies to stay informed and proactive
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Introduction
Breast Cancer is one of the most widespread cancers affecting women in India. Every year, over 150,000 Indian women are diagnosed with this disease. Breast Cancer is a major health problem for women of all ages. Men in India are also affected by Breast Cancer, though far less than women are. While the numbers are alarming, there's hope. With early detection and proper treatment at the best hospital for Breast Cancer, many lives can be saved.
This blog aims to shed light on the severity, symptoms, and treatment choices for Breast Cancer, enabling women to take proactive steps for their health.
What is Breast Cancer?
Well, before we delve ahead – let us first understand – what is Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer is one of the most widespread Cancers that typically affect women and rarely in men. It arises when breast cancer cells multiply uncontrollably. Breast Cancer comes in diverse forms. The breast cells that develop into cancer define the type of Breast Cancer. Most Breast Cancers arise in the lobules or ducts. Blood and lymph vessels are two ways that Breast Cancer can travel outside of the breast. When Breast Cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is referred to as invasive.
On this note, let us proceed ahead to the next point – types of Breast Cancer.
Types of Breast Cancer
The most generic types of this cancer are
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
This cancer starts in the milk ducts and moves to the breast tissue nearby.
Lobular Breast Cancer
A milk-producing gland or lobule in the breast develops this type of Breast Cancer, which often spreads to surrounding regions of the breast.
Ductal carcinoma in situ
As with Ductal carcinoma, this type of Breast Cancer begins in the milk ducts. However, it does not spread outside the milk ducts.
Apart from the above – there are some less common types of Breast Cancer as
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer In comparison to other forms of Breast Cancer, this invasive cancer is aggressive and spreads quickly.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer This uncommon, quickly spreading cancer resembles a breast rash.
Paget’s disease of the breast This rare cancer attacks the skin that covers the nipple and might show up as a rash.
Avoid/Quit Smoking
Why should one avoid smoking? Kidney issues are more prevalent in smokers. Smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate. It causes blood clot formation and fatty deposits in the blood vessels. All these may raise the risk of kidney problems. It also increases your chances of developing kidney cancer. Quitting will help you to prevent all these risks. We are known as the best oncology hospital in the region, providing both preventive and therapeutic ways to keep your kidneys healthy.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
This medical condition may affect the breasts in several ways. Some Breast Cancer symptoms are very unique. Some changes might appear as unusual breast areas that stand out from the rest. Also, Breast Cancer may not exhibit any symptoms at all. However, when it does, the following symptoms may occur:
- A tumor or lump that can feel as tiny as a pea.
- A variation in the proportions, form, or shape of the breast.
- A lump or swelling that stays through the menstrual cycle in the breast area or under the arms.
- A change in the texture or look of the skin surrounding the breasts or nipples.
- The skin may appear dimpled, wrinkled, inflamed, or scaly.
- It may appear darker, redder, or purple than other areas of the breast.
- A solid, marble-like area beneath the skin.
- A clear or blood-stained fluid leaks from the nipple.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer occurs when breast cells change and become cancerous cells, which grow and multiply to form tumors. However, what triggers this change is not known. According to research, various risk factors may raise the chances of getting Breast Cancer. These are
Gender
Women are more likely to have Breast Cancer compared to men.
Age
People above the age of 55 and beyond.
Genetics
In as many as 15% of cases, genetic abnormalities may lead to the growth of Breast Cancer.
Family history
If the siblings, parents, children, or any other close relatives have Breast Cancer, the risk of having the disease is very high.
Drinking Alcohol
Consuming alcohol may raise the risk of Breast Cancer
Smoking
Tobacco is a key cause of most types of cancer, including this one.
Obesity
Obesity too – is one of the primary causes of Breast Cancer.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users are more likely to have this cancer.
Radiation exposure
If a person has already undergone radiation therapy, particularly to the head, neck, or chest, they are more likely to have Breast Cancer.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
To identify whether the symptoms are caused by Breast Cancer or a harmless breast issue, a Breast Cancer specialist in Ahmedabad at Devasya Hospital will do a thorough physical exam along with a breast exam. They do the below tests to identify the condition.
- Physical examination
- Mammograms
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging scan.
- Breast ultrasound.
- Breast biopsy.
- Genetic tests
Before we explore the treatment of Breast Cancer – it is vital to know that Breast Cancer has different stages. It depends on several factors like tumor size, cancer type, and its location, and also whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Stage 0
Since the condition hasn't spread beyond the breast ducts to other areas of the breast, it is noninvasive.
Stage 1
Presence of cancerous cells near the breast tissues.
Stage 2
Cancer cells form tumors. These tumors can be smaller than 2 cm and have spread to underarm lymph nodes. They can also be larger than 5 cm without lymph node involvement. Tumors at this stage may measure between 2 and 5 cm and may or may not affect adjacent lymph nodes.
Stage 3
The cancer has advanced to the adjacent tissues and lymph nodes. This stage is often known as the locally advanced type of Breast Cancer.
Stage 4
In this stage, the disease has spread from the breast to other parts like the liver, bones, lungs, or brain.
Treatment of Breast Cancer
After diagnosis, and knowing the stage of Breast Cancer, let us understand how and what are the treatment options for Breast Cancer. The treatment depends on the stage of Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer surgery is the primary treatment option. There are several types of surgery, and they are
Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast.
Lumpectomy - retains most of the breast while removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
Chemotherapy – It is one of the most common treatments to cure Breast Cancer. It is often used before or after the surgery.
Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy uses high-powered X-rays to kill or damage cancerous cells in the breast.
Hormone Therapy – Hormones may stimulate the growth of tumors. So, hormone therapy removes the hormones that malignant cells require to grow.
In the End
Breast Cancer is scary, but it can be beaten. In recent times, early-stage Breast Cancer is becoming more prevalent, which is easier to cure, and fewer people are dying from it. Getting the best Breast Cancer treatment at the right time is vital. Opting for the best hospital for Breast Cancer like Devasya Hospital can improve the chances of successful treatment and long-term recovery from this disease. Thousands of Breast Cancer survivors prove that this disease can be won by getting the proper treatment at the right time. There is hope!