Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer


Breast Cancer Treatment in India

Breast cancer treatment is done to cure breast cancer, which is counted as one of the most common and most invasive kind cancers present worldwide in women and the leading cause of death of women. As the terminology states, Breast cancer develops in the breast cells whose growth is regulated due to several mutations occurring in the genes and multiplying at an exponential rate. This leads to the formation of a tumor.

In breast cancer, the cancer is present in lobules, which are the milk-producing glands in the women breast or in the ducts of the breast, which are tube-like structure taking the milk produced from the glands to the nipple. Breast Cancer can also be present in the fatty tissue of the breast or the fibrous connective tissue within your breast. Breast Cancer is most prevalent amongst women, however, anyone with breast tissue can suffer from breast cancer and would require breast cancer treatment. Therefore, men are susceptible to breast cancer cases, but in extremely rare cases. 

breast cancer treatment

Cancer occurs when changes called mutations take place in genes that regulate cell growth. The mutations let the cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is cancer that develops in breast cells. Typically, the cancer forms in either the lobules or the ducts of the breast. Lobules are the glands that produce milk, and ducts are the pathways that bring the milk from the glands to the nipple. Cancer can also occur in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within your breast.

The uncontrolled cancer cells often invade other healthy breast tissue and can travel to the lymph nodes under the arms. The lymph nodes are a primary pathway that help the cancer cells move to other parts of the body. See pictures and learn more about the structure of the breast.

breast cancer treatment

Causes of Breast Cancer

A tumor is present as a result of the accumulation of cancer cells which grow as a result of DNA mutation of these “once upon a time” healthy cells. Mutations progress and develop over time. Other mutations are caused due to inherent reasons and environmental exposure. The exact cause may sometimes not be clear, however several risks trigger the growth of cancer cells leading to breast cancer. They are:

Gender and Age: The chances of breast cancer in women are high, especially with women in the late 40's and early 50's and require diagnosis and breast cancer treatment.

Hereditary: If an immediate family person, especially blood relation has had a history of breast cancer, chances are it would be passed on.

Defects in Gene: Women with defects in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are more vulnerable to breast cancer. The probability of them getting breast cancer is as high as 65%.

Dense Breast Tissue: Chances of breast cancer developing in women is higher with a higher density of breast tissue 

Ethnicity: It has been observed that white women are more vulnerable to breast cancer Asian, Hispanic, and African American women. However, African-American women develop breast cancer at a relatively younger age and have a greater chance of death than American women.

Hormones: Women who had their menstrual periods started before the age of 12 and also women with late menopause (after 55) have a greater risk of getting breast cancer.

Weight: Women who are obese after menopause have a higher risk of breast cancer due to the higher discharge of estrogen.

Inherited Breast Cancer

According to doctors worldwide, 5-10% are linked to gene mutations and are inherited. A number of gene mutations are passed through generations of a family. These mutated genes can increase the likelihood of breast cancer. The  well-known breast cancer gene 1 and 2 i.e. BRCA1 and BRCA2. Both on them increase the Irish of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. If you have a history of cancer in the family, the doctor might recommend a blood test to identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that you are being passed through your family.

Can men also have chances to get breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. It is especially important for men to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so that they can detect it early and have a chance of survival. The American Cancer Society states that the risk of breast cancer in men is less than one percent. The most common sign of breast cancer in men is a lump in the breast, which is often found when a man feels a hard mass in his chest. Other signs include an abnormal discharge from the nipple, nipple pain, and a change in the size or shape of the breast.

Although breast cancer is more common in women, men can also get breast cancer. It is important to remember that men are more likely to get breast cancer than women. One of the risk factors for men is having a personal history of breast cancer in the family, which can also be passed down through genetics. The risk of getting breast cancer is also increased if a man has a personal history of certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Breast cancer is a very scary and serious illness. It is important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can be prepared and take the necessary steps to help yourself. In order to help you better understand, here are some of the most common symptoms of breast cancer in men.

What are the Breast cancer symptoms in men?

Breast cancer is common cancer in women. However, it is estimated that 1 in every 8 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Men are often confused about what the symptoms of breast cancer are, and this is because there are a lot of myths about men and breast cancer.

Breast cancer symptoms in men are often confused with other health issues. Many men have no idea that they are at risk for breast cancer, or that they can benefit from early detection and treatment. In order to help men avoid the confusion and uncertainty of breast cancer symptoms, here are some signs to look out for:

  • A lump in their breast
  • Swelling in their breast
  • Change in skin texture or appearance
  • Change in nipple or breast size
  • Change in breast shape
  • Fluid leaking from their nipple
  • Pain in their chest, back, or neck.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

There are not many noticeable symptoms of breast cancer in the early stages which can be seen. However, in later stages. most breast cancer symptoms are observed in the form of change in the shape and size of the breast. However, the kinds and the magnitude of these symptoms vary from one woman to another. Here are the most common signs of breast cancer in women.

  • A lump in the breast or armpit, which can be present with or without pain.
  • Discharge from the nipples
  • Change in the shape and size of the breast, such as swelling, shrinkage
  • Dimpling or redness of the breast skin. Most commonly present with an orange peel appearance
  • Flattening or inverting nipples
  • Sore nipple(s)
  • Breast Pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Types of Breast Cancer

There are various types of breast cancer. Some are common, while there are also combinations of cancers. Some of the most common types of cancer are as follows:

Ductal carcinoma in situ: The cells lining the duct line change and become cancerous. DCIS is non-invasive breast cancer and can be cured to a great extent if detected early.

Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most common form of breast cancer which starts in a duct of the breast and invading the surrounding tissue. Stats show that about 80% of invasive breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinoma.

Invasive lobular carcinoma: This type of breast cancer develops in the lobules. These are not as common as invasive ductal carcinoma. Only 10% of invasive breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinoma.

Less common types include:

  • Inflammatory breast cancer
  • Phyllodes tumors of the breast
  • Paget's disease of the nipple
  • Metastatic breast cancer

 

 

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

To determine if your symptoms are caused by breast cancer or a benign breast condition, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam in addition to a breast exam. They may also request one or more diagnostic tests to help understand what’s causing your symptoms.

Tests that can help diagnose breast cancer include:

Mammogram

The most common way to see below the surface of your breast is with an imaging test called a mammogram. Many women aged 40 and older get annual mammograms to check for breast cancer. If your doctor suspects you may have a tumor or suspicious spot, they will also request a mammogram. If an abnormal area is seen on your mammogram, your doctor may request additional tests.

Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the tissues deep in your breast. An ultrasound can help your doctor distinguish between a solid mass, such as a tumor, and a benign cyst. Your doctor may also suggest tests such as an MRI or a breast biopsy. Learn about other tests that can be used to detect breast cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This body scan uses a magnet linked to a computer to create detailed images of the insides of your breasts.

Biopsy

For this test, the doctor removes tissue or fluid from your breast. They look at it under a microscope to check for if cancer cells and, if they’re there, learn which type they are. Common procedures include:

  • Fine-needle aspiration
  • Core-needle biopsy
  • Surgical (open) biopsy
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • Image-guided biopsy

Breast Cancer Treatment

There are several kinds of Breast cancer treatment that are present which are chosen, alone or in combination. They depend on the type & stage of breast cancer, age, personal preferences and sensitivity towards certain hormones. Here are the most common forms of breast cancer treatment that are either in the form of breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Lumpectomy is the most common form of breast cancer surgery which is successfully able to preserve the breast. It is commonly performed on patients with early stages of breast cancer. The surgeon cuts through the breast area to remove the tumor as well as some part of breast tissue. The cut is then sealed with stitches or sutures. 

A mastectomy is another breast cancer surgery where the full breast is removed as a result of heavy tumor present. In some cases, the skin may be preserved while only the nipple is removed. 

Chemotherapy is another common form of breast cancer treatment which is done over several weeks via administration of drugs via several kinds of injections to kill the cancer cells: drugs intravenously (IV), intra-arterially (IA), or via intraperitoneal (IP)

Radiotherapy is a breast cancer treatment that uses radiation in the diseased area. This also requires several weeks to make the treatment effective.

Targeted drug therapy includes administering the patient with a number of drugs that will particularly hit the cancer cells and its constituents. The treatment is usually performed in combination with chemotherapy.

breast cancer treatment

Breast Cancer Survival Rate

The breast cancer treatment and early breast cancer diagnosis usually give the women a breast cancer survival rate of 100% since it is not very severe. However, the breast cancer survival rate at later stages such as stage 4 breast cancer is 22% after surviving for about 4-5 years.

breast cancer treatment

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India

India has now become a hub of most medical treatment owing to the top-notch cancer surgeons along with the premium hospitals and the amenities like breast cancer screening & breast cancer treatment. The breast cancer treatment in India is cost-effective in comparison to the much expensive treatment in countries like USA, UK, Australia.

How long does breast cancer treatment take?

Breast cancer treatment takes several weeks, and many people have medical coverage that pays for most or all of the cost if you have health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The duration of your treatment will also vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and stage of your tumor, the type of surgery planned, whether or not chemotherapy is used, and whether or not you receive radiation therapy.

Although it varies, the average length of time a woman will remain in treatment for breast cancer and its treatments is about six months.

Breast cancer treatments can take from three months up to a year or longer to complete. During this time, your body may experience changes such as swelling, pain, and the formation of a scar.

Treatment for breast cancer can change over time, depending on the stage of your illness and other factors. In general, most women are diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage, which is when the disease has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. The duration of treatment depends on many factors including the type of treatment used and the patient’s overall health.

The average breast cancer treatment time can be a little over a year, though the length of each treatment cycle varies.

Breast cancer treatment takes many forms and lasts a lifetime. Most therapies target the cells that make breast cancer tumors, known as cancer cells. Doctors may prescribe specific medications and radiation therapy to shrink large tumors and remove them.

Breast cancers can take treatments of all different lengths of time, ranging from a few days to several months. Your doctor will have you watch closely while you’re undergoing treatment; they may even tell you when they think you will begin experiencing symptoms of cancer returning (coming back).

If a woman has breast cancer, the treatment will last anywhere from two to four weeks. The first round of treatment may be shorter or longer depending on the type of breast cancer treatment she needs and how many times she's received radiation or chemotherapy in the past. After treatment, women can still wear a supportive bra to help prevent sagging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reduce the chances of breast cancer?

The likelihood of getting breast cancer depends on how often a woman gets it or her family's history of it. However, there are many things you can do to lower your chances of getting breast cancer.
By assessing your risk factors in terms of age, family history of breast cancer, and other personal characteristics and lifestyle habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and limiting radiation exposure, as well as taking advantage of available screening options.

What is the part of the high risk for breast cancer?

The most common risk factors for breast cancer are a personal history of the disease and a family history of certain genetic disorders that increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
The most important risk factors for breast cancer are the same as for other types of cancer: Tobacco use, especially smoking.
Breast cancer risk is largely influenced by your age, family history, risk factors, and breast care.

Do reproduction and menstrual history increase the breast cancer risk?

Yes, a woman's breast cancer risk may be increased by childbirth and menstruation. Research has shown that once women have one child under age 20, their risk of breast cancer increases by 12% to 25%. Before menopause, they also have an increased risk due to the influence of estrogen on breast tissue. Reproductive history and menstrual cycle changes may increase the risk of breast cancer in women with positive family history.