Breast cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Pune

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is an invasive form of cancer that is common in women. It rarely occurs in men. This cancer develops in breast cells. Advances in research and awareness related to breast cancer have increased the survival rates of patients. The symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickened tissue in the breast or armpit, discharge from nipples, changes in the shape, texture of the nipples or the breast. Substantial support for awareness related to breast cancer has led to early detection, diagnosis, and a new personalized approach to treatment.

What is breast cancer?

Changes in genes that regulate cell growth called mutation are the cause of cancer. Such changes lead to the cells multiplying uncontrollably and invading other healthy cells. Breast cancer is cancer that develops in the cells of the breasts. It usually forms in the lobules or the ducts of the breasts. The glands that produce milk in the breasts are called lobules and the pathway that carries that milk from the lobules to the nipples is called the duct. Breast cancer can also develop in the fatty tissues and fibrous connective tissues.

The uncontrollable cell growth deprives the healthy cells around them of nutrients and energy. Hence, it spreads to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer leading to death after lung cancer in women.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The common symptoms of breast cancer are as follows:

• The first symptom of breast cancer is a lump in or around the breasts that were not existing earlier.
• Sudden change in the shape or size of the breast
• Changes in the skin around the breast or nipple like peeling, flaking or scaling.
• Bloody discharge from your nipple
• Redness or rash over the skin of your breast

What are the causes of breast cancer?

Breast cancer can begin with cells in milk-producing ducts or glandular tissues called lobules. In some cases, it can begin with other cells in the breast. The cells multiply at an abnormal rate which is more than normal healthy cells. This excessive cell growth uses the energy and nutrients from healthy cells and hence spreads to other parts of the body. The exact reasons causing breast cancer are not known but researchers have found that some lifestyle, hormonal and environmental factors increase your risks of having breast cancer.

When to see a doctor?

If you detect any lump or hardness in or around your breast, you must see a doctor and get yourself evaluated. Any kind of changes in the appearance of your breast should be reported to your doctor. Not all tumors are cancerous, but it is advisable to get yourself checked.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is breast cancer treated?

The option used for your treatment of breast cancer depends on the stage, size, and type of your cancer. Your other health factors are also considered. Some of the treatment options available are as follows:

• Breast cancer surgery: when the tumor and a small margin of healthy breast cells are removed, it is called a lumpectomy. It is usually performed if the tumors are small. In another procedure called mastectomy, your entire breast is removed through surgery. There are available options to improve the appearance of your breast after this surgery. If you are at a higher risk of developing cancer in other healthy breasts, then both the breasts are removed. A limited number of lymph nodes are removed through a surgical process called sentinel node biopsy. This procedure is preferred if the chances of cancer spreading to other lymph nodes are low. But in case, there are higher risks of spreading your breast cancer in other lymph nodes, then several additional nodes are removed and the process is called axillary lymph node dissection.
• Radiation therapy: this is performed by using high-powered beams of energy to kill cancer cells. Your doctor decides if this treatment option is suitable for you depending on the type and location of your tumor.
• Chemotherapy: this process uses drugs to destroy the fast-multiplying cells in your body. This is usually recommended if there are higher risks of recurrence of breast cancer.
• Hormone therapy: This process is used to treat breast cancer that is sensitive to hormones.

Conclusion:

Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women across the world. There has been an increase in awareness regarding breast cancer. You must self-examine the symptoms and see a doctor if you face any doubt. The risks of developing breast cancer increase with age. It is advisable to go for a timely mammogram.