Breast Cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Breast Cancer

When an abnormal mutation occurs in the DNA that is responsible to regulate cell growth, cancer occurs. Breast cancer is developed in the breast cells, which usually form in the lobules or the breast ducts. The milk-producing glands are known as lobules and the ducts are the routes through which the milk flows through the nipples. Cancer usually occurs in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue of the breast. If the cancers cells become uncontrollable, they can also invade the healthy cells.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Usually, when the cancer is at an early stage, no symptoms are seen. In several instances, the tumor in the breast may be too small to be felt. However, with the help of a mammogram, it can be detected. But remember, not all lumps are cancerous. Breasts cancers don’t usually display the same type of symptoms. Nevertheless, the most common signs are;

• Lump in the breast
• Pain in the breast
• Red or pitted skin tales over the breast
• Swelling in the breast
• Discharge from the nipple (not milk)
• Bloody nipple discharge
• Inverted nipple
• Lump or swelling under the arm
• Change in the shape and size of the breasts

When to See a Doctor?

If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor. Just because the symptoms are present, don’t worry. It may not be an indication of cancer, but medical intervention becomes necessary.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the Types of Breast Cancers?

• Angiosarcoma
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Invasive lobular carcinoma
• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
• Male breast cancer
• Paget's disease of the breast
• Recurrent breast cancer

What are the Risk Factors?

• Women are more likely to develop breast cancer when compared to men
• The risk of breast cancer increases with age
• If lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia is found in the breast the chances of breast cancer go up
• If you have a family history of breast cancer
• If you have inherited genes that cause breast cancer
• If you have been recently exposed to radiation
• Obesity
• If you have begun your periods at a young age
• If menopause occurs at an older age
• If you have your first child at an older age
• If you have never been pregnant
• If you have gone through postmenopausal hormone therapy
• If you consume too much alcohol

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Some of the tests that help with the diagnosis of breast cancer include;

Breast Exam: Your doctor will first check for any breasts or lymph nodes in the armpit

Mammogram: It is the X-ray of the breast

Breast Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be performed to check for any abnormalities

Breast biopsy: A biopsy is one of the definitive ways to diagnose breast cancer

MRI Scan:Breast MRI provides the exact image of any abnormalities in the breasts

How is Breast Cancer Treated?

Once breast cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will establish the extent of cancer. Based on that, the treatment will be administered. Generally, along with breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation therapy may be given. Some of the most common breast cancer surgeries are;

• Lumpectomy - Here, the tumour is removed with the help of a surgery
• Mastectomy - Removing the entire breast that’s infected by cancer
• Removing several lymph nodes
• Removing both breasts

Breast cancer may require breast reconstruction after the surgery. Therefore, you can talk to your doctor regarding all your queries before you proceed.

If you notice the symptom of breast cancer don’t panic, make sure you visit a doctor and seek necessary medical intervention.