Breast Cancer
Overview
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can invade nearby tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. It can also occur in men, but this is rare.
There are several types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. The type and stage of breast cancer determine the treatment options and prognosis.
Symptoms
Breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, and it is often detected through routine screening tests such as mammography. However, some possible symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
- Changes in breast size or shape.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in the breast.
- Skin irritation, dimpling, or puckering.
- Nipple changes, such as nipple discharge, inversion, or retraction.
- Pain in the breast or nipple area.
It is important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions, but any changes in the breast should be checked by a healthcare professional. Additionally, some breast cancers may not cause any symptoms at all, which is why regular breast cancer screening is important, particularly for women over the age of 50 or those with a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Treatments
The treatment of breast cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. The following are some common treatments for breast cancer:
- Surgery: The primary treatment for most breast cancers involves surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. In some cases, a mastectomy, or the removal of the entire breast, may be necessary.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is often used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is typically used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, or in combination with radiation therapy.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, meaning that they require hormones to grow. It involves the use of drugs that block or reduce the effects of estrogen or progesterone in the body.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that specifically target cancer cells, while sparing healthy cells. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
In addition to these treatments, there are also clinical trials available for new and innovative treatments for breast cancer. It is important to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for each individual patient.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast.
- Lump
- skin changes
- pain
- discharge
- swelling
