Noticing a lump or change in your breast can be scary. Most women’s first thoughts in this situation can be: " Is it breast cancer? Not every lump in breast tissue suggests cancer, but you should know the symptoms and if anything feels off, be sure to get it checked out.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Fortunately, advances in screening, early detection, and treatment have improved survival rates. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors can help detect the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.
In this blog, we will focus on the symptoms of breast cancer and also its types, causes, how it is diagnosed, the various treatment options and how it can be prevented.
What is Breast Cancer?
Our body constantly develops newer cells to replace older cells. For some reason, certain types of cells in the breast start developing in an unusual and unconstrained way. Eventually, these cells can form an abnormal aggregation, a tumor, and potentially be cancerous.
Breast cancer develops in the milk ducts and the glands that produce milk in the breast, most commonly. When breast cancer is not detected and treated, it most often affects adjacent lymph nodes and metastasizes to other organs in the body. There is a necessity for regular screenings and a necessity to be observant of the changes in the breast.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
A common misunderstanding surrounding breast cancer is that it's always accompanied by pain. In fact, many women have early-stage breast cancer without pain at all. The disease shows itself in many other ways.
A lump in the breast or in the underarm
This is probably the most noticeable early sign. Although the vast majority of lumps in the breast are harmless, any new lumps at all need to be checked.
Change in breast shape or size
Breasts are not immune to sudden changes. If a lack of reason causes one or more breasts to change in shape or size, it is worth the time to get it checked.
Change in the texture of breast skin
Breast skin may become dimpled, and thickened or develop a texture to breast skin that is similar to that of an orange peel.
Changes in nipples
Ignoring inward turning, crusting, or discharge (especially if bloody) of nipples is inexcusable.
Changes in the breast that may cause breast cancer
Breast swelling or continuous warm or red breast may denote an aggressive form of breast cancer.
Breast pain
Breast pain most often is linked to non-cancerous conditions, but ongoing pain in one specific area needs evaluation.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is complex. Treatment may differ for the various types.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
DCIS is an early, non-invasive form of breast cancer. Cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
IDC is the most common type of breast cancer. IDC begins in the milk ducts but is invasive to the surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
ILC begins in breast tissues that house the milk and may invade surrounding tissues.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer is an invasive and aggressive cancer type. Because hormone therapy is ineffective, this cancer type is treated differently.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
HER2-Positive breast cancer is also invasive, but an excess of the HER2 protein is the cause. Because of this, the cancer is responsive to many targeted treatment options.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
This type of breast cancer is rare, invasive and aggressive. This type causes an enlarged, reddened breast with thickened skin and lacks cancerous lumps.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Stage IV breast cancer refers to cancer that has systemic involvement and metastasized to distant organs, including the lungs, liver, bones and brain.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Many people want to know why breast cancer happens. Certain breast cancer cases have multiple contributing factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and hormones.
Breast Cancer and Causes
There are some risk factors that you can’t change, and some that you can.
- Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Aging
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Family history of breast cancer
- Dense breast tissue
- BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Breast cancer that develops during or after menopause
- Little to no physical activity
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Using hormone replacement therapy for a long time
- Giving birth later in life or not having a first pregnancy
You can have one or multiple of these risk factors and still not develop breast cancer. Knowing these factors helps people to be more health-conscious.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Multiple tests validate breast cancer diagnoses after suspicion.
Clinical Breast Examination
In-person evaluations help find lumps or noticeable physiological changes.
Mammography
Mammograms are specific breast X-rays, capable of detecting cancer prior to noticeable symptoms.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound is utilized to determine mass characteristics.
Breast MRI
High-risk and complex patients are often assessed with breast MRIs.
Breast Biopsy
Biopsies are diagnostic tests that confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Genetic Testing
Considering a patient’s family history, extensive evaluations may be warranted.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Contemporary treatments for breast cancer are exceptionally tailored. Strategies are dependent on the variety and grade of the cancer, in addition to the physical condition of the patient.
Surgery
Surgery is typically the first component of the treatment.
Lumpectomy: Preserves the majority of the breast structure.
Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast.
Radiation Therapy
Post-surgery, there is always a risk that a cancer cell is left behind. Radiation treatment is necessary to eliminate any potential cells that may cause the cancer to spread.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a highly aggressive and impactful medication that destroys cancer throughout the entire human body.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone Therapy is designed to block the cancer growth hormones.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted Therapy is designed to attack cancer-related proteins with the use of medications.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is used minimally to strengthen the body's defense system against fighting cancer.
Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?
Prevention of breast cancer cannot be assured. However, the following habits may be instrumental in lowering the possibility of diagnosis.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Limit alcohol
- Avoid smoking
- Breastfeed
- Attend routine breast screenings
- Be familiar with how your breasts look and feel
Healthier habits, as referenced, may improve the overall health of your breasts and increase the possibility of detecting breast cancer sooner.
Conclusion
Breast cancer can make anyone panic; however, the more you know, the more you can combat the issues. By knowing the symptoms of breast cancer and the risk factors, you will be able to identify issues and mitigate the cause during the process.
It is also important to be aware that the most effective way to eliminate breast cancer is to catch it early on, this is why you should be monitoring your self-breast exams. As the years go on, this disease is becoming more and more treatable.
It is very important to consult with your medical professional if you see any changes in your breasts. Dr. Pooja Babbar is the best oncologist in Gurgaon and will be able to offer you the best plans for breast cancer treatment.
