Overview

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Breast cancer can affect both women and men, although it is much more common in women. It is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide.

There are several types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma (arising in the milk ducts), lobular carcinoma (starting in the milk-producing glands), and less common types like inflammatory breast cancer and Paget's disease of the nipple.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial for early prevention because it enables individuals to recognise changes in their breasts and seek medical attention promptly. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and improves outcomes, potentially saving lives through early intervention and appropriate medical care.

- Lumps- Lumps in the breast are one of the first signs of the medical issue. The lumps can also be formed due to medical conditions such as fibrocystic breasts and cysts. They make a breast lumpy, sore, and tender. The affected patient is advised to get a proper medical checkup to ensure the exact reason for the lumps.
- Swelling- Swelling in the breast is another highly-found symptom. It happens due to the clogging of lymphatic vessels. The growth of abnormal cells in these vessels clogs them, leading to swelling and redness. If a female finds abnormal and painful swelling in the breasts, it is advised to get the condition checked by professional medical help. The situation also dimples the skin, making it look saggy and wrinkled.
- Redness- Reddening of nipple skin is also one of the breast cancer symptoms. It can happen due to inflammatory or non-inflammatory forms of the cancer. Redness of the skin can also be accompanied by irritation and flaky skin if not treated in the beginning stages.
- Pain- It is a rare symptom observed during the disease. If pain persists in the nipples or the whole breast, it can happen due to changes in the skin cells. Prolonged breast pain should not be ignored and immediately get checked by a professional medic.

Helpful Steps for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

One of the biggest reasons for the swift multiplying of cancerous cells is ignorance of symptoms. Breast cancer is a form of disease that does not show many symptoms, but in case of the slightest signs, it is advised to assure it with a doctor.

- Imaging Tests- Mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs, and breast imaging tests are some ways that can help a patient be sure of the condition. These tests also help in the early detection of the disease and begin the medication and treatment to avoid worsening the fatal disease.
- Biopsy- Another step that can help to confirm the blurry symptoms of the disease is a biopsy. The procedure is performed after a few changes are detected in the breast imaging tests.
- Self-Examination- Self-examination to identify the seed of the symptom is one of the most vital things for early disease detection. Methods such as dimpling and sagging of breast skin, flaky or redness of the nipple skin, or lumps near the breast or underarm can be identified by the patient when observed closely.

Methods to Cure Breast Cancer

Selecting the suitable method to cure the cancer depends upon the type of cancer the patient is affected by. Many types of treatment can help get rid of cancerous cells, mentioned below are a few of them:

- Surgery- Surgery acts as a last resort to cure the issue. It involves cutting off the dangerous tissue affected due to cancerous cells. Surgery has a high chance of reversing the disorder and lowering the events of the re-occurrence of the symptoms.
- Chemotherapy- Breast cancer prevention medication given to the patient is known as chemotherapy. The method involves the use of medicines to kill the cancerous cells. The medication can be shown as tablets or directly inducing the drugs in a patient's veins.
- Hormonal Therapy- Another form of therapy that can cease the growth of cancerous cells is hormonal therapy. It helps to block the access of hormones to the cancerous cells they need to grow and multiply.
- Targeted therapy- These drugs specifically target certain characteristics or mutations in cancer cells to inhibit their growth or block specific pathways involved in cancer progression.
- Immunotherapy- This treatment helps the body's immune system recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively.
- Radiation Therapy- Another highly-opted method to lower the production of damaging cancer cells is radiation therapy. The procedure involves using high-beam rays to kill cancer cells.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Oncology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a commonly found form of cancer in women. Early detection of signs can help to lower the damage. Proper tests help identify the correct form of treatment to reverse the disorder as soon as possible.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/advances-in-breast-cancer-diagnosis-and-treatment/
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm
- https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8579.00.pdf