Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast Cancer Treatment In Agra
Defeat breast cancer with the help of our Breast Cancer Specialist
The breast is made up of different types of tissue, which sit on top of the pectoralis major muscle over the ribcage. Within the fatty tissue of the breast is a network of lobes, made up of tiny, tube-like structures called lobules that contain milk glands. Lactiferous ducts connects the lobes, glands, and lobules to carry milk to the nipple, located in the middle of the areola, the darker area that surrounds the nipple. Lymph vessels also run through the breast, and connect to axillary lymph nodes, tiny, bean-shaped organs that are found in groupings in various parts of the body, including the armpits.
About Breast Cancer
Cancer begins when healthy cells in the breast change and grow out of control, forming a mass or sheet of cells called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or noncancerous, also called benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but has not spread.
This guide covers both non-invasive (stage 0) as well as early-stage and locally advanced invasive breast cancer, which includes stages I, II, and III. The stage of breast cancer describes how much the cancer has grown, and if or where it has spread.
Although breast cancer most commonly spreads to nearby lymph nodes, in which case the breast cancer is still considered a local or regional disease, it can also spread further through the body through the blood vessels and/or lymph nodes to areas such as the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. This is called metastatic or stage IV breast cancer and is the most advanced stage of the disease. However, the involvement of nearby lymph nodes alone is generally not stage IV breast cancer. Learn more about metastatic breast cancer in a separate guide on this website.
If breast cancer comes back after initial treatment, it can recur locally, meaning in the same breast and/or regional lymph nodes. It can also recur elsewhere in the body, called a distant recurrence or metastatic recurrence.
TYPES OF BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer can be invasive or non-invasive. Invasive breast cancer is cancer that spreads into surrounding tissues and/or distant organs. Non-invasive breast cancer does not go beyond the milk ducts or lobules in the breast. About 80% of breast cancer is invasive cancer, and about 20% is non-invasive cancer. There are multiple types of breast cancers, which are classified based on how they look under a microscope.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).This is a non-invasive cancer (stage 0) that is located only in the duct and has not spread outside the duct.
- Invasive or infiltrating ductal carcinoma.This is cancer that has spread outside of the ducts. It is the most common type of invasive breast cancer.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma.This is a type of breast cancer that has spread outside of the lobules.
- Inflammatory breast cancer, which is an aggressive type of cancer that accounts for about 1% to 5% of all invasive breast cancers.
Paget’s disease is a rare type of cancer in the skin of the nipple or in the skin closely surrounding the nipple. It begins in the ducts of the nipple, then spreads to the nipple surface and the areola (dark circle of skin around the nipple). The nipple and areola often become scaly, red, itchy, and irritated. Often, Paget’s disease is mistaken for eczema or an infection before the correct diagnosis is made. Although it is usually non-invasive, it can also be an invasive cancer. It is usually found with an underlying breast cancer.
RISK FACTORS
The following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing breast cancer:
- The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with most cancers developing after age 50. The median age for developing breast cancer is 63.
- Personal history of breast cancer.A woman who has had breast cancer in 1 breast has a higher risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast.
- Family history of breast cancer
- Personal history of ovarian cancer.BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations
- Early menstruation and late menopause
- Timing of pregnancy. Having a first pregnancy after age 35 or if you’ve never had a full-term pregnancy brings a higher risk of breast cancer. Pregnancy may help protect against breast cancer because it pushes breast cells into their final phase of maturation.
- Hormone replacement therapy after menopause.Using hormone therapy with both estrogen and progestin after menopause, often called hormone replacement therapy, within the past 5 years or for several years increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Oral contraceptives or birth control pills.Some studies suggest that oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, while others have shown no link between the use of oral contraceptives and development of breast cancer.
- Race and ethnicity.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
- Lifestyle factors.As with other types of cancer, studies continue to show that various lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of breast cancer.
- Recent studies have shown that being post-menopausal and being overweight or obese brings an increased risk of breast cancer. There is also a higher risk of the cancer coming back after treatment.
- Physical activity.A lower amount of physical activity is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and a higher risk of having the cancer come back after treatment.
- Current research suggests that having more than 1 to 2 servings of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, per day raises the risk of breast cancer. General recommendations are typically to limit your alcohol intake to 3 to 4 servings per week.
- There is no reliable research that confirms that eating or avoiding specific foods increases the risk of developing breast cancer or having the cancer come back after treatment. However, eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer animal fats is linked with many health benefits, including a slight decrease in the risk of breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure at a young age.Exposure to ionizing radiation at a young age may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. For example, therapeutic radiation to the chest for Hodgkin lymphoma may increase breast cancer risk in both breasts.
Mammogram (breast X-ray)
In the event of detecting an anomaly during your routine screening mammogram, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram for a more in-depth evaluation. Utilizing X-rays, this advanced imaging technique is specifically designed to detect and analyze abnormalities in breast tissue. Mammograms play a pivotal role in the early detection of breast cancer, making them a standard and effective screening tool in breast cancer treatment. Trust our comprehensive approach to prioritize your breast health.
Breast MRI
Physicians recommend a breast MRI for patients, involving the administration of a dye injection before the procedure. This MRI technique employs magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of the interior of your breast. Notably, unlike other imaging tests, an MRI does not rely on radiation for image creation. Experience a radiation-free diagnostic approach with a breast MRI, ensuring a thorough examination of breast health.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound involves capturing images of internal body locations using sound waves. This non-invasive technique is particularly useful in determining the nature of a new breast lump, distinguishing between a solid mass and a fluid-filled cyst. Trust ultrasound for detailed insights into your breast health.
Biopsy
Experience a precise diagnostic procedure as a skilled doctor delicately inserts a thin needle into your breast, extracting a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope. To enhance accuracy during subsequent testing, our doctors strategically leave behind markers or dyes, ensuring comprehensive and thorough analysis. Trust our advanced techniques for meticulous breast health assessments.
Surgery
Our surgeons are expertly trained in several different options for removing breast cancer cells through surgery.
Chemotherapy
A group of drugs is used in chemotherapy to prevent cancer from spreading. Depending on the cancer stage, the drugs can be delivered by vein or catheter.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Depending on your cancer type and location, radiation therapy can be used externally or internally.
Biological treatment
The biological treatment uses your body’s immune system to fight against cancer. It works by stimulating your immune system or introducing new organisms that destroy cancer cells.
BREAST SURGERY FAQ's
Breast cancer surgery plays a pivotal role in removing cancerous tissue and preventing the spread of the disease. Understanding its importance helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment journey.
Determining the need for breast cancer surgery involves a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. Your medical history, diagnostic test results, and consultation with an oncologist guide the decision-making process. Schedule an appointment for a personalized assessment.
We provide a range of breast cancer surgeries tailored to individual needs. These may include lumpectomy, mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. Understanding the nuances of each option is crucial, and our team will guide you through the decision-making process.
Recovery post-surgery varies based on the type of procedure. Generally, patients can expect a healing period with follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Our team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and support throughout the recovery journey.
While surgery is a common and effective treatment for breast cancer, alternative approaches may be considered based on individual cases. These could include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies. Our comprehensive approach involves assessing all viable options to ensure the best outcome for each patient.
