Breast cancer is a disorder where some breast cells proliferate rapidly. Breast cancer cells have the potential to proliferate uncontrolled indefinitely, giving rise to tumor cells. Men can also develop it, even though women are more likely to do so. It may generally be detected by any alteration in the breast’s texture, appearance, or discomfort. In this blog post, we are going to deep dive into an overview of all types of breast cancer, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Table of Contents
What is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer forms in the tissue of your breast. A lump of tissue (tumor) is produced when breast cells mutation (alter) and expand out of control. It can spread to the tissue surrounding your breast, much like other types of cancer. It can also spread to other parts of the body and cause the growth of additional malignancies. The medical word for this is metastasis.
Types of Breast Cancer
Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma: This cancer starts in your breast’s milk ducts, breaks through the duct wall, and then spreads to the adjacent breast tissue. This is the most prevalent kind of breast cancer, accounting for around 80% of all occurrences.
Ductal cancer in situ: Ductal carcinoma in situ, also known as Stage 0 breast cancer, is regarded by some as precancerous since the cells haven’t moved past your milk ducts. This illness is remarkably curable. Immediate therapy is necessary to prevent the cancer from becoming invasive and spreading to other tissues.
Invasive (infiltrating) lobular cancer: Your breast’s lobules, where breast milk is produced, are the origin of this malignancy, which has since migrated to nearby breast tissue.
Lobular carcinoma in situ is a precancerous disease characterized by abnormal cells in the lobules of your breast. Although it isn’t genuine cancer, this sign may point to a later risk of breast cancer. Because of this, it’s essential for women with lobular carcinoma in situ to get regular mammograms and clinical breast exams.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): This type is one of the most difficult to treat which makes up about 15% of cases generally. Because it lacks three of the indicators linked to other kinds of breast cancer, it is known as TNBC. This makes diagnosis and therapy challenging.
Inflammatory breast cancer: This particular type of cancer is rare, severe, and infectious-looking. Breast skin dimpling, pitting, and swelling are common signs of inflammatory breast cancer. Obstructive cancer cells in the lymphatic channels beneath the skin cause it.
Paget’s disease of the breast: Your nipple’s skin and the skin around it, known as the areola, are both affected by this malignancy.
Causes of Breast Cancer
When certain breast cells proliferate uncontrollably, breast cancer occurs. These cells divide more quickly than healthy cells do creating a lump or bulk. Breast cancer cells may metastatically move to your lymph nodes or other organs. The milk-producing duct cells frequently play a role in the development of breast cancer, also known as invasive ductal carcinoma. It can begin in various cells or tissues inside the breast, including the glandular tissue known as lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma).
According to research, a person’s way of life, hormones, and environmental factors are all linked to their chance of developing it. Uncertainty surrounds the reasons why some individuals with risk factors never get cancer while others with risk factors do. Most likely, a complicated combination between your environment and genetic makeup causes it. A higher risk of breast cancer has been related to the following factors:
- Being Female
- Increasing Age
- History of breast conditions
- A family history of breast cancer
- Obesity
- Radiation Exposure
- Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
- Overconsumption of alcohol
Diagnosis
A physical examination is typically performed to diagnose it. You can also opt for the best breast cancer treatment hospitals in India for your diagnosis and treatment with renowned doctors. The following tests may be suggested by doctors when symptoms are present:
- Mammogram
- Biopsy
- Breast Ultrasound
- Ultrasound of Lymph Nodes
- Blood Tests
- Breast MRI Scans
Breast cancer has a very high survival rate and a significant possibility of making it through the intermediate stages if detected early. Because the odds of success and long life drastically decrease from the advancing phases, early identification, and treatment can save many lives.
Treatment
Oncologists use a comprehensive strategy for breast cancer treatment in India. The kind, grade, and stage of breast cancer, the susceptibility of the cancer cells to hormones, the patient’s general health, and the patient’s age all affect how well the treatment works.
Suitable surgery available for the treatment of breast cancer are as follows:
- Lumpectomy: surgically removed along with the surrounding tissues.
- Mastectomy: This major procedure involves the removal of breasts, as well as lobules, ducts, fatty cells, the nipple, areola, chest wall, and lymph nodes in the armpit, depending on demand.
- Sentinel Node Biopsy: This type of procedure is used to remove malignancies that have spread to the lymph node.
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Many lymph nodes in the armpit are removed during this procedure if sentinel nodes are cancerous.
- Cosmetic Dentistry Surgery: This cosmetic surgery is performed to replace the breast after it has been removed for cancer treatment in order to seem as natural as possible.
You can also find some of the best oncologists in India for your breast treatment.
Treatment with Chemotherapy
Before performing a lumpectomy, your doctor may advise chemotherapy for it in an effort to reduce the size of the tumor. It is occasionally administered following surgery to eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present and lower the possibility of recurrence. Your healthcare practitioner can suggest chemotherapy as your primary treatment if cancer has spread from your breast to other places in your body.
Radiation therapy
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, radiation therapy for it is frequently used to eradicate any leftover cancer cells. Individual metastatic tumors that are hurting or producing other issues can also be treated with it.
Hormones therapy
Hormones like progesterone and estrogen are used by some kinds of breast cancer to fuel their growth. Hormone treatment can either reduce estrogen levels in these situations or prevent estrogen from binding to breast cancer cells. After surgery, hormone treatment is most frequently used by medical professionals to lower the possibility of its recurrence. However, they could also use it to treat cancer that has spread to other regions of your body or to reduce the tumor before surgery.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy targets and destroys breast cancer cells by harnessing the strength of your own immune system. Intravenous (via a vein in your arm or hand) is how treatment is administered. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy may be used by your doctor to treat breast cancer.
Targeted drug therapy
Some medications can specifically target cancer-causing cell traits. If your breast cancer has spread to other parts of your body, your doctor may advise you to take targeted medication therapy.
Why Opt For Breast Cancer Treatment in India?
Given that it has some of Asia’s best medical facilities and services, India is a particularly attractive destination for medical tourists. All forms of disease-related operations are provided by the top hospitals in India for breast cancer treatment, employing cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, breast cancer treatment cost in India is far lower than in other countries or states.
Additionally, India Hospital offers thorough pre-operative examinations, less invasive surgical alternatives, and post-operative rehabilitation programs in addition to complete, appropriate therapy. Patients may expect individualized care, focused attention, and compassionate care at these medical institutions. The hospitals have received accreditation from prestigious international organizations such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) or the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).