Breast Cancer – Symptoms & Treatment

Breast Cancer is a type of Cancer to which we all are familiar too and it has become one of the burning issue in medical stream. Breast cancer is a type of cancer which originates from the tissues of breast commonly from the mammary tissues, what happens is that simple tissues grow abnormally which leads in the formation of malignant tumor(s) which leads to breast cancer.
Though breast cancer is the safest among all the cancers. As it can be diagnosed as it is easily palpable while in other cancers it isn’t diagnosed early stages as no symptoms are seen. Secondly it is localized i.e. it hasn’t spread as its growth isn’t rapid. Thirdly it can be easily amputated (mastectomy).Hence if properly treated properly life can be prolonged.
Breast cancer can occur in both male and female, though the ratio of men to the women are very less. In men it is more dangerous as it shows late symptoms.
Its symptoms can be easily seen as its symptoms show some nodular deformities.

Symptoms:

1.The first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is typically a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue. More than 80% of breast cancer cases are discovered when the woman feels a lump.
2.Other symptoms can be thickening of breast, formation of dimple in the nipple, secretion of colorless or red fluid from nipple, change in skin texture of breast and change in shape of nipple.
3. Another reported symptom complex of breast cancer is Paget’s disease of the breast. This syndrome presents as skin changes resembling eczema, such as redness, discoloration, or mild flaking of the nipple skin. As Paget’s disease of the breast advances, symptoms may include tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning, and pain.

Genetic factors:

It also play an important role as 5-10% cases had genetic history of breast cancer. One of the example is Hollywood celebrity
Angelina Jolly, who was on a risk of breast cancer due to genetic factor so did mastectomy to prevent breast cancer.

Risk factors:

1.Smoking tobacco appears to increase the risk of breast cancer, with the greater the amount smoked and the earlier in life that smoking began, the higher the risk.
2. Improper diet and consumption of alcohol increases risks of breast cancer.
3. Oral contraceptive also induces the growth of malignant cells.

Diagnosis:

Most types of breast cancer are easy to diagnose by microscopic analysis of a sample—or biopsy—of the affected area of the breast. There are, however, rarer types of breast cancer that require specialized lab exams.
The two most commonly used screening methods, physical examination of the breasts by a healthcare provider and mammography.

Treatment:

Management of breast cancer depends on stage of cancer.
Some major management methods are:

1. Surgery
Chest after right breast mastectomy
Surgery involves the physical removal of the tumor, typically along with some of the surrounding tissue. One or more lymph nodes may be biopsied during the surgery; increasingly the lymph node sampling is performed by a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Standard surgeries include:

Mastectomy: Removal of the whole breast.
Quadrantectomy: Removal of one quarter of the breast.
Lumpectomy: Removal of a small part of the breast.

2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is predominantly used for cases of breast cancer in stages 2–4, and is particularly beneficial in estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) disease. The chemotherapy medications are administered in combinations, usually for periods of 3–6 months.

I hope it had helped you. For any questions please do comment.