Indications and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast. Breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring for women in the country. Statistics show one woman in India gets diagnosed with the disease every four minutes. Breast cancer is more common in women but men can also get the caner. Breast cancer occurs when cells mutate and grow uncontrollably.
Breast cancer awareness and research have resulted in great innovation in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have improved greatly because of earlier diagnosis and better treatment of the disease.
Symptoms and Causes
- The first symptom of breast cancer begins as a lump in the breast or armpit. Other symptoms include
- Pain in the armpit or breasts that remain unchanged your menstrual cycle.
- Pitting or redness on the skin of the breast
- Rash on one or both nipples
- A sunken or inverted nipple
- Size or shape of the breast changing
- Peeling or scaling of the skin on the breast or your nipple.
If you find a lump or any physical change in the breast it is important to contact the best oncologist in Bhopal for a prompt checkup.
Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These calls grow more rapidly than normal cells and continue to gather together to form a lump or mass. These cells may spread through from your breast to lymph nodes or other parts of your body. Hormonal, environmental and lifestyle factors can contribute to getting the disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The best doctors in Bhopal can use various tests and procedures to diagnose breast cancer. They also do tests to diagnose if cancer has spread.
- Breast exams: The best doctor in Bhopal will examine your breasts and lymph nodes to detect any lumps or abnormalities.
- Blood tests at home which include complete blood count, blood chemistry, and hepatitis tests.
- Imaging tests ordered by the best doctors near me include
- Mammogram
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Biopsies are done when imaging tests and breast tests show indications that there may be cancer. A biopsy is a definitive test and is used to confirm the diagnosis.
Once breast cancer has been diagnosed you will be treated by a team of specialists that will include surgeons, medical oncologists, plastic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. The best oncologist in Bhopal will try to determine the spread and stage of cancer to determine treatment options.
Breast cancer stages are from stage 0 to IV. Stage 0 indicating the cancer is noninvasive or contained within the milk ducts. Stage IV or metastatic breast cancer indicates that cancer has spread. Treatment will depend on
- The type and stage of cancer
- The age and overall health of the individual.
Treatment options include
- Surgery options will depend on the stage of cancer as well as the patient’s preferences. Options include
- Lumpectomy removing the tumor with small healthy tissue around it.
- Mastectomy involves removing the entire breast.
- Removing lymph nodes
- Double Mastectomy
- Reconstruction following a mastectomy the surgeon may recommend a reconstruction surgery to help it look more natural.
- Radiation therapy uses high powered beams of energy to target the tumor to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells faster. Your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy may be done before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor.
- Hormonal therapy is used to treat cancers sensitive to hormones. Hormone therapy can be used before or after surgery to reduce the chances of reoccurrence.
- Targeted drug therapy is recommended to treat specific types of cancer.
- Immunotherapy encourages your body’s immune system to fight cancer. The therapy is recommended to treat certain types of cancer.
Breast cancer is curable when detected in the early stages. It is important to stay informed about the symptoms of the disease and consult the best doctor near me if you show any symptoms. Regular screening between 50 to 74 years every 2 years is advisable.
