Oncologist Dr. Amit Rauthan is an eminent consultant at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. With an experience of more than 18 years, he has gained expertise in Immunotherapy, Blood and Marrow Transplant, Haematological Malignancies, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lymphomas, Leukaemia, and Head & Neck Cancer. His command over Targeted therapies in Cancer, Molecular Oncology, Personalized cancer management, Integration of chemotherapy and biological therapies in Cancer management is praiseworthy. He qualified for MBBS and MD from NHL Municipal Medical College in Ahmedabad and DM from Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad.
Breast Cancer
It develops in the breast cells due to changes in mutations in cells that regulate cell growth. It is formed in lobules or ducts of the breast. The glands that produce milk are lobules and the pathway that brings it to nipples are ducts. It may also occur in the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The uncontrolled cancer cells seize other healthy breast tissue and can travel to the lymph nodes under the arms. Through the lymph nodes, cancer cells can move to other parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms
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A breast lump or growth that feels different from the surrounding tissue
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Breast pain
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Bloody discharge from the nipple
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Nipple discharge other than milk
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Swelling incomplete or a part of the breast
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Change in the shape, size, or impression of a breast
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Change in the skin over the breast
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An inverted nipple
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Peeling or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple or breast skin
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you are having breast cancer, they may be the result of any non-cancerous cyst. But it's better not to ignore them and undergo a diagnosis process and consult the doctor.
Diagnosis
Tests and procedures that might be used to diagnose breast cancer include:
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Breast exam. Both the breasts and lymph nodes in the armpit will be checked to see any lumps or other abnormalities.
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Mammogram. It is an X-ray of the breast commonly used to screen breast cancer. If an abnormality is detected on screening, your doctor will recommend a diagnostic mammogram to further evaluate the abnormality.
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Breast ultrasound. Sound waves are used to produce images of structures deep within the body to determine whether a new breast lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst.
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Biopsy. A biopsy is a perfect way to make a diagnosis of breast cancer using a specialized needle device guided by X-ray or another imaging test to extract a core of tissue from the suspicious area.
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MRI. This machine uses a magnet and radio waves to create pictures of the interior of your breast and the areas affected.
Treatment
The breast cancer treatment options are based on type, stage and grade, size, and the sensitivity of cancer cells. Your doctor primarily considers your overall health and preferences. Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer and many receive additional treatment after surgery, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiation.
Breast Cancer Surgery
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Removing the breast cancer (lumpectomy). In this surgery, the surgeon removes the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue for removing small tumors.
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Removing the entire breast (mastectomy). It removes all of your breast tissue like the lobules, ducts, fatty tissue, and some skin, including the nipple and areola.
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Removing a limited number of lymph nodes. If cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, your surgeon will remove the lymph nodes that are the first to receive the lymph drainage from your tumor.
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Removing both breasts. Some women with cancer in one breast may choose to have their other breast removed to avoid the risk of spreading cancer.
Take away
Breast cancer survival rates have improved to a great extent. This is all due to the better understanding of the disease and treatments available. Freely talk to your doctor about this and don’t ignore the symptoms. For best advice consult Dr. Amit Rauthan at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore.
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