Breast cancer is a condition where the tumor cells are found in the lobes, lobules or ducts of the breast. The breast consists of lobes and ducts. The lobes have further smaller sections called as lobules. These lobes and lobules are linked by the ducts. One of the most common types of cancers, ductual carcinoma, is found to be associated with the duct cells. If the cancer is found in the lobules or lobes then it is termed as lobular carcinoma. If the breast appears to be red and swollen and feels warm, then this type of cancer is termed as inflammatory breast cancer. Let us discuss the diagnosis and different options of treatment for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Breast cancer is normally diagnosed through biopsy or MRI. If the breast tissue appears dense in the mammogram of the patient, then the patient is suggested to undergo further tests for breast cancer and then would be suggested to take the prescribed treatment for breast cancer. Treatment for breast cancer will depend on the pathology report of the patient. It can be made of only one type of treatment or a combination of two different therapies, depending on the cancer stage the patient is in. A few options for the treatment of breast cancer are given below.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the most preferred mode of treatment for breast cancer. There are different options, breast conserving surgery or lumpectomy, quadrantectomy and mastectomy. In case of lumpectomy, the tumor and its surrounding tissues are removed, while in case of mastectomy, the breast tissue is removed. Only one quarter of the breast is removed in case of quadrantectomy. There is one more type of surgery, where the lymph node is removed. This type is called axillary lymph node dissection. This type normally preferred when the cancer cells have spread outside the milk duct of the body. The dissection is done during lumpectomy. After the surgery, reconstruction or breast reconstruction is performed. This reconstruction can take place months or years after surgery or just after the surgery.

Chemotherapy

In case of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, drugs or different chemicals are used to weaken the functioning of the cancer cells, and in the end destroy them. These drugs are either given in the form of medicine or are injected intravenously. Chemotherapy is prescribed in case of early stage invasive breast cancer, so that they can shrink the cancer cells before the surgery. A patient is also prescribed chemotherapy sessions, after the surgery, to remove the left behind or destroyed cancer cells, thus reducing the risk of the reoccurring of the cancer in the patient’s body. Chemotherapy is also given in the advanced stages, to damage the cancer cells before the sessions of radiotherapy starts or the surgery is performed.

Radiation Therapy

Radiotherapy or radiation treatment for breast cancer is an effective way of destroying the cancer cells around the breast. It is also sometimes prescribed after surgery, to kill the cells left behind and to avoid the reoccurrence of any of them.

Hormonal Therapy

Some hormones can help the cancer cells to multiply and spread themselves inside the human body. Hormonal treatment for breast cancer is used to lower or stop the action of these hormones on the cancer cells, thus destroying them. Hormonal therapy acts in two major ways, wither by not allowing the action of estrogen on the breast cancer cells or by reducing the estrogen amount in the human body. As estrogen helps the hormone receptor positive breast cancer cells in multiplying themselves, reducing the amount of estrogen or stopping its action on these cells helps to destroy these cells inside the body and also prevents them from reoccurrence. Sadly, these medicines have not been effective against hormone receptor negative breast cancer cells. In the cases where it can be observed that the woman is at a risk, then the fallopian tubes and the ovaries are removed surgically or the functioning of the ovaries can be stopped temporarily using medications to treat the breast cancer cells.

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies are used to target and deactivate or destroy the specific characteristics of the cancer cells. There are mainly three types, Herceptin, Tykerb and Avastin, used for the treatment of breast cancer. Herceptin blocks the ability of the cancer cells from receiving the signals from other cells that help them grow. Tykerb blocks the proteins that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. Both herceptin and tykerb are used to target the HER2 positive breast cancers. Avastin is used to block the development of the new blood vessels that affect the growth of the cancer cells.

Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Some patient can suffer from abdominal, chest or back pain during or after the treatment for breast cancer. Allergic reactions, discomfort in the armpit, blood clots, bleeding, itching, dry skin or rash can also be some side effects observed in patients after the treatment. A few patients might also suffer from anemia, anxiety, appetite changes, breathing problems, constipation, dehydration, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, fainting, numbness, mood swings or nausea. Vaginal dryness or vaginal discharge is also observed in case of some patients.

This was an overview on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Refer to our other articles on breast cancer to find out detail information on the treatment for breast cancer.