Understanding breast cancer

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that develops in the breasts and is one of the leading causes of death in women around the world. It affects both sexes, but it is more commonly seen in women. There are several types of breast cancers, with some being more common than others. In some cases, breast cancer can arise as part of a combination with another type of cancer.

Breast cancer displays a variety of symptoms, such as:

  • Presence of a hard lump in the breast
  • Redness around the nipple
  • Bloody nipple discharge
  • Inverted nipples
  • Swelling of part of the breast
  • Changes in the skin of the breast – PeauD’Orange
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes in the axilla

There is no known cause of breast cancer, but there are some factors that can increase your chances of developing this disease. These include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Family history
  • Genetics – BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Certain oral contraceptives
  • Reproductive history
  • Nulliparous women
  • Late child-bearing age

Treating breast cancer with surgery

The right treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person as it depends on various factors such as type and stage of cancer and patient health. Your doctor will suggest surgery to treat breast cancer if it is in the early stage. There are two surgical methods used to tackle breast cancer.

Breast-conserving surgery: Also known as partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, this procedure involves removing only part of the breast that has been affected by cancer. The goal is to remove the cancer and retain as much breast tissue as possible. How much tissue should be removed depends on the size and location of the cancer. Post-operative radiotherapy is required in cases with or without chemotherapy. Axillary lymph nodes will be removed if they are also involved.

Modified radical mastectomy: This surgery involves the removal of the entire breast and some neighbouring axillary lymph nodes. It is performed to ensure that all remnants of the cancer are removed and eliminate any chances of it returning.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy are required and will be suggested based on the stage of the disease following surgery. Pre-operative chemotherapy may be necessary in advanced stages to downstage the cancer before surgery.

Breast cancer is a serious disease and should not be ignored. Early detection can help increase your chances of recovery as well as cure.

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