Breast Cancer

Author: Swati Mulchadani

How often do we feel for lumps that may form around our breasts? Despite being a flustering topic for many, heavy importance must and has been laid onto possible Breast Carcinoma that was once usually ignored. Breast Cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, survival rates have also been on the rise with greater awareness and research funding being provided. Common symptoms in both male and female counterparts: • A lump/mass found on parts of the breast; may be painful or soft and painless. • Possible change in size or shape of breast. • Thickening or swelling of skin of a part of the breast. • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast. • Nipple discharge (other than breast milk) including blood. • Irritation of the breast skin. • Pain around the nipple area. Breast Cancer can be originated due to several reasons including but not limited to, inherited and/or hormonal, environmental, lifestyle factors promoting the risk of carcinoma. What are the risk factors? Some of the possible risk factors are - Inherited Genes increasing the risk of cancer. Certain genes such as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are common gene mutations that are well known to be passed on from parents to offspring. The presence of these mutations may or may not lead to cancer in some cases. Exposure to radiation in the chest area as a child. Obesity Gender – There is a higher chance for females to be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Detection, diagnosis, and treatment Symptoms usually appear after the cancer spreads. Therefore, it is important to carry out regular screening and to be on the lookout for possible lumps in areas of the breast. This can be done by a self-breast exam or better yet, a doctor can carry out the exam to check for possible lumps in the lymph nodes. Mammograms are X-rays of the breast and are used to detect abnormalities upon screening.

Biopsy is a method of extracting a sample of tissue that may be susceptible to cancer for inspection by using a needle guided by an X-Ray. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique by which pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body can be formed. Treatment can be of various types depending upon the type of cancer and the stage of development. Local treatments target the cancer itself while avoiding the rest of the body. Systemic therapies such as drugs are used to target any cancer cells found anywhere in the body. Furthermore, the types of treatments available to one can be discussed after coming in contact with the correct specialist for the specific treatment required whether it is a plastic surgeon, radiation oncologist or a breast surgeon.