The symptoms of breast cancer may vary depending on the patient. The common symptoms are:
- A lump near the breast or in the underarm
- Pain or tenderness in the breast
- Pain or tenderness in the nipple
- Swelling in the armpit
- Change in breast or nipple colour
- Inverted nipple
- Sudden nipple discharge
- Skin irritation in the breast
Breast cancer is caused by:
- Family history
- Age
- Previous history of breast cancer
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Obesity
- Poor lifestyle
Breast examination and mammography are the mainstays of diagnosis of breast cancer. The complete diagnosis includes:
- Breast examination: This involves a thorough and minute examination of the breast for any abnormality or change in shape, colour, texture, or presence of lumps, and discharge from the nipples.
- Mammography: This involves an X-ray test to evaluate precancerous and cancerous growth in the breasts.
- Imaging tests: Various tests such as X-rays, CT scan, or MRI confirms the appearance of cancer.
- Biopsy: Biopsy is the final test to confirm cancer. A small tissue from the breast is extracted and examined for the presence of cancer cells.
The treatment of cancer depends on the size, location, type, and age of the patient. The treatment in- involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Surgery: Surgery involves the removal of the tumor (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy). The doctor may also remove surrounding lymph nodes or healthy tissues. Following this surgery, the doctor may also perform breast reconstruction surgery to correct the shape, size, and appearance of the breasts.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells in the breasts or control their growth.
- Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs are administered to the patient to kill cancer cells. This can either be administered before or after the surgery or as a part of palliative care.
- Hormone therapy: This therapy is started for cancers that depend on hormones for their growth. The therapy lowers or blocks the effect of these hormones.
- Targeted therapy: In this therapy, the cancer-specific cells, genes, or proteins are targeted to control cancerous growth.