Breast Cancer Treatment In India With The Highest Success Rate
What is Breast Cancer?
It is a cancer that starts in the breast tissues. Cancer begins when cells start to grow out of control. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and weight gain.
Different types of breast cancer depend on which cells in the breast turn cancerous. A Breast is made up of three parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue.
The lobules are the glands that produce milk and ducts are the tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue which comprises fibrous and fatty tissue encircles and holds everything together.
Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread out of the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels.
What are the different Stages of Breast Cancer?
There are four stages of breast cancer. The stages are classified according to the size of the tumor and whether the tumor has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
The cells are limited to the ducts and have not spread to surrounding tissues. Stage 0 is also called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).
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Stage 1A
At this stage, the tumor has not affected the lymph nodes or there are small groups of cancer cells in the lymph nodes. During this stage, the tumors measure up to 2 centimeters.
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Stage 1B
Cancer is found in nearby lymph nodes and either there is no tumor in the breast or is smaller than 2cm.
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Stage 2A
At this stage, the tumor is 2 centimeters and has started to spread to 1-3 lymph nodes or is 2-5 centimeters and has not spread to lymph nodes.
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Stage 2B
At this stage, the tumor is between 2-5 cm and has spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes or it is larger than 5cm and has not spread to any lymph nodes.
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Stage 3A
At this stage, the tumor has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
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Stage 3B
At this stage, the tumor has reached the chest wall and the skin of the breast.
Sometimes, stage 3 breast cancer is inoperable and is known as inflammatory breast cancer.
At this stage, cancer can have a tumor of any size. Cancer has spread to many organs including bones, liver, lungs, and brain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Does breast lump go away on its own?
Lumps may sometimes regress on their own. Teenagers may develop lumps associated with the menstrual cycle (but it is not a cancer risk). Those lumps subside and are not seen by the end of the cycle. Still, it is recommended to inform your healthcare provider about any lumps you have. Your provider can find out what is going on with the lump and whether it has to be checked or treated in any way.
Q2. Are all breast lumps tumorous?
Most of the time, lumps that can be easily moved around are not cancerous. They are fibroadenomas or cysts. As for the moveable breast lumps, they are mostly benign but it is advised to consult a doctor. Breast cancer can be felt particularly in the early stages as movable lumps, which is why it is necessary to go to a specialist to exclude the presence of cancer.
Q3. Is radiotherapy or chemotherapy needed after breast lump removal?
Adjuvant radiotherapy may be advised following mastectomy to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind in the breast following surgery. Mastectomy is a procedure in which the surgeon tries to remove every cell of the breast tissue, which is a difficult task.
Q4. How to check for lumps in the breast?
With the pads of your 3 middle fingers, examine the entire breast and armpit, applying light, moderate, and deep pressure. Appreciate both breasts every month by trying to feel for any new lump, thickening, or any abnormality of the breast.
Q5. Can I get breast cancer again after surgery?
Many women have no further difficulties after their primary therapy for breast cancer. However, breast cancer may recur after the treatment to attempt to cure it. If the cancer comes back after treatment, this is called recurrent or relapsed breast cancer.
Q6. How long does the breast cancer surgery take to be completed?
A mastectomy alone may take one to three hours. The patient is usually discharged on the same day of the operation depending on how major the surgery is.
Q7. How long does it take to recover from breast cancer surgery?
Your wound may take approximately six to eight weeks to heal. However, it may take several months for your breast or chest wall and your arm to feel normal especially if you had surgery under your arm. Sometimes, the part that has been operated will always have a different feeling.
Q8. Does breast cancer spread fast?
It has been estimated that breast cancer on average takes 180 days, that is half a year, to double in size. The growth rate of any particular type of cancer will be a function of many factors.
Next in Breast Cancer
Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
