Breast cancer is considered one of the types of cancers that form in the breast as a result of an inability to control cell growth. This type of cancer mainly affects women, but it may also affect men.
Determining the type of breast cancer is important in knowing the behavior of the cancer and the treatment approach that is most appropriate for the person’s condition.
Cancer can start in one of the following parts of the breast: milk ducts, milk-producing lobules, or connective tissues. There are many different ways to describe the types of breast cancer.
Let's explore the most common treatment for breast cancer and learn what you can do to prevent breast cancer.
Breast Cancer - Diagnosis and Treatment Options
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| Breast Cancer Treatment Options |
Breast Cancer Overview
Breast cancer is known as one of the types of cancer that arises as a result of abnormal and uncontrolled multiplication of certain cells in the breast, resulting in the growth of a tumor in the breast.
Fortunately, most of the lumps that grow in the breast are benign, non-cancerous lumps. However, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible when you notice any changes in the breast, in order to conduct the necessary tests.
Although breast cancer is more common among women, it affects both men and women. Breast cancer, which begins in the cells lining the milk ducts and is called ductal carcinoma, is one of the most common types of breast cancer among both sexes.
As for cancer whose growth begins in the milk-producing glands, which is known as adenocarcinoma or lobular carcinoma, it often affects women specifically and rarely affects men. This is due to the small or no amount of glandular or lobular tissue in most men.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer around the world. It contributes 25.4% of the total number of cases diagnosed. Finally, survival rates for breast cancer are good compared to other cancers, and this may be due to early screening and diagnosis of breast cancer, in addition to the notable development in the field of breast cancer treatment.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Breast cancer is sometimes discovered after reaching the advanced stages, and it is too late for the treatment. Therefore, women over 20 years of age are advised to rely on primary breast tests. The examination is more important for people over 35 years of age.
The doctors will perform the necessary tests for patients with breast cancer or those who have the suspicion of infection, and the diagnosis is by assessing the results of the following tests:
- Clinical tests of the breast.
- Radiography monitors any changes in the shape of the breast, or detects subcutaneous lumps, and detects the presence of milky secretions that are yellowish.
- Evaluation of tissue and case study.
- Biopsies of central lymph nodes for laboratory study.
- Ultrasonic examination.
- CT scan for the spread of cancer in other organs in the body.
- A bone scan to detect the spread of cancer to bones.
- PET scan, which is useful for precise phase determination in advanced cases.
The Most Common Treatment for Breast Cancer
The treatment of breast cancer varies according to several factors, including the stage of development of cancer, the identification of appropriate treatment that varies depending on the age of the woman, type, size of the tumor, breast size, cancer reaching the lymph nodes, and many other things.
Although the possibilities of cancer treatment are available, it is prudent to choose the appropriate treatment. The most common treatment for breast cancer consists of Surgical treatment for the complete eradication of breast cancer, lymph nodes, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biotherapy.
Surgical treatment
This is the best solution in most cases, especially the early ones. Early cancer stages are known through screening tests, and then surgical treatment is performed to eradicate the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissue. Surgery is divided into:
Removing the cancerous mass: The skin of the breast and cancerous mass are removed through this and sometimes the surrounding tissues are also removed. This treatment alone is not enough. Radiation therapy is often supportive after surgery.
Complete breast mastectomy: It targets the breast without lymph nodes or the rib cage muscles behind the breast. This procedure is performed if there is a lump that can not be removed or treated with radiation.
Radiated mastectomy: aimed at mastectomy and lymph nodes under the armpit, and it is performed when there is an enlarged lymph node during the physical test.
Lymph node dissection: It aims to determine the extent of its spread in the lymph nodes, although it is important surgery, the eradication of the lymph nodes leads to some side effects, such as nerve disorder leads to loss of sensation in the hand or chest or feeling numbness and chronic pain.
Lymphatic edema: Hand swelling, redness, and fluid build-up. Frequent infections, as well as chronic pain, are the only treatment for physical therapy. Doctors, therefore, prefer to refrain from removing all lymph nodes.
Breast Reconstruction
The reconstruction method is used to maintain the external appearance of the breast. This procedure can be performed immediately after the mastectomy is completed, or after a period of time according to the patient's wishes. These repairs are either by artificial silicon or by moving other muscles from the body.
Hormonal therapy
Treatment with drugs is designed to limit estrogen receptors because breast cancer cells are contained and multiplied under the influence of this hormone, the treatment is limited to receptors to stop the proliferation of cancer tumors and decline. Hormonal therapy causes many side effects:
- Extraordinary vaginal secretions.
- Lack of platelets.
- Irregular menstruation.
- The possibility of cancer of the uterus when taking the treatment of a patient for a long time.
Biological therapy
Treatment with drugs to limit the future of HER 2 causes the proliferation of cancer cells. This treatment is used prior to surgery or in the treatment of advanced conditions. Biological therapy is used only when these receptors are present in cancer cells only.
Chemotherapy
Treatment with drugs slows down or completely stops cell proliferation. This treatment affects fast-growing cells, but its side effects are especially high on fast-growing tissues such as blood cells and others. These drugs are taken intravenously and not orally once a week for several weeks, and each treatment session extends to several weeks of taking medications.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy damages cancer cells, causing them to die. Radiation therapy is often performed when the patient is lying down and the radiation is directed at the affected organ. Radiotherapy is done 5-6 days a week for 5-6 weeks mostly.
Breast Cancer Prevention Tips
There are many factors that play an important role in increasing the risk of breast cancer, although some of these factors are difficult to change or avoid, such as having a family history of breast cancer or advanced age. However, there are a group of healthy methods that can be followed to reduce the chance of developing breast cancer. The most effective breast cancer prevention methods are the following:
Make sure to exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy and ideal weight.
- Adopt breastfeeding as much as possible.
- Abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Quit smoking as soon as possible.
- Consult your doctor and talk to him about the methods that can be followed to reduce the chance of developing breast cancer if there is a family history of it, or if you inherit the genetic mutation responsible for breast cancer.
- Consult a doctor about the risks of using hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptive pills and ensure their safe use.
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, as healthy food helps reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Ensure that breast cancer tests are performed. This can help detect breast cancer early and thus increase the chance of treating cancer.