Many types of breast cancer can be treated surgically. Surgical treatments are available for the breast, and the type you receive will depend on your stage and the extent of your cancer. Breast cancer surgeries include lumpectomy, which removes a lump or tumor, simple mastectomy, or modified radical mastectomy. Radical mastectomies, which remove the entire breast and adjacent lymph nodes, are rare. While breast cancer surgery can be effective, it also has many side effects, and it often follows cosmetic procedures.
A breast cancer diagnosis is based on how far advanced your cancer has spread. This disease usually starts in the inner lining of milk ducts or lobules. If it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, it has progressed to a more advanced stage. If you notice any symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. Breast cancer can be cured, but you must remain vigilant. To protect yourself and your family, learn about the types of treatments for breast cancer.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on its stage and age. Aggressive treatments work best for advanced cancers and patients at a higher risk for recurrence. Breast-conserving surgery removes part of the breast, but may also remove a lymph node under the arm. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to remove the entire breast, which is known as mastectomy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is also recommended to detect if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Depending on its stage, there are three types of breast cancer. The most common type is ductal carcinoma, which affects the breast lining. Inflammatory breast cancer, on the other hand, occurs when cancer cells block lymph vessels and cause the breast to swell. Another type of breast cancer is called Paget’s disease, which affects the skin surrounding the nipple. While this type of breast cancer is rare, it can cause problems with the breast.
Symptoms of breast cancer can vary from stage to stage, so it is important to have an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. Some cancers grow very slowly and are difficult to detect with a mammogram. Women who are over 50, are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Also, people who have started menstrual periods earlier than age 12 are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. And those who smoke also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
To diagnose a lump, a healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination of your breasts. A mammogram is a detailed X-ray. The doctor may perform a fine needle aspiration, or FNA, to remove tissue samples. Typically, this procedure is performed in a healthcare provider’s office. Local anesthesia is used for breast tissue, but you may not need one if the lump is beneath the skin.
The outlook for a woman diagnosed with breast cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and her age when she was first diagnosed. In general, nearly 99% of women with breast cancer live at least five years after diagnosis. The overall survival rate is 84%. During the same time, black women have a lower survival rate than their white counterparts. While this may seem like a good outcome, there is no way to predict exactly what the cancer will do to you.
