How can breast cancer be detected? Your doctor will perform a biopsy to see if cancer cells have spread from the breast. This procedure uses a needle and a microscope to examine a sample of the suspicious tissue. Depending on where the lump is located, a mammogram or ultrasound scan can help guide the placement of the needle. Sometimes a small operation is necessary to obtain a sample. A biopsy may confirm the presence of breast cancer or rule out the possibility. Tests to confirm the diagnosis include testing the cells in the lump to determine its grade and receptor status.
The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the ducts and lobules. Lobular cancer develops in the nipple area and typically affects both breasts. Inflammation breast cancer develops when cancer cells block the lymph vessels. This causes the breast to swell. In some cases, breast cancer may also be located in the skin around the nipple, or in the lining of the breast.
Women with breast cancer should visit their primary care physician as soon as they notice any changes to their breasts. A woman may have a larger breast than the other, but this is normal during pregnancy and postpartum. If the breasts are inverted, however, this may indicate the presence of a malignant tumor. A woman may experience mild irritation or itching and should seek medical care. If any of these symptoms occur, she should contact her doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Radiation therapy is another treatment option for breast cancer. High-energy X-rays are used during the radiation treatment. The radiation damages the cancer cells and they cannot repair the damage. Therefore, the cancer cells eventually die. After surgery, breast cancer patients may receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment. Radiation therapy decreases the risk of breast cancer recurring in the breast. This is known as a locoregional recur.
The treatment of breast cancer varies depending on the type of cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. Treatment options may include surgery, targeted radiation therapy, and hormonal-blocking pills. The best combination of treatments will depend on the type of cancer and the patient’s particular situation. During the first stage, neoadjuvant therapy is used to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery. Adjuvant therapy kills the cancer cells that remain after surgery. Some women will undergo chemotherapy before surgery.
Treatment options for breast cancer will depend on the stage and type of cancer. Local treatments, such as surgery, can remove cancer cells from a single area. Chemotherapy is given via a pill or an injection. Radiation may also be used after surgery to kill cancer cells that have spread outside the breast. In some cases, hormone therapy and targeted therapies may also be prescribed. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about all options and the possible side effects of each.
