Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women around the world. It can occur in both men and women but is more common in females. Breast cancer occurs when the cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and begin to divide at a rapid pace, creating a lump of tissue known as a tumor. However, due to the efforts of various organizations and agencies, deaths from breast cancer have declined significantly over the years but still, it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. In recent times, it has been observed that the survival rates have increased in women with breast cancer due to factors such as early detection, advancements in technology, better knowledge about the disease, etc.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Initially, you may not experience any symptoms related to breast cancer and the underlying growth of the tumor may be quite small to be felt. However, you must understand that not all lumps in and around the breast indicate cancer. Some common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Growth of a small lump in the chest that feels different in comparison to the rest of the adjacent areas.
- Breast pain that keeps coming back
- Discoloration of the skin in the affected area
- Swelling in the breast
- Watery/liquid discharge from the nipples that look different from the mother’s milk
- Discharge of blood from the nipples
- Growth of a lump under your arms
- Distortion in the shape of the nipples and the breast
- Development of flaky skin around the breast
However, you must keep in mind that the above symptoms are not a surety of breast cancer and that is why, if you get worried or develop the above symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare professional immediately and get to the root of the problem.
Types of breast cancer
There are many types of breast cancer but broadly, they have been categorized into two groups: invasive and noninvasive. Noninvasive ones are also known as in situ breast cancers. Based on these categories, the following are the major types of breast cancers:
Ductal carcinoma in situ: It is a noninvasive condition where the cancerous cells stay confined to the ducts of your breasts and do not enter the surrounding areas of the breasts.
Lobular carcinoma in situ: It develops in the breast’s milk-producing glands.
Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most common type of breast cancer that begins from the milk ducts of your breasts and then enters nearby areas.
Invasive lobular carcinoma: It is the second most common type of breast cancer which develops in the lobules of your breast and spreads to nearby areas.
Stages of Breast Cancer
There are 5 main stages of breast cancer: 0 to 4.
- Stage 0: This refers to ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer (DCIS) where the cells remain confined to the ducts of your breast and do not spread to nearby adjacent areas.
- Stage 1: This stage has two types:
- STAGE 1A where the tumor grows 2cm wide but doesn’t affect the lymph nodes and
- STAGE 1B where cells spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 2: It is further divided into two stages:
- STAGE 2A where the tumor is smaller than 2cm but has also spread to 1-3 nearby lymph nodes, or its size is somewhere between 2 to 5 cm but hasn’t spread to any of the nearby lymph nodes.
- STAGE 2B, the tumor’s size is between 2 to 5 cm and has also spread 1 to 3 lymph nodes in your armpit or it has grown larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to any lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: This stage has been classified into 3 levels:
- STAGE 3A where the tumor can be of any size and has spread to 4 to 9 lymph nodes in your armpits or tumors greater than 5cm and has spread to 1 to 3 lymph nodes in your armpits.
- STAGE 3B where the tumor has spread to the chest wall and may or may not have spread to 9 lymph nodes.
- STAGE 3C where cancer is present in 10 or more axillary lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Here, the tumor can be of any shape or size and would have spread to nearby areas as well as adjacent organs.
Diagnosis of breast cancer
The doctor will conduct a physical examination and tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound and MRI can be done to confirm if you have breast cancer or not. If your doctor suspects breast cancer, he may further do a breast biopsy.
Treatment of breast cancer
The treatment depends on the type, stage and size of your breast cancer. However, surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. Many patients may require chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy as well.
Breast cancer care
If you develop any of the symptoms mentioned above, get in touch with a professional healthcare practitioner to ensure if it’s breast cancer or not. Keep in mind that early intervention is very crucial as at this stage, cancer can be cured easily. Follow the treatment plan and try to enjoy life.
Disclaimer
This blog has been written after performing in-depth secondary research related to the topic from various articles, blogs, and journals with expertise in writing for healthcare. The content on this page should not be considered a substitute for medical expertise.
