Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer Doctor in Kolkata
Breast cancer is cancer that develops in your breast tissue. It typically starts in the milk ducts or the lobules – the part of the breast that produces milk. Although breast cancer can affect both men and women, it is more common in women. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical for improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients. Dr.Tanmoy Mandal, the best medical oncologist in Kolkata, offers expert services to manage and treat this complex disease effectively.
Types of Breast Cancer
First, you need to understand the types of breast cancer. There are several breast cancer types, including:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
The most common type, IDC starts in the ducts of the breast and spreads to surrounding tissues.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
This type begins in the lobules of the breast and can spread to nearby tissues.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
This means that the cancer cells do not have certain “receptors” or “targets” like estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 on their surface that are commonly found in other types of breast cancer.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
This can be characterized by excess HER2 protein on the surface of cancer cells, leading to more excessive growth.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A noticeable breast cancer lump or mass in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- Nipple discharge, especially if it’s blood
- Skin changes of the breast, like dimpling, puckering, or redness
- Changes in the shape of the nipple like turning inward (inverted)
- Breast pain or tenderness
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Dr. Tanmoy Kumar Mandal
D.M.(Medical Oncology), M.D.(General Medicine)
Causes of Breast Cancer
Several factors can contribute to the development of breast cancer, including:
Gender
Breast cancer can be seen mostly in men than in women.
Age
Another factor for breast cancer includes aging. The risk of breast cancer rises as a person gets older.
Genetics
A person’s risk of breast cancer is higher in case a close family member has had the disease or genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) can increase risk.
Hormonal Factors
Long-term exposure to estrogen, such as from hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk.
Lifestyle Factors
Alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity are associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for increasing breast cancer recovery rate.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
If you notice any of these signs, consulting a breast oncologist in Kolkata is necessary. Breast cancer diagnosis typically involves:
Imaging Tests
This includes Mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRI scans to detect tumors along with their size and location.
Biopsy
It is a procedure to remove a small sample of breast tissue for examination under a microscope.
Breast Cancer TNM Staging
This is a system that is used to determine the extent of cancer spread and helps in planning treatment.
Treatments for Breast Cancer
According to the best oncologist in Kolkata, the most common breast cancer treatments include:
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first treatment for breast cancer. This involves removing the tumor and, in some cases, surrounding breast tissue. It depends on the stage and location of the cancer. The most common types of surgery for breast cancer include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts).
Radiation therapy
In this procedure, high-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. It can also be used to relieve symptoms of advanced breast cancer.
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy, various drugs are used to kill cancer cells. It is usually given after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells and lower the risk of recurrence. Breast cancer chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
Hormone therapy
It is used to treat breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. This treatment blocks or lowers the effects of estrogen or progesterone, which can influence the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
Targeted therapy
It is a newer type of treatment that focuses on specific genes or proteins in cancer cells. It can be used to treat certain types of breast cancer, like HER2-positive breast cancer.
Immunotherapy
It is a type of treatment that uses your body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancerous cells. It is still relatively new in breast cancer treatment but may be an option for some patients.
Don’t let breast cancer define your journey. Seek the support and expertise you deserve. Early intervention and care can make a significant difference in your fight against this disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does participating in various physical activities reduce the risk of breast cancer?
Physical activities help you to strengthen your immune system. So, walking for 30 minutes or just doing yoga or exercise at home can help you decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Does a family history of breast cancer increase the chance of developing the disease?
Genetic testing is required to determine if you or your family have a breast cancer gene mutation. 5-10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the same.
Is the Breast self-exam necessary?
Yes, once every month you should self-examine your breast to check if there is any lump or changes in the breast. Seek medical advice if you notice a change in breast size, secretion from the nipple, redness in the breast skin, inversion of nipples, or lumps.
What are the three breast cancer symptoms you should not ignore?
The most common breast cancer symptoms also happen to be minor issues that many women face during their hormonal changes. The three breast cancer symptoms you should not ignore are discharge from nipples, sudden inversion of nipples, and changes in the skin texture of the breast.
Is breast cancer affected by menstruation?
Yes, menstruation can sometimes affect menstruation. Women with early periods and late menopause increase their exposure to estrogen and progesterone which are associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer.