What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow and multiply. It can occur in both women and men, but it is much more common in women. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body if not diagnosed and treated in time.

Types of Breast Cancer:

1. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts.
2. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): The second most common type, starting in the lobules (milk-producing glands).
3. In-Situ Carcinoma: Abnormal cells are present within the ducts or lobules but have not spread to surrounding tissues.
• Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS): In the milk ducts
• Lobular Carcinoma In-Situ (LCIS): In the milk-producing lobules
4. Rarer Types: Such as inflammatory breast cancer, medullary cancer, mucinous cancer, etc.

Treatment Methods for Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer treatment depends on the stage, type, size of the tumor, hormone receptor status, and the patient’s overall health. Treatments often include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

Breast Cancer Surgery:

Surgery is one of the main treatment methods for breast cancer, and it has different types:

1. Lumpectomy: Removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue. This surgery is usually done for smaller tumors, and the breast is largely preserved.
2. Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast. This surgery may include removing the skin, nipple, or underlying muscles. Types of mastectomy include:
• Simple or Total Mastectomy: Removing the breast alone.
• Modified Radical Mastectomy: Removing the breast and underarm lymph nodes.
• Radical Mastectomy: Removing the breast, underarm lymph nodes, and chest muscles (rarely performed).
3. Lymph Node Removal:
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Removing one or more lymph nodes that are likely to be the first nodes affected by cancer.
• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Removing a larger number of underarm lymph nodes.
4. Breast Reconstruction:
• If a mastectomy is performed, breast reconstruction surgery may be performed to restore the appearance of the breast. Breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later time and can be done using implants, the patient’s own tissue, or a combination of both.

Other Treatment Methods for Breast Cancer (in brief):

• Chemotherapy: Use of chemical drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy: Use of drugs that change hormone levels (for hormone receptor-positive cancers).
• Targeted Therapy: Use of drugs that target specific genes or proteins in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulating the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

Post-Treatment Care:

• Regular Follow-Up: Regular follow-up with the doctor to check for any possible recurrence of the disease and perform the necessary tests.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation may be needed to improve arm and shoulder movements after surgery.
• Psychological Support: Psychological support to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by treatment.
• Healthy Nutrition: Proper nutrition to boost the immune system and maintain health.