Before jumping into the treatments available for breast cancer, it pays to know more about this disturbing health condition. Just like other types of cancer, breast cancer onsets when breast cells begin to grow abnormally, dividing more rapidly than healthy cells do.
The abnormally-grown cells accumulate to form a lump or a mass and spread easily to the lymph nodes and other parts of your body. Often, cancer develops in the lobules that produce milk or the ducts that pass milk to the nipples. But, it can also occur in the fatty tissues or the fibrous connective tissues.
1. Types and symptoms of breast cancer
Common treatments for breast cancer depends on the degree of symptoms experienced along with the types of breast cancer. Different types of breast cancer show different symptoms. They can be similar or different. The types of breast cancer are:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ
DCIS is a noninvasive condition where the cancer cells are present only in the ducts. - Lobular carcinoma in situ
LCIS is the cancer formation in the lobules. - Invasive ductal carcinoma
IDC is the most common type of breast cancer that starts in the lobules and spreads to the nearby breast tissues. It then spreads to other organs and tissues. - Invasive lobular carcinoma
This type of breast cancer develops in the lobules and invades nearby tissues. - Inflammatory breast cancer
It’s a very rare but aggressive type of breast cancer where the lymph nodes get blocked. The breasts swell with a reddish color and can feel warm. It can also appear bumpy and thick. - Triple-negative breast cancer
This is also very rare and includes the following conditions:- The breast lacks estrogen receptors.
- It also lacks progesterone receptors.
- It is devoid of the additional HER2 protein on the surface.
This type of breast cancer can grow and spread very quickly compared to other types of breast cancer.
2. Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer is important. The symptoms are:
- A lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissues.
- Reddish and pitted skin all over the breasts.
- Breast pain.
- Constant nipple discharge other than milk.
- Peeling or flaking skin on the nipple or the breast.
- Swelling in some parts of the breast.
- A sudden change in the shape and size of the breast.
- Formation of lumps or swelling under your arm.
- Inverted nipple.
- The skin on the breast appears different.
Remember, these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate breast cancer. However, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional immediately.
3. Popular treatments for breast cancer
The common treatments for breast cancer include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
Each of these types of treatments for breast cancer will be discussed in detail in the following articles. The articles will also cover the risk factors and diagnosis regarding breast cancer. Comprehensive breast cancer treatment depends on several factors including genetics and age. The common treatments for breast cancer will take into account all the factors following a complete examination of the condition of the breasts.