Breast cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Facts
Cancer develops when the cells in the body behave and grow abnormally. Breast cancer can develop either in the lobules (where the milk is produced) or the ducts (channels through which milk travels to the nipple) in the breast. Cancer occurs when the cells in the breasts become abnormal in size or shape and start growing in an uncontrolled way.
Breast cancer can be classified as per:
- · Location: The part of the breast where cancer starts.
- · Spread: Spread of the cancer cells to other parts.
- · Occurrence: Cancer that reappears after treatment.
Causes of breast cancer
- · Family history of breast and other cancers
- · Peutz-Jeghers syndrome- A genetic disorder
- · Early menstruation- Before the age of eleven
- · Consumption of Oral contraceptives
- · Alcohol- Even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer
- · A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- · Change in the size or shape of your breast
- · Nipple discharge
- · Persistent pain in the breast
- · Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering or redness
- · Rash, ulcer or itchiness on the nipple
Consult a breast cancer doctor at the earliest if you see any of these symptoms. An early diagnosis will not only make the treatment easier but also prevent recurrence and spread of cancer.
Treatment of breast cancer
Treatments for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and Bisphosphonates for primary breast cancer. The line of treatment to be followed will depend on the age and condition of the patient as well as the stage of cancer. Hot flushes, fatigue, pain etc. are some of the side effects of these treatments.
In order to get the best treatment for cancer in India, it is important to find a doctor with good experience and expertise in the field.
Additional Read: How Do I Recognise That I Have A breast Cancer
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