Breast Cancer- Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment

By Dr. Piyusha Kulshrestha in Cancer Radiation Oncology

Nov 22, 2022

Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, and Treatment

Breast cancer develops when the cells in your breast multiply and expand out of control, forming a lump of tissue called a tumor. In females, breast cancer is the most prevalent invasive malignancy and a primary contributor to female cancer mortalities. While it is commonly diagnosed in women over 50, it can strike at any age. Let’s explore the various aspects of breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The clinical signs of breast cancer can differ from person to person. The first sign is typically a swollen patch of tissue in the breast, a lump in the breast, or a bulge in the armpit. Other signs and symptoms include:

• A tumor or lump that lasts the entire menstrual cycle in your breast, the area around it, or under your arm.
• Discomfort or slight pain in the breast or armpit during your menstrual cycle.
• Secretion from a nipple, which may contain blood.
• A marble-like firm region beneath your skin.
• A rash on one nipple or surrounding it.
• The skin on the breast or nipple is flaking, peeling, or scaling.

Causes of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast proliferate and spread. These cells can metastasize to your lymph nodes or other regions of your body. The precise reason why this process starts is unknown, but several factors can increase the risk, including:

• Age: The risk increases as you get older, especially after 55.
• Family History: A family history of breast cancer can significantly raise your risk.
• Previous Breast Cancer: Having had breast cancer increases the risk of developing it in the other breast.
• Radiation Therapy: Previous radiation treatments, especially to the head, neck, or chest, raise the risk.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Using HRT can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Stages of Breast Cancer

The stage of breast cancer describes how much the cancer has spread in your body, which helps determine the severity and the most effective treatment.

• Stage 0: The condition is non-invasive and has not emerged from your breast ducts.
• Stage I: Cancerous cells have infected the breast tissue.
• Stage II: Tumors range in size from 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter and may or may not impact adjacent lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and tissues but not to distant organs.
• Stage IV: Cancer has metastasized to organs outside the breast, such as bones, liver, lungs, or brain.

Treatment for Breast Cancer

The treatment plan for breast cancer varies based on the location and size of the tumor, the results of lab tests, and whether cancer has spread. Common treatments include:

Surgery

Different surgical procedures are used to remove breast cancer, such as:

• Lumpectomy
• Mastectomy
• Sentinel Node Biopsy
• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
• Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often used to reduce the tumor before a lumpectomy or to eliminate any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams to target and kill cancer cells and is commonly used following a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is used if the breast cancer is hormone-sensitive, either preventing your body from producing these hormones or blocking hormone receptors on cancer cells.

Prevention of Breast Cancer

While breast cancer cannot be entirely prevented, certain steps can help lower the risk:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight can reduce post-menopausal breast cancer risk.
• Engage in Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is linked to a decreased risk of breast cancer.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol intake can lower the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
• Avoid Postmenopausal Hormone Treatment: Avoiding combination hormone therapy can reduce breast cancer risk.

Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Early detection methods for breast cancer include:

• Self-Breast Examination: Regularly checking your breasts for lumps or irregularities.
• Clinical Examination: Visiting your doctor for regular check-ups.
• Mammography: Screening tests conducted by your doctor.
• Breast Ultrasound and MRI: Effective methods for early detection.
• Biopsy: Conducted if other methods indicate a possibility of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Despite the fear and anxiety that can accompany a breast cancer diagnosis, utilizing the various available services and treatments can provide hope and positivity. It’s essential to be proactive in your treatment strategy to achieve the best outcomes.