Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

What is Breast Cancer?

Ducts, lobules, and connective tissues together make a woman’s breast. Lobules are glands responsible for the production of milk, and ducts refer to tubes responsible for carrying the milk to the nipple. Connective tissues have fatty and fibrous tissues holding and surrounding everything.

Breast cancer results because of abnormal cell growth. There are different types of breast cancer, and the condition usually begins in the lobules or ducts. The cancerous cells can spread in the body through lymph and blood vessels, and when this happens, it is known to be metastasized.

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Medical professionals at the breast cancer hospital in Ahmedabad undertake several tests to diagnose the condition. The types of tests are recommended based on the patient’s condition, and they may include any or multiple of the following:

• Breast examination: The doctors will examine your breast condition and the lymph nodes to check for lumps or other abnormalities.

• Breast ultrasound: It uses sound waves to release images of body structures, allowing doctors to identify whether the new lump in the breast is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass.

• Mammogram: This refers to a breast X-ray and is commonly done to test for breast cancer. In case the doctor spots any abnormality in your breast, you might be recommended to undergo a diagnostic mammogram for further evaluation.
  

• Biopsy: Biopsy is one of the most accurate ways of diagnosing breast cancer. Your medical professional will use a special needle directed by imaging tests to remove a sample tissue from the suspicious area. The breast cell samples are then sent to the laboratory for analysis, wherein they are determined as cancerous or non-cancerous. It also helps analyze the grade of cancer, which will influence the treatment.
  

• Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The MRI machine creates images of your breast’s structure with the help of radio waves and magnets. This helps doctors understand the exact condition of your breasts.
  

There are a lot more procedures and tests that the doctor can suggest on the basis of your situation.

What are the Treatment Options Available for Breast Cancer?

There are multiple treatment options; however, the most suitable depends on the type of breast cancer and the patient’s overall condition. Some treatment options are:

• Surgery to remove cancerous cells.

• Chemotherapy, i.e. special pills or medicines, is usually administered via veins to kill or shrink cancer cells.

• Biological therapy helps the immune system fight against cancerous cells or manage side effects from other treatments.

• Hormonal therapy to stop cancerous cells from receiving necessary hormones for growth.

• Radiation therapy kills cancerous cells with the help of high-frequency or energy rays.

Wrapping Up

Knowledge about medical conditions concerning women is important, and one such sensitive topic is breast cancer. It is a serious issue and may or may not accompany symptoms. Therefore, women should pay attention to and address any noticeable or abnormal changes in their breasts; they can visit the best multispeciality hospital in Ahmedabad for a thorough check-up and treatment (if necessary).