“The best protection is early detection.”
Breast cancer develops in the breast tissue. It happens when breast cells mutate (change) and expand out of control, resulting in a mass of tissue (tumor). Breast cancer, like other malignancies, can invade and spread into the tissue surrounding your breast.
Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, but it can develop at any age.
What causes breast cancer?
Several factors can influence your risk of developing breast cancer.
There are numerous causes, not just one. It results from a confluence of our lifestyle choices, genetics, and external factors.
Breast cancer develops as a result of aberrant breast cell division and growth. Nevertheless, doctors are unsure of what causes this process to begin in the first place.
Invasive ductal carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that develops from cells in the milk ducts. It can also develop in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissues within the breast.
However, research suggests that several factors may raise your risk of developing breast cancer. These include:
Age– The risk of getting breast cancer rises if you’re above 55.
Sex– The risk of breast cancer is significantly higher in women than in men.
Family history and genetics– About 5%-10% of breast cancers are due to single abnormal genes passed down from generation to generation.
Smoking– Tobacco has been linked to an array of cancers, including breast cancer.
Alcohol– According to research, drinking alcohol may increase your risk of developing several types of breast cancer.
Obesity– Obesity can increase your risk of breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence.
Radiation exposure– Breast cancer is more likely to occur if you’ve previously undergone radiation therapy, particularly in the head, neck, or chest.
Hormone replacement therapy– People who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are more likely to get breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early signs and symptoms of breast cancer:
- A breast bulge or enlargement that feels distinct from the surrounding tissue
- Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance
- The skin changes, including dimpling, on the breast
- A newly inverted nipple
- Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast might peel, scale, crust, or flake
- Redness or pitting of the skin surrounding your breast, comparable to orange skin
How does breast cancer spread?
Breast cancer can penetrate and grow into the tissue surrounding your breast, or it can spread to other parts of your body, resulting in the formation of a new tumor.
Breast cancer spreads in three ways:
- It might spread from your breast to other parts of your body (like the lymph nodes under your arm or near your collarbone).
- Cancer cells can spread throughout your body through the bloodstream.
- Cancer cells can potentially spread through your lymphatic system to other parts of your body.
Where does breast cancer spread in the body?
Lymph Nodes
Breast cancer is more likely to spread first to the lymph nodes beneath your arm. It may also spread into the tissue surrounding your breast, such as your chest, or up to your collarbone or lower neck.
If your breast cancer has spread, you may suffer from pain, enlarged lymph nodes, or a lump beneath your armpit.
Lungs
Breast cancer that has spread to your lungs can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, a persistent cough, or you may cough up blood. Breast cancer can also spread between your lungs and the chest wall, causing fluid to accumulate in your lungs.
Liver
These are possible symptoms if your breast cancer has spread to your liver:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
Brain
The neurological signs of breast cancer that have progressed to the brain include:
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Mental confusion or brain fog
Bones
Breast cancer can spread to your bones, causing them to deteriorate. You may have bone pains, discomfort, or exhaustion. Cancer cells embedded in your bones or spinal cord may also make you more susceptible to bone breaks or fractures.
Types of breast cancer:
Infiltrating (invasive) ductal carcinoma– Infiltrating ductal carcinoma- This cancer originates in the milk ducts of your breast, penetrates the duct wall, and spreads to surrounding breast tissue. This is the most prevalent type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases.
Ductal carcinoma in situ– Because the cells have not spread past your milk ducts, this type of breast cancer, also known as Stage 0, is sometimes viewed as precancerous. This ailment is easily treatable. To stop cancer from becoming invasive and spreading to other tissues, however, prompt treatment is essential.
Infiltrating (invasive) lobular carcinoma– This cancer develops in the lobules of your breast (where breast milk production takes place) and spreads to adjacent breast tissue. The percentage of breast cancers attributable to it ranges from 10% to 15%.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)- Triple-negative breast cancer, which accounts for 15% of all cases, is one of the most difficult breast cancers to treat. It is called triple-negative because it lacks three of the markers associated with other kinds of breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer- This kind of cancer is rare and aggressive, and it looks infectious. Patients with inflammatory breast cancer usually have redness, swelling, pitting, and dimpling in their breast skin. It is brought on by obstructive cancer cells in the lymphatic veins of the skin.
Does a lump cause breast cancer?
Breast lumps can be caused by a variety of diseases, including cancer. Most breast lumps, however, are caused by other medical issues. The two most frequent causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast disease and cysts. The non-cancerous alterations brought on by the fibrocystic condition in the breasts can make them lumpy, sensitive, and painful. Cysts are tiny sacs filled with fluid that form in the breast.
Can breast cancer be cured?
Breast cancer is relatively treated in its early stages, and the outlook is often promising.
Advanced cancer is not treatable in most circumstances.
Still, treatment can often be beneficial:
- Shrink the cancer
- Slow the growth of the cancer cells
- Relieve symptoms
- Prolong a person’s life
Consult an Oncologist
Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be frightening, stressful, and even depressing. Consult your doctor about your treatment decisions.
Breast cancer can go into complete remission.
Be vigilant in the detection of breast cancer. Consult an oncologist if you observe any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes.
Conclusion
Breast cancer develops when cells in your breast multiply and increase uncontrollably, resulting in a lump of tissue known as a tumor. Breast cancer symptoms include detecting a lump, observing a change in breast size, or observing changes in the skin around your breasts. The prognosis is typically better if a person receives treatment in the early stages of the illness. Some cases of advanced breast cancer are incurable. Treatment, however, can lessen symptoms and increase a person’s life expectancy.
Make an appointment at AllCure Super Speciality Hospital if you are unsure or concerned about any changes in your breast. We are always there to assist you with our wide range of services.