Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the cells of the breast. It can occur in both men and women, though it is much more common in women. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and early detection combined with effective treatment is crucial for successful outcomes. The treatment plan for breast cancer typically involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual’s specific situation.

Types of Breast Cancer

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and invading surrounding tissue.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and can also spread.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are contained in the ducts.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Not considered a true breast cancer but indicates an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Lacks three common receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2), making it more challenging to treat.

Symptoms

Lump in the Breast: A noticeable lump or mass, which may or may not be painful.

Changes in Breast Shape or Size: Swelling or distortion of the breast.

Nipple Changes: Inversion, discharge, or rash.

Skin Changes: Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the breast skin.

Diagnosis

Breast Self-Examination: Regular self-checks for lumps or changes.

Clinical Breast Exam: Performed by a healthcare provider.

Mammography: An X-ray of the breast used for screening.

Ultrasound: Helps differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.

Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis is made by examining tissue samples.

Treatment Options

Below are some of the primary treatment options available:

Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue. his procedure involves removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast.

Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts, depending on the extent of cancer. This surgery removes one both breasts, partially or completely, depending on the extent of cancer.

Sentinel Node Biopsy: Involves removing a limited number of lymph nodes to check for any spread of cancer.

Radiation Therapy: Often used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to target and kill cells in specific areas after surgery. It is often used after lumpectomy to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment using drugs to kill cancer cells, often used for aggressive cancers. Chemotherapy employs powerful drugs that target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. It may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to eliminate remaining cells.

Hormonal Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers, medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors are used. For cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, hormonal therapy blocks hormones such as estrogen from supporting tumor growth. Medications include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors.

Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as HER2-positive cancers (e.g., trastuzumab).Targeted therapies attack specific characteristics or mutations within cancer cells, such as HER2-positive breast cancers treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin). These treatments can be highly effective with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, particularly for specific subtypes. Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight off cancer by enhancing its ability to recognize and destroy malignant cells.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Each patient’s journey with breast cancer is unique; therefore, oncologists will tailor treatment plans based on:

• The type and stage of breast cancer
• Hormone receptor status
• Genetic factors
• Overall health
• Patient preferences

Stem cell transplant: A procedure that replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells to help regrow healthy blood cells after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

If you have specific questions about breast cancer treatment, its management, or anything related, feel free to ask! We will be pleased to help you with our wide hospital & clinic network all over the Turkiye.