- Invasive Breast Cancer: This type occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the milk ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue.
- Non-Invasive Breast Cancer (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ): This is the earliest form of breast cancer, typically identified during routine screenings, where cancer cells remain confined within the ducts.
Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
Early detection is crucial, and being aware of the following symptoms can aid in identifying potential issues:
- Swelling or thickening of parts of the breast.
- A lump in the breast or underarm area.
- Dimpling or irritation of the breast skin.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Redness or flaky skin around the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk.
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
Regular self-examinations and awareness of these signs are vital for early detection.
Stages of Breast Cancer:
Understanding the stages of breast cancer helps in determining the appropriate treatment approach:
- Stage I: Early-stage cancer where tumors are very small.
- Stage II: Tumors are larger and may have started to spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Tumors larger than 5 cm, with growth around the lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, brain, or liver.
Treatment Options:
Treatment plans are tailored based on the cancer's stage, type, and individual patient factors. Common treatments include:
- Surgery: Removing the tumor or entire breast tissue.
- Radiation Therapy: Utilizing high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Employing drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Hormone Therapy: Blocking hormones that fuel certain types of breast cancer.
- Targeted Therapy: Focusing on specific characteristics of cancer cells to inhibit their growth.
Dr. Prapul Kumar Mandari, a Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Renova Century Hospitals in Hyderabad, specializes in advanced radiotherapy techniques for breast cancer treatment. With over eight years of experience and more than 10,000 satisfied patients, Dr. Mandari is recognized as a leading expert in his field. His proficiency includes techniques such as Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Gated RapidArc, Total Body Irradiation (TBI), and Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET). These advanced methods aim to provide precise and effective treatment while minimizing side effects.