Breast cancer diagnosis

Diagnosis is the process of identifying a disease or condition in a patient based on their signs, symptoms, and various diagnostic tests. Once a diagnosis is made, it informs the healthcare team about the nature and extent of the disease, which then guides the treatment plan. 

The diagnostic procedures for breast cancer help to identify the presence, type, and extent of the disease. These procedures include:

Physical Exam

This is a preliminary evaluation by a healthcare provider to check for any visible signs of breast cancer, such as lumps or changes in the breast or armpit.

Mammogram

Mammography is an important tool for early detection. It is effective in identifying abnormalities in breast tissue, even before symptoms become apparent.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images and can help determine whether a mass is a benign cyst or a potentially cancerous growth.

Biopsy

A biopsy involves the removal of a small tissue sample from the affected area, which is then examined in a laboratory to determine whether cancer is present.

Breast MRI

MRI can be used to provide more detailed images of breast tissue and is sometimes used as a follow-up or additional diagnostic tool. It is especially valuable in certain situations, such as for patients at high risk.

The choice of diagnostic procedures depends on the specific clinical circumstances, the patient's risk factors, and the recommendations of the healthcare team. 

Once a definitive diagnosis is made, the appropriate treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, can be initiated to address breast cancer. Early detection and accurate diagnosis play a significant role in improving the prognosis and outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Treatment for breast cancer

Surgery

Surgery is a primary approach for treating breast cancer by removing cancerous tissue. It comes in various forms.

Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy involves the removal of the cancerous tissue. It is sometimes used alongside chemotherapy to shrink tumors before further intervention.

Mastectomy

Mastectomy is the complete removal of all breast tissue, which can be done unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts).

Sentinel Node Biopsy

This procedure entails the removal of nearby lymph nodes to assess whether cancer has spread to these nodes.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

In cases where a broader lymph node assessment is necessary, axillary lymph node dissection involves the removal of additional lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are crucial as they can serve as sites for the spread of cancer.

Radiation Therapy (RT)

Radiation therapy employs X-rays to eliminate cancer cells and can be administered using two main techniques:

External Beam Radiation (EBR)

EBR delivers radiation from an external source to target the cancerous area. This method is commonly used after surgery or chemotherapy and usually extends over approximately one month.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy involves the use of a radioactive substance implanted in or near the tumor site to deliver localized radiation treatment.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that employs drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. The specific combination of drugs used varies based on the type of breast cancer and may be recommended before surgery to shrink tumors or to alleviate symptoms.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy is geared towards blocking hormone receptors, primarily used for cancer cells sensitive to hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. This therapy aims to either halt hormone production or prevent hormones from attaching to cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an innovative approach that harnesses the power of the immune system to identify and eliminate cancer cells. The immune system plays a pivotal role in defending the body against various threats, including cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs specifically designed to focus on cancer cells, often with fewer side effects on healthy cells compared to traditional chemotherapy.

If you have any uncertainties or seek a better understanding of breast cancer , we invite you to reach out to CION Cancer Clinics. Our team is here to assist you. Feel free to contact us at 1800 120 2676, or you can conveniently fill out the form through the provided link.