There are different types of breast cancer depending on which cells in the breast are involved. Cancer can develop in lobules, ducts, and connective tissue parts of the breast. When breast cancer spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymph vessels it is said to have metastasized.
Ductal carcinoma: This condition begins with the development of abnormal cells in the milk ducts that carry milk from the breast to the nipple. Cancer tends to grow typically in the form of a lump or mass.
Lobular carcinoma: This condition begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) of the breast. Cancer tends to grow in a single-file pattern of cells through the stroma.
What do the terms "carcinoma-in-situ" and "invasive carcinoma" mean?
- In situ breast cancer: It is a type of cancer which is localized and has not grown into the rest of the breast tissue.
- Invasive breast cancer: It is a type of cancer which has invaded the surrounding breast tissue.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
A change in the size, shape, contour or appearance of one or both breasts
Clear fluid or blood-streaked discharge from the nipples
Inverted (retracted) nipple
A lump or thickening in the area of the breast or underarm
Redness, flaking, scaling or crusting of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple called areola or the breast skin
A sudden change in the size or shape of your breast
Redness, irritation or pitting (dimpling) over your breast skin
Hardened or thickened skin on the breast that is distinctly different from any other surrounding area of the breast
Swelling or pain in any area of your breast
What are the causes and risk factors of breast cancer?
• Age: The risk for breast cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50.
• Family history: The risk for breast cancer is twice as high if your (first-degree relative) mother, sister, or daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Genetics: Women have a substantially increased risk of breast cancer if they have inherited the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
• Previous radiation exposure: Women who had radiation therapy to the chest or breast before the age of 30 are more likely at increased risk to develop breast cancer.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
1. Self-breast examination: Examine your breasts every month at home after age 20 and if you notice any breast changes consult your doctor.
2. Clinical breast examination: Have your breasts examined by a healthcare provider during annual physical exams as clinical breast exam can help early lump detection.
3. Breast Cancer Screening Tests:
- Mammogram
- Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)
- Biopsy
4. Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2
Women are recommended to do a breast self-examination once a month. An early symptom of breast cancer is usually a painless lump in the breast, which can often be easily detected during a self-examination, especially if a woman is familiar with her breasts and their normal health.
Dr. Ayushi Jain, BHMS, MPH
If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as lumps, nipple discharge, swelling, or soreness, make an appointment with your doctor right away. If you are over 40, you should also think about undergoing annual screening mammograms to aid in the early identification of breast cancer.
