Breast Cancer-Treatment

When breast cancer is detected early removal of the breast is the most common management, with or without adjuvant, radio and chemotherapy.

Mastectomy is the name given to breast removal. In the past radical mastectomy was the standard treatment when the cancer was limited to the breast tissues and local underarm glands. This includes the removal of the breast tissues, regional lymph glands within the breast and the arm-pit, plus the pectoralis minor muscle for better exposure for the removal of the lymphatic tissue.

But during the past few decades women were given the option, of lesser procedures, considered according to certain guidelines.
When graded in the first stage, the cancer when limited to the ducts (intra-ductal), or spread just outside the ducts, a blood stained nipple discharge would be the earliest sign.

In this early stage a simple mastectomy is considered, with or without radio and chemotherapy.

Further factors that come into consideration in the management are –the Age: General health: Menopausal status: Tumour size: Tumour stage to check how far its spread: Tumour grade to check on the aggressiveness: Tumour’s hormone receptor status and lastly, whether lymph nodes are involved and distant metastasis are present.

The greatest risk factor being born to a family having history of breast cancer, such as mother, daughter or sisters

Inherited change such as mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or in the other genes that increase the risk of breast cancer.

A breast tissue that is dense on mammography should be further investigated through biopsy to check on the tissues for cancerous cells.

Those women who start menstruating early in life or at a later stage are more prone to get breast cancer.

Older women who have had no history of childbirth are more at risk.

Alcohol and obesity seem to be other risk factor.

Preventive Mastectomy

Those women having a high risk of breast cancer, from families where other members and siblings have had the disease may be given the choice of removal of the breasts prophylactically. A total removal of the breast including the nipple is recommended. Some women prefer both breasts to be removed to be safer than feel sorry later.
In some cases where one breast is removed for cancer, the individual is given the option of removal of the remaining breast to reduce the chance of cancer recurrence.
Angelina Jolie set an example by increasing the awareness of the necessity to undergo surgery prophylactically. She had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery has improved the public’s understanding of the operations.

Angelina had mutation in her BRCA1 gene and decided on the procedures.

Partial Mastectomy

IN the early stage 1 and 11 a partial mastectomy or simple mastectomy is recommended where the tumour and the tissues surrounding it are removed. In these two stages radiation therapy is recommended to the remaining breast tissue.

When the tumour is minute and axillary lymph nodes are not palpable lumpectomy is another procedure recommended.

Modified Radical Mastectomy

This is similar to the radical procedure performed in the past, except that entire breast is removed and the under arm lymph nodes, but the pectoralis minor muscle is not removed. This procedure leaves less scarring and less complications.

Radiation therapy

After breast surgery for cancer some oncologists would prefer to give radiation therapy in the region to lower the chance of a recurrence. For women over 70 years surgery is done without being given radiation therapy after, if the tumour is less than two centimetres in diameter and the tumour is totally removed.

Some tumours may contain hormone receptors, and such situations surgery is considered without radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy is also not given to those who don’t show any cancer metastasis in the under the arm lymph nodes.

Cancer preventing diets

Plant based diets appear to significantly enhance cancer defences against breast cancer. Studies have shown that vegan diet for a year suppresses cancer cell growth nearly eight times better,

Conclusions: Always go for regular mammography to check for breast cancer. If there is any suspicious the radiologist will suggest CAT scans and other investigations.
Early detection is important for higher percentage of cures. Pamela Peeke MD, author of Body for Life for Women states,” Knowing what your breasts look and feel like can help you recognise when something is suddenly different”.

Learn how to do a self-exam of your breasts at home. The best time is during the early post-menstrual period whilst applying soap in the shower.

If you feel a small nodule or a firm lum never felt before, you must see your doctr for further investigations. I know of a lady who had a nodule and the doctor has said,”Not to worry”. Go for a second opinion, which is essential.

You may not feel a lump, and may be an itchy feeling, or a nipple discharge, or thickened skin over the breast tissue do not ignore.

Check on you nipples in front of a mirror regularly. If there are cracks or retracted you need to see your doctor.

If you are on birth control pills-remember you are at risk which raises your breast cancer incidence.

Cut down on risk factors that may predispose to cancer. Being a vegan will give you peace of mind. Limit your alcohol and stop smoking.

Good advice by Dr harold
Some Ref: to WbMD