What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control. It can originate from different parts of the breast, but most commonly starts in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers) or the glandular tissue called lobules (lobular cancers). Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, though it's much more common in women.









 
 
 
 
 
 
What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm.

• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.

• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.

• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

• Pain in any area of the breast.

   Watch the Video of Dr Udaykumar Punukollu - Best Cancer Specialist in Hyderabad Unlocking the Myths of Breast Cancer in Telugu  HERE
 
 

Can We Prevent Breast Cancer?
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps you can take that might reduce your risk. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, eating nutritious food, limiting postmenopausal hormone therapy, and managing other health conditions. Breastfeeding for several months also may reduce the risk. Regular screening and genetic testing can help detect mutations that might increase the risk. 

Watch the video on importance of BRCA genetic testing in families with high risk of breast and ovarian cancer explained in Telugu by Dr Udaykumar Punukollu - Top Oncologist in Hyderabad  HERE
 
 

How Do We Diagnose Breast Cancer?

 

Breast cancer diagnosis involves several steps:

• Physical Examinations: Checking both breasts for lumps and other changes.

• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast commonly used to screen for breast cancer.

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce images of structures deep within the body.

• Biopsy: Removing a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope.

• MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves to get detailed pictures of the breast.

 
 

What Treatment Options Are Available for Breast Cancer?

Treatment options for breast cancer depend on the type of cancer, its stage, and other health factors. Common treatments include:

• Surgery: To remove the cancerous tissue, such as lumpectomy or mastectomy.

• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy waves to target and kill cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after to kill any remaining cancer cells.

• Hormone Therapy: For cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, to block the body’s natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) from supporting the growth of cancer cells.

• Targeted Therapy: Targets specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as a protein that allows the cancer cells to grow in a rapid or abnormal way.

• Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer.

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 Each patient’s treatment plan is personalized, often involving a combination of treatments to effectively target the cancer.