It is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It usually presents as a lump or hardness in the breast. Regular self-examination and mammography are important for early diagnosis. Breast cancer Although it is common in women, it can rarely occur in men. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
The most common symptom is a painless, hard mass felt in the breast or armpit. This mass is usually irregularly shaped and immobile. Asymmetry in the breast, with one side appearing larger than the other or a significant change in size, indicates this condition. Skin changes such as redness, orange peel appearance, thickening or peeling of the skin may be seen on the breast.
Changes such as indentation, deformity or crusting of the nipple breast cancer It can be a symptom. Especially bloody discharges, fluids coming from the nipple can be a symptom. Pain or tenderness felt in the area or under the armpit is considered a symptom. These symptoms can indicate, but do not always mean that there is cancer. If you experience such symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis breast cancer significantly increases the success rate of treatment.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 may increase the risk. The risk is higher in individuals with a family history of the condition. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone may increase the risk. Early age at first menstruation, late menopause, and not having children are risk factors. As you get older, breast cancer The risk increases. Most cases occur in women over age 50. Having had this condition or other breast conditions before increases the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy to the chest may increase the risk. Long-term use of estrogen-containing medications, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills, increases the risk.
Alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and obesity are risk factors. Lack of physical activity can also increase the risk. Some studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk. Having dense breast tissue on a mammogram increases the risk. Dense tissue can also make it harder to detect tumors. Postmenopausal hormone therapy, especially a combination of estrogen and progesterone, can increase the risk. These factors breast cancer may increase your risk. However, having these does not mean you will definitely get them. Risk factors can vary on an individual basis, and every woman's risk profile is different.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
It is important for women to perform regular breast self-examinations. This can help detect any changes in the breast early. If any lumps, changes in shape, or abnormal symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be consulted. A clinical breast examination is a physical examination performed by a doctor. The doctor checks the breast for any abnormalities or lumps. It provides information about possible changes. Mammography, breast cancer It is an imaging method used to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Low-dose X-rays are used to image breast tissue and detect possible tumors. It is recommended that women over the age of 40 have regular mammography. It is important to examine breast tissue with ultrasonography.
It helps determine whether the masses detected by mammography are liquid or solid. Ultrasound may be more effective in young women with dense breast tissue. MRI is another imaging method used in diagnosis. It is especially preferred in women at high risk. If there is doubt, a biopsy is taken from the suspicious tissue. This sample is examined in a laboratory environment to determine the presence of cancerous cells. Biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis. Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 may increase the risk. In the family breast cancer Genetic tests can be performed on people with a history of the disease. These diagnostic methods are important in early diagnosis and developing a treatment plan. Early diagnosis contributes to more successful treatment and can prevent the spread of the disease.
How Is Breast Cancer Treated?
Surgery is a common treatment method. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, there are different surgical options for removing the tumor and surrounding tissue. These options include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a small area around it) and mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). In some cases, the lymph nodes under the armpit may also be removed. Radiation therapy is a treatment method that uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells. It is usually used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Radiotherapy is preferred in patients who have breast-conserving surgery. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to stop the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. It can be used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. It can be applied for two different purposes: pre-surgery and post-surgery. Breast cancer, In some cases, it is sensitive to hormone receptors. Hormone therapy is used for this type of cancer.
It prevents hormones such as estrogen or progesterone from binding to cancer cells. It stops the cancer from growing. This treatment is usually applied to patients who are hormone positive. Targeted therapies target only cancer cells. They are treatments that aim to destroy them. These treatments target specific proteins or genes that cause cancer cells to grow and spread. Immunotherapy, which helps fight cancer by strengthening the immune system, is used in some breast cancer types are used.
This treatment increases the body's natural immune response, creating an effective defense against cancer cells. It is important for patients to receive physical and emotional support after treatment. Rehabilitation includes physiotherapy to restore mobility. Psychosocial support also plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients. Breast cancer The treatment process is customized for each patient and is carried out by a multidisciplinary team. Therefore, the treatment process is planned according to the patient's condition, the stage of the cancer and other individual factors.
