Breast Cancer Treatment In Delhi, India

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

In over 16% of the cases of breast cancer, women experience multiple symptoms indicating the disease. However, several cases are also asymptomatic or with negligible signs. Some of the common symptoms doctors note during the diagnosis andbreast cancer treatment in Delhiinclude:

• Lump(s) in our around the breast
• Thicker skin on a part of the breast 
• Reddish or bluish skin on the breast
• Flat or inward nipple
• Dimpled or textured skin on the breast
• Change in the size, shape, appearance, or color of the breast
• Flaking, peeling, or scaling of the breast skin

Causes of Breast Cancer

The exact cause of breast cancer is not yet identified. Experts believe that genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental factors come into play together in causing this disease. In most cases, a person has the genetics for potential breast cancer which is triggered by the environment or lifestyle and manifests the condition. However, not everyone with one or more risk factors for breast cancer develops the disease whereas some without any apparent risks do.

If you have a close family history of breast cancer, it is best to get screened for the risk factors. A genetic test to determine whether or not you’ve inherited the gene is also an effective way of prevention.

What are the types of breast cancer?

The two most common types of breast cancer are:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma, in which cancerous cells begin to grow around the ducts of the breast and spread to other tissues of the breast.
•  Invasive lobular carcinoma, in which cancerous cells begin to spread in the lobules of the breast and spread to nearby tissues.

Both these types of cancer can spread to other regions of the body.

Is breast cancer genetic or hereditary?

There are around 5 to 10 percent chances of a patient inheriting breast cancer from a family member. Breast Cancer occurs due to genetic mutations in the genes, specifically BRCA1 and BRCA 2. These mutations can be inherited from the parents.

To know more about breast cancer and its causes you can always connect with Dr Saphalta Baghmar the best Breast Cancer Specialist in Delhi NCR.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

It is advised to perform a self-examination of the breasts and the surrounding areas regularly to check for any unusual lumps or changes. If you find something or experience any symptoms, visit the doctor for a proper checkup. You should consult the doctor even if you have a close family history of breast cancer. 

The diagnostic procedure involves the following methods:

Physical examination

The first stage of the diagnosis involves a physical examination where the doctor checks the breasts for any lumps or abnormalities. 

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts to check for any unusual mass. First, the doctor performs a screening mammogram to detect any unusual mass or growth. If it is found, a diagnostic mammogram is performed to determine how big it is and which areas it affects. 

Ultrasound

An ultrasound of the breasts helps in gathering more information on the lump. It allows the doctor to see if the lump is a solid cell mass or a fluid-filled cyst.

MRI

An MRI is performed to screen the surrounding areas to screen for the mass. This method also helps in staging if the lump is cancerous.

Biopsy

This is the confirmation test for cancerous growth. A sample tissue from the abnormal mass is taken and tested. The characteristics of the cells in the tissue are studied and compared to that of the healthy cells. If the test deems the sample as cancerous, staging and treatment plans follow.

Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi

Breast cancer treatment in Delhi includes surgical and non-surgical approaches. A treatment plan usually includes a combination of two or more of these methods.

Surgical Methods for Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi

• Lumpectomy: This method includes the surgical removal of the cancerous mass or lump and some healthy tissues from the surrounding area. It is effective in cases where cancer is localized and hasn’t spread to surrounding areas. Chemotherapy may be used before the surgery to shrink the tumor. 

• Mastectomy: This method refers to the removal of the entire affected breast, including the lobules, ducts, and fatty tissues. In some cases, the areola and nipple are left behind along with some skin if the surrounding area is unaffected.

• Axillary lymph node dissection: This surgery includes the removal of the affected lymph nodes along the armpit.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: This involves the surgical removal of both breasts and is usually performed when the other breast is also at risk of cancer. It is, however, rare for a person with cancer in one breast to develop cancer in the other breast too.

What are the common risk factors for breast cancer?

There are some common risk factors that can increase the chances of breast cancer:

• Increasing age is one of the most prevalent risk factors for breast cancer. The likelihood of a DNA mutation increases with age.
• Early Menarche and late menopause I.e. more exposure to female hormones increases the risk of breast cancer.
• If you've had breast cancer previously, your chances of getting it again are higher.
• Radiation therapy exposure in the chest or breast area.
• Obesity has been shown to increase the likelihood of cancer.
• Alcohol consumption increases chances of cancer.
• 1st pregnancy after the age of 30 or never having pregnancy too increases chances of breast cancer. Breast feeding has protective effects.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

A patient with a breast lump or nipple abnormalities, is advised to undergo few investigations which includes mammography and/or ultrasound of breast. If doubtful then MRI breast can be advised. Depending upon the results, further evaluation is done which includes PET SCAN and biopsies.

Mammography is x-ray of breast. If the breasts are dense (usually at the age less than 40 yrs) then ultrasound of breast is advised.

Any abnormal lesion is then biopsied (taking small piece of tumor tissue with the help of needle) in the light of ultrasound. The tumor tissue is then examined under microscope.

PET CT SCAN is done for staging of the tumor.

What are the different stages of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is classified into four stages based on the extent of cancer's spread. When cancer has not progressed to other parts of the body, it is considered to be in its early stages. The four phases of cancer are as follows:

• Stage 1: Breast Cancer is defined as the initial tumour, which is small and located around the breast. It is also seen around the lymph nodes present near the breast. It is often split into two stages: 1A and 1B.
• Stage 2: When cancer is found in the breast and near the lymph nodes, it is called Stage 2 breast cancer. This is the stage at which the extent of the cancer is determined, which aids the doctor in determining the best course of therapy. There are two types of stage 2 breast cancer. Stages 2A and 2B are determined by the extent and size of the tumour.
• Stage 3: Breast Cancer is characterised by extensive cancer spread, with cancer having spread or metastasis from the breast tissue to lymph nodes that are adjacent to the breast and in the tissues of the chest wall. This stage is also referred to as locally advanced breast cancer. Stage 3 breast cancer is classified into three types: 3A, 3B, and 3C.
• Stage 4: Breast cancer, also known as secondary breast cancer or advanced breast cancer, occurs when cancer has advanced to the rest of the body parts, including the lungs, bones, liver, and possibly the brain. This is breast cancer's most advanced stage.

How is breast cancer treated?

It is of 2 types-

1. Surgical Treatments Types:

Breast conserving surgery (generally done for small tumors)

MASTECTOMY: whole breast is removed.

2. Non Surgical Types:

Chemotherapy: It can be given before surgery or after surgery. Depending upon the types of breast cancer, chemotherapy drugs and frequency is decided.

Radiation: It is given if breast cancer has grown in size or involved the lymph nodes or breast conservation surgery had been done.

Hormone therapy: If the tumor is hormone sensitive then hormone therapy is continued for 5-10 years.

Targeted therapy: There are some markers, tested on tumor tissue, if positive then Targeted therapy is given for a year.

Cancer is both physically and psychologically destructive. It is critical to consider and choose the best oncologist in the field, and Dr Saphalta Baghmar is one of the top oncologists in Delhi NCR with years of expertise in treating a wide range of malignancies. You may be confident that you will receive the highest possible care from her.

Best Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi by Dr. Saphalta Baghmar

Dr. Saphalta Baghmar studies every case closely and performs a thorough diagnosis and staging before getting started with the treatment. This allows her to come up with the most suitable treatment plans personalized for every individual.

Dr. Saphalta Baghmar includes a combination of traditional and advanced methods for Breast cancer treatment in Delhi. She prefers surgical removal of the tumor if the cancer is localized. To prevent recurrence, she complements the surgery with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. For more advanced cases, she prescribes a combination of treatments best suited to each patient.

Dr. Saphalta Baghmar gives personalized attention and care to every individual and has a deep understanding of the physical and emotional difficulties that come with cancer. Therefore, to offer you expert support, her treatments are patient-centered, affordable, and holistic.

FAQ'S

1. What are the 1st symptoms of breast cancer?

A lump in the breast or the underarm area is usually the first sign that could indicate breast cancer. Apart from this, any abnormal dimpling of the breast skin, redness, irritation, or itching on the skin and/or around the nipple should also be taken seriously. In some cases, people also experience flaky and dry skin as one of the earliest signs of breast cancer. Note that these signs and symptoms are not definite determiners of breast cancer. However, they should be taken seriously and you should consult with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

2. Can stress cause breast cancer?

Studies have found that stress could be one of the causes of breast cancer. While it is an unpredictable disease and can be caused by numerous factors, women with higher levels of stress are found to be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

3. Who is at high risk for breast cancer?

A combination of different factors puts a person at a high risk of having breast cancer. Females become more vulnerable to this disease as they get older. Genetic mutations, previous history of having breast cancer, or a history of non-cancerous breast conditions also increase the risk. Women with early menarche or delayed menopause experience prolonged exposure to certain hormones and can develop breast cancer along the way. Individuals with a history of breast cancer are advised to undergo regular screening. If you notice any abnormal mass or lump around your breast area, sides, or underarms, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

4. What are the risk factors of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is more common in women with a history of breast conditions or a family history of breast cancer. Health concerns like obesity and frequent hormonal imbalances also put you at a higher risk. Females with premature onset of menstrual cycle or delayed menopause are also found to be more prone to developing this condition. Exposure to radiation through radiotherapy sessions and certain lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and reproductive history are also among the major risk factors for breast cancer.