Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview of Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer poses a substantial health threat to millions of people across the globe. Understanding the various treatment options is crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
This comprehensive guide will explore breast cancer treatment options, including diagnosis, symptoms, causes, stages, and available therapies.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that predominantly impacts women and those designated female at birth (AFAB). It occurs when malignant cells within the breast multiply, forming tumours. While most cases involve invasive tumours, approximately 20% are non-invasive.
While it predominantly impacts women aged 50 and older, breast cancer can also affect younger individuals. Additionally, men and individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) can also develop breast cancer, albeit less commonly.
Types of Breast Cancer Types
Breast cancer comes in various forms, each with its characteristics that influence treatment decisions. The most common breast cancer types include:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Originating in the milk ducts, this type of cancer has the potential to extend to nearby breast tissue, making it the most common form of breast cancer in the United States.
- Lobular Breast Cancer: Beginning in the lobules, the glands responsible for milk production, this cancer may also extend to nearby breast tissue. It ranks as the second most encountered breast cancer in the U.S.
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Unlike IDC, DCIS remains confined within the milk ducts without spreading beyond.
Less prevalent types encompass:
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): TNBC is recognised for its aggressive nature. It spreads swiftly compared to other types due to the absence of specific receptors.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Although rare in the U.S., this swiftly advancing cancer manifests as a rash on the breast.
- Paget’s Disease of the Breast: Affecting the nipple’s skin, this rare cancer may resemble a rash. It constitutes less than 4 % of all breast cancers.
Healthcare professionals further classify breast cancer into subtypes based on receptor cell status, which dictates how cancer cells respond to hormones:
- ER-positive (ER+): Cancer cells possess estrogen receptors.
- PR-positive (PR+): Cancer cells have progesterone receptors.
- HR-positive (HR+): Cells feature oestrogen and progesterone receptors.
- HR-negative (HR-): Cells lack these receptors.
- HER2-positive (HER2+): These cancers exhibit elevated levels of the HER2 protein, facilitating cancer cell growth. They account for 15 % to 20 % of all breast cancers.
What are Breast Cancer Symptoms?
Breast cancer symptoms can vary widely, ranging from subtle changes to more noticeable signs. Some symptoms are unmistakable, while others might be easily mistaken for benign conditions. Here are some common indicators:
- Watch for changes in breast size, shape, or contour, which could indicate breast cancer.
- Be alert to any lumps or masses in the breast, especially if they persist through your menstrual cycle.
- Take note of skin texture or appearance changes, including dimpling, puckering, or colour changes.
- Pay attention to the development of hardened areas under the skin of the breast.
- Keep an eye out for nipple discharge, mainly if it appears bloody or explicit, as this could be a sign of breast cancer.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer arises when breast cells undergo mutations, leading to the uncontrolled division and multiplication of cells, resulting in tumour formation.
While the precise cause remains unidentified, research pinpoints numerous risk factors that elevate the chances of developing breast cancer, such as:
- Age: Risk increases significantly after age 55.
- Sex: Breast cancer disproportionately affects women and individuals designated female at birth (AFAB), with a significantly higher likelihood compared to men and those assigned male at birth (AMAB).
- Family History: Close relatives with breast cancer elevate your risk.
- Genetics: Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes cause up to 15 % of cases.
- Smoking: Linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including breast cancer.
- Alcohol: Increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Obesity: Excess weight is a known risk factor.
- Radiation: Receiving prior radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest heightens the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Long-term use of HRT can be linked to a slight increase in breast cancer risk.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers may perform physical exams or order mammograms to detect signs of breast cancer. To diagnose the disease, they use the following tests:
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast MRI Scan
- Breast Biopsy
- Immunohistochemistry Test – To assess hormone receptors.
- Genetic Tests – To identify mutations linked to breast cancer.
How is Breast Cancer treated?
In Dubai, breast cancer treatment varies based on the cancer type and its spread beyond the breast. Treatment is influenced by whether the cancer has reached the lymph nodes (stages II or III) or other parts of the body (stage IV).
While surgery remains the primary approach for treating breast cancer, alternative breast cancer treatment options may also be employed. Breast cancer surgeries encompass:
- Mastectomy
- Lumpectomy
- Breast reconstruction
Surgical procedures can be complemented by incorporating one or multiple additional treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy (including intraoperative radiation therapy, IORT)
- Hormone therapy, which encompasses treatments like selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) therapy, is also an option.
Treatment plans are personalised based on breast cancer stages, type, overall health, and patient preferences. Patients should discuss options with their healthcare team and be involved in decision-making.
Contact Dr Rajeev Kaushal for Breast Cancer Treatment in Dubai
Dr Rajeev Kaushal a renowned Breast Cancer Specialist in Dubai, offers over 35 years of expertise in Medical Oncology. He utilises advanced techniques like IMRT and IGRT and is dedicated to providing top-quality care. For compassionate and comprehensive treatment, contact Dr Rajeev Kaushal.