What is Breast Cancer?

You may have heard about this disease several times, but what is breast cancer? Breast cancer is an abnormal proliferation of breast cells that leads to severe and life-threatening outcomes. There are many subtypes of breast cancer depending upon the cells that are involved.

Since this condition affects the breast, both men and women are diagnosed with this condition. But, women are more prone to this condition. Anatomically, the breast tissue comprises lobules (glands producing milk), ducts (carry milk to nipples), connective tissue, and fat cells. Breast cancer can begin in any of these, though it commonly occurs within lobules and ducts. Breast cancer can be localized, contained, or spread to different body parts through lymph nodes and drainage, known as metastatic cancer.

There are several types of breast cancer, and the most common ones are:

• Invasive lobular carcinoma: This cancer starts in the lobules and spreads to the surrounding tissues in the breast. They can metastasize to other parts of the body via ductal drainage.
• Invasive ductal carcinoma: This cancer starts in the ducts and spreads to other body tissues.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ: This is ductal breast cancer but is localized and does not spread to other body parts.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Every patient may not have all the symptoms mentioned below, but these may be warning signs to see your doctor:

• Any new lumps in the breast or under the arms
• Swelling or thickened skin in any part of the breast
• Irritated, red, or dimpled breast skin
• Red or flaky skin on the nipple
• Pain or tenderness around the nipple
• Discharge or blood from the nipple other than milk
• Uneven/ severe change in the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast which lasts for several days

You should know that the above symptoms can occur even with other problems not associated with breast cancer, like fibrocystic diseases. You should consult a specialist if you see any symptoms that worry you about your breast health.

Importance of getting regular Breast Cancer Screenings

Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah explains that breast cancer screenings are checkups before any signs and symptoms appear from the disease. It is an essential step, as regular screenings can help detect cancers in their early stages. The most critical factors in the successful prognosis of breast cancer cases are:

• How much is the spread?
• How early is it detected?

Regular screenings can also be preventative, as catching breast cancer early can potentially save a woman’s life. Dr. Namrata & Dr. Dhaval also emphasizes that breast cancer screenings are important for all women, not just those with a family history or other risk factors.

How is Breast Cancer Screening Performed?

Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah advises breast cancer screenings to be done by all women of the reproductive age group. However, some self-checks can be done by yourself in the privacy of your home, and you can always take the advice and help of the doctor to understand how to do this better.

Self-checks

• Stand facing a mirror and check your breasts for any puckering or dimpling.
• Take your time to carefully examine your breasts for any sudden or extreme change in shape, size, symmetry, and inverted nipples (nipples turned inwards).
• You can also raise your hands in a folded hand stance and then examine your breasts.
• Check the ridges below the breasts for their symmetry.

Suppose you are not confident about doing a breast self-check or are concerned about the findings of a breast self-check, then Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah will perform a thorough clinical examination of your breasts with your consent.

Clinical Breast Exam by Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah

A clinical breast exam is where a healthcare provider physically feels the breasts and underarms for any abnormalities. During a clinical examination of the breasts, Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah, a renowned gynecologist of Saavi Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad, will:

• Look for changes in size, shape, and appearance
• Check for any abnormalities in the skin or nipples
• Feel for lumps or thickening

If Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah finds any symptoms of breast cancer or some sort of abnormality, the doctor may order imaging tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI.

Mammograms are where X-rays are used to detect abnormalities in breast tissue. Ultrasounds use sound waves to see any potential lumps or masses. MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the breasts. If the results of the tests are questionable, a biopsy may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Regular breast cancer screenings, including clinical breast exams and imaging tests, can help catch any potential issues early on. It is recommended that women over the age of 40 schedule regular breast cancer screenings with their healthcare providers. Dr. Namrata Shah & Dr. Dhaval Shah offers these services at Saavi Women's Hospital, and encourages all women to prioritize their breast health and schedule a screening today.