Breast cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated during its early stages. Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.Breast cancer is curable provided it is detected early. Early screening of cancer is by monthly breast self-examination and periodic examination by your doctor. Positive diagnosis is through a biopsy. Treatment consists of surgery or chemotherapy.
How is breast cancer screened?
Early diagnosis is the key to treating breast cancer. Screening techniques are the closest you can come to prevention. This would involve monthly breast self-examination, periodic examination by your doctor, and selective use of
mammography.
What is a biopsy?
Although a doctor may suspect that a patient has breast cancer after examining her or after a mammography, the only way he can make a positive diagnosis is through a biopsy. This procedure involves removing a small sample of breast tissue and examining it.
How can breast cancer be treated?
There are several ways of treating
breast cancer. The most common methods of treating breast cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. While carrying out a
surgery, the aim of the surgeon is to remove as much of the infected tissue as is possible, without affecting the functioning of the neighbouring muscles and tissues. This procedure is known as mastectomy. A simple
mastectomy involves the entire removal of the infected breast.
Until recently, chemotherapy was only used for those in the advanced stages of the disease. Studies are now being conducted to determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy in the early stages of the disease also.
How to identify the signs of breast cancer?
Marking the signs of breast cancer can help in its early detection. Early detection is very important for taking right steps and curing it.
Checking the breasts
Checking the breasts regularly is important. By examining the breasts by touching it regularly women can identify if there is any kind of abnormal change in them. Women need to thoroughly check their breasts including their armpits and upper chest. If any kind of abnormal change is observed, women can notify their doctor. Doctor may suggest appropriate steps and carryout the diagnosis to find out if there is any problem.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Let us take a look at some of the
symptoms of breast cancer.
Change in the size of breast
Women may come across change in the size of the breast. It may be observed that one breast has become larger or heavier or lower as compared to the other.
Formation of lumps may take place. Women may feel these lumps or lump when they touch their breasts.
Inflammation of breast
Women may observe inflammation or redness in the breast.
Discharge from nipples
Abnormal discharge can be noticed from one of the nipples or both.
Rashes
Unusual rashes can be observed on the nipples.
Crust formation can be observed on the nipples and the areola.
Changes in the nipple
Changes in the nipples may be experienced. Retraction of the nipples in the breast or inverted nipples may be observed.
Change in the texture of skin
The skin of the breast may become tender or wrinkles or dimpling may occur.
Pain in the breast
Pain in the breast is not a typical symptom but if any abnormal or persistent pain is observed it must be notified to the doctor.
A woman coping with breast cancer may or may not experience the above mentioned symptoms. These symptoms may also be associated with some other disorder. If any of the above symptom is observed it is necessary to report to the doctor immediately. Regular self-examination is also very important as it can help to treat and cure breast cancer in its early stages itself.