Breast Cancer |
Breast
cancer is among the most common cancers appearing in the females. Today,
it is the second leading cause of death in females. It has been estimated that
the chances of a woman dying of breast cancer are 1 in 36.
Causes of breast cancer
Cause
of breast cancer is still unclear. Mostly the factors that take part in the
development of cancer are the woman’s lifestyle and habits.
Genetic
mutations play a key role in the development of breast cancer. Studies have
shown that the use of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations continues
and is going at a fast pace. Also, it has been noticed how common it is for
gene variation to occur.
At
some point it has been seen that environment plays a role in the cause of
cancer. Obesity, diet, regular heavy alcohol, heavy radiations and estrogen
rich pills may be the risk factors for breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Breast
cancer symptoms include a lump or an area of thickened tissue in the breast,
change in size or shape or both, discharge from the nipple, dimpling of the
breast skin, rash around the nipple or sunken nipple. The most common breast
cancer symptom is a lump or thickened are or breast tissue. But, bear in mind,
most of the lumps are not breast cancers.
Chemoprevention
Chemoprevention refers to the method which
prevents or reduces the chances of breast cancer with the use of drugs,
vitamins or other agents. Fenretinide,
a retinoid, is being used to decrease the risk of breast cancer to occur. Retinoids
are vitamin A related drugs. A small study has reported that Fenretinide
reduces breast cancer risk as much as Tamoxifen.
New laboratory tests
Circulating tumour cells
It
has been noticed that a part of tumour often breaks away from its original site
and enters the blood circulation. Such products are known as cancer tumour markers. A sensitive test can indicate whether the
cancer can reappear again to the patient or not. This test is important for the
patients who are at a higher stage of cancer and their treatment is going well.
Scintimammography (molecular breast imaging)
It
is a slightly radioactive tracer called technetium sestamibi. It is injected
into a vein. The tracer attaches to breast cancer cells and special camera is
able to detect it. But, this technique is still being studied and some
radiologists believe that scintimammography is helpful while some do not.
Tomosynthesis (3-D mammography)
This
technology is an extension of a digital mammogram. The test is performed by making the breast
compressed once and a machine takes many low-dose x-rays while moving over the
breast. The images are combined to produce a 3-dimensional picture; however, it
uses a lot for radiation.
Mastectomy |
Breast cancer treatment
Oncoplastic surgery
Breast-conserving
surgery (lumpectomy or partial mastectomy) is often performed for early-breast
cancer stages. It depends on the size of tumour and, in some of the women; it
can result in breasts of different sizes or shapes. If the tumour is larger, it
may have to be removed as a whole. The recent advances offer a new technology
or method called oncoplastic surgery where doctors combine the cancer and
plastic surgery techniques. Oncoplastic surgery reshapes the breast at the time
of the initial surgery, and sometimes the other breast may be operated as well
to make them look symmetrical. This technique is new and many doctors are still
not comfortable with it.
New chemotherapy drugs
New
chemotherapy drugs has been developed that target cancers caused by BRCA
mutations. This class of drugs used is PARP inhibitors and clinical trials have
shown its positive effect.
Many
other treatments are taking place such as target therapies. Different regimens are
being used; however, maximum benefits can be achieved when the patient is cooperative
and understanding. She makes is more effective than any procedure done or any drug
used.
By:
Wajiha Hassan
By:
Wajiha Hassan
Keywords: Breast cancer research, Breast cancer symptoms, Breast cancer treatment, Oncoplastic surgery, Chemotherapy
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