We can not say this enough: early detection and timely treatment significantly impact the prognosis of breast cancer! The big questions are: how is it diagnosed and treated? And what are my chances of beating this type of cancer? Well, let’s start with explain how professional healthcare providers diagnose breast cancer. Doctors use different methods to diagnose breast cancer.
First, they examine the breasts physically to feel for lumps or changes. Then, they may do tests like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs to get pictures of the breast. If something suspicious is found, a small piece of tissue called a biopsy, is taken and checked under a microscope for cancer cells. Additional tests like blood tests or scans may be done to see if the cancer has spread. If you notice any changes in your breasts, it’s important to see a doctor for a check-up.
Are There Any Treatment Options?
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for breast cancer. The treatment plan depends on factors like the stage of cancer, the type of breast cancer, and individual health. Some common treatment options, include:
- Surgery: The most common surgical options include lumpectomy (removing the tumor and a small portion of surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast). Lymph node removal may also be done to check for cancer spread.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. It is often recommended after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast or lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are given to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or for advanced stages of breast cancer.
- Hormone therapy: For hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, medications are used to block hormones or reduce their effects on cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Drugs are used to target specific characteristics of cancer cells and disrupt their growth.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment activates the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
There are many ways to treat cancer these days, the ones mentioned in this article are just a few examples. Sometimes they are combined, but it can also happen that these treatments do not help (anymore), so other options should be considered. That’s why it’s essential to do your own extensive online research and stay up to date about new treatments. Have you already been diagnosed with breast cancer, but aren’t satisfied with your treatment plan? Doing a second opinion in another hospital or oncology center is always good. Start your search today:
