Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in India. A small number of men also develop breast cancer. Breast cancers often originate in the milk carrying ducts in the breast – these cancers are known as ductal carcinoma. Some breast cancers originate in the milk producing lobules, and are called lobular carcinoma. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. Hence, any new mass, lump, or change in the breast should be checked by a specialist. Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include dimpling of the skin, retraction of the nipple, discharge from the nipple, and swollen glands in the armpit.
Breast cancers can be detected early easily through clinical examination, mammography, sonography and MRI. Early detection is important because it can lead to significantly better outcomes and cure rates.
Treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. After evaluating your case, we will advise you regarding the best combination of treatments for you and also connect you with the appropriate specialists.
Radiotherapy plays an important role in preventing the local recurrence of the tumours and is always advised after surgery, especially in patients undergoing breast conservation. Use of 4 D respiratory gated radiotherapy (Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold technique i.e. DIBH) is key in reducing the amount of radiation that the heart suffers, and hence this technique is highly recommended for cancer of the left breast.