Breast Diseases

Dedicated to the Treatment of all Breast Ailments

India records 2,40,000 new breast cancer patients every year, 70 % of them are women with no identifiable risk factors Data & research has shown that women in the age group of 31-50 are the most at risk, with those between 51 and 60 following close behind. But unlike popular misconception, much younger women (21-30) have also been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer is one of the most highly treatable forms of cancer. Early detection & correct treatment can ensure a healthy & long life for the patient of Breast Cancer.

Specialized Treatment

Treatment of Breast Cancer is a specialized area and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving proper diagnosis, treatment and counselling.

Breast Diseases

85% of Breast Tumours are not malignant. There are a number of problems related to the breast that can be grouped under the term ‘Breast Diseases’ and need to be treated by Specialists. Problems can be as follows:

  • Benign Breast Tumours in young girls
  • Mastitis or inflammation of the breast
  • Infections like tuberculosis, abscesses
  • Problems requiring plastic/cosmetic surgery

 

Common Breast Problems

  • Breast lump
  • Pain alone
  • Painful lump or lumpiness
  • Nipple discharge
  • Nipple retraction
  • Strong family history of Breast Cancer
  • Breast distortion
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • Scaling nipple ( eczema )

For the first time in South India, CNS offers a comprehensive unit dedicated to Breast Diseases, where skilled Radiologists (specialising in Oncology), Pathologists, Breast Surgeon and Medical Oncologist work in sync with the Plastic Surgeon, Physiotherapist and Psychologist to deliver the best possible results.

Facilities offered include:

  • Quick & accurate diagnosis (same day),
  • Problem specific, low cost clinics,
  • Psychological counselling,
  • Post surgery rehabilitation

 

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is the key to the correct treatment of breast cancer. Early detection can help in preserving the breast. This can be only achieved in an advanced, well equipped set-up with specialised doctors and technicians

Diagnosis involves evaluation (work -up) of the patient:

History: Signs and Symptoms, Family History, etc

Physical Examination:

  • Includes palpation (feeling for breast masses)
  • Any breast abnormality, noting its texture, size, and relationship to skin and chest muscles
  • Any changes in the nipples or skin of the breast
  • Lymph nodes under the armpit and above the collarbone
  • Any other organs to check for spread of Breast Cancer

 

Imaging

  • Ultrasound of Breast
  • Mammogram
  • Chest X-ray
  • Bone Scan
  • CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

 

Biopsy: Two types of needle biopsies are used for Breast Cancer diagnosis –

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) and Cytology (called FNAC)

Core Needle Biopsy

Treatment Options

The best way to treat it is to work with a specialized doctor to guide the Breast Cancer treatment decisions. Treatments can be classified into broad groups, based on how they work and when they are used

Benign Diseases Can be Medical or Surgical

Breast Cancer:
Stage A: Early Breast Cancer

  • Aim: Cure and Conservation of the breast
  • Surgery + Chemotherapy
  • Hormonal Therapy
  • Radiotherapy

Stage B: Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

  • Aim: Increase the life span and improve quality of life
  • May require Chemotherapy followed by Surgery, Hormonal Therapy & Radiotherapy

Stage C: Metastatic Breast Carcinoma

  • Aim: Palliation – only to improve the quality of life
  • Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Hormonal Therapy and Surgery may be considered

 

Self Examination is the First Step to Early Detection

(Recommended for all women over the age of 20)

Step 1 In the shower
Check both breasts each month (one week after period) feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot

Step 2 In front of a mirror
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling/dimpling of the skin or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match— few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side

Step 3 Lying Down
Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat this step for your left breast

  • Annual clinical check-up is advised after the age of 30
  • Post 40 Mammography is advisable every 18 months with doctor’s recommendation

 

Common myths about Breast Cancer

  • You only get Breast Cancer if you have a family history. I don’t have a family history, so I don’t need to worry about it
  • Biopsy or Surgery result into cancer spread
  • I’m too young to worry about Breast Cancer
  • If I’m diagnosed with Breast Cancer, it means I’m going to die
  • I’ve made it five years as a survivor, so my Breast Cancer won’t return
  • Chemotherapy will make me nauseated and I will be vomiting all the time
  • If I have a breast lump, it’s Cancer
  • Herbal remedies and dietary supplements can help treat Breast Cancer
  • Alternative medicine can cure Breast Cancer
  • I eat a healthy diet, which will make me immune to Breast Cancer
  • My Mammogram was normal, so I don’t have to worry about Breast Cancer
  • Mammograms are painful
  • If I have a Breast Biopsy, the Surgeon might continue during that operation to remove my entire breast without telling me
  • My breast lump is painful, so it must not be Cancer since cancerous lumps are supposed to be painless
  • If Cancer is exposed to air during Surgery, it will spread
  • Radiation therapy is dangerous and will burn my heart, ribs and lungs
  • I will go bald after Chemotherapy (True, but hair will grow back soon after).