What Is Breast Cancer?
Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue multiply and form a tumor. While the majority of breast cancers occur in women, it is important to note that men can also develop this disease as well. Breast cancer can vary in type and stage, with different characteristics and treatment approaches depending on the specific diagnosis.1
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of breast cancer include the presence of a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, and skin changes. However, it is important to remember that not all breast changes are indicative of cancer, and many cases are detected through routine screenings, such as mammograms.
Diagnosing breast cancer typically involves a combination of imaging tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, and tissue biopsies to determine the presence of cancer cells. Early detection through regular screenings greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and positive outcomes.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease. There are different types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), angiosarcoma, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and less common types such as inflammatory breast cancer or triple-negative breast cancer.2
Treatment Options
At Apex Cancer Care, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists collaborates closely to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize both medical effectiveness and the emotional well-being of our patients.
Surgery
Lumpectomy, mastectomy, and lymph node procedures are common surgical procedures for breast cancer.
Chemotherapy
Medications are used to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, or in cases where surgery is not an option.
Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy is a common approach that can be used to target and destroy cancer cells. We utilize a linear accelerator, which is a new automated technology that enables us to deliver the most accurate treatments possible.
1Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Breast cancer symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
2Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Breast cancer symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
