Breast Cancer Treatment in Lucknow

Breast Cancer Treatment in Lucknow

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is an emotionally concerning experience, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, a lot can be achieved. The breast cancer specialists of Apollo Hospitals Lucknow provide holistic care to breast cancer patients, which involves diagnostic procedures, personalised treatment plans, surgery, medical oncology, radiotherapy and post-treatment follow-up. The specialists at Apollo are dedicated to offering evidence-based medical care.

What is Breast Cancer?

The development of breast cancer results from abnormal growth of cells in the breast that continue to reproduce uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumour. Unless the cancer is diagnosed and treated on time, the cells may travel to adjacent lymph nodes or even other parts of the body. The cancer forms mainly in the milk ducts or in the areas responsible for producing milk in the breasts.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women throughout the world. This highlights the need for greater awareness about the condition. Although the cancer affects women, there are instances where men can get breast cancer.
 

Types of Breast Cancer

The type of breast cancer depends on where it begins within the breast tissue.

• Ductal Carcinoma
  Ductal carcinoma begins in the milk ducts that carry milk to the nipple. It is the most common type of breast cancer. It may remain confined to the ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ) or spread into surrounding breast tissue (invasive ductal carcinoma).
   
• Lobular Carcinoma
  Lobular carcinoma develops in the milk-producing glands (lobules). Although less common than ductal carcinoma, it may affect one or both breasts. Treatments vary depending on the size, stage, and biological features of the tumour.
   

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Women, upon discovering a lump in their breast, often find themselves searching for information about the condition. Even though it can be scary for them, it is important to keep in mind that breast lumps aren’t always cancerous. There are other conditions such as infections, hormonal changes, and cysts that may result in changes in the breast.

If you are looking up breast cancer symptoms, breast cancer ke lakshan, stan cancer ke lakshan, stan mein ganth, or breast mein ganth, then the following symptoms should not be overlooked.
 

A New Lump or Thickening

A new lump in the breast or underarm is one of the most common warning signs. Some lumps will be hard and painless, while others might be soft or tender. Lumps that remain after your period ends or continue growing must be looked at.
 

Changes in Breast Size or Shape

One breast can swell up, look bigger than normal, and have an unusual shape for no apparent reason.
 

Skin Changes

Breast cancer can cause different skin changes, including Dimpling, Thickening of skin, Redness, Swelling, and Skin with an appearance like that of an orange peel.
 

Nipple Changes

• You need to look out for:
• A new inverted nipple
• The pulling back of the nipple
• Crusting
• Scaling around the nipple
• Pain around the nipple
   

Discharge from the Nipple
Any discharge, especially bloody, watery or occurring without squeezing the nipple, must always be investigated.
 

Underarm Swelling
Breast cancer can travel to the lymph nodes in the armpit area.
 

When Should You See a Doctor?

Schedule a consultation in case you experience:

• A new breast lump
• Breast pain in one location
• Skin dimpling or redness
• Nipple retraction
• Blood discharge from the nipples
• Enlarged lymph nodes under your arm
• Changes in your breast that persist for weeks

Important note: The majority of breast changes are usually not associated with cancer. Timely assessment by a specialist, however, helps to identify the root cause, and start treatment if needed.
 

Causes of Breast Cancer

The specific cause of breast cancer remains unknown. This disease arises due to mutations that lead to the abnormal growth of breast cells. Breast cancer is usually caused by a number of different reasons, such as inheritance, hormones, environment, and lifestyle.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of breast cancer.
 

Family History and Genetic Mutation

Having a family history of either breast cancer or ovarian cancer increases the chances of having breast cancer. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the lifetime risk of breast cancer and should be discussed in genetic counselling.
 

Age

The probability of breast cancer increases with age, especially after age 40.
 

Hormonal Causes

Some hormonal causes that might increase the risk are:

• Early periods
• Late menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy in certain cases
   

Factors Related to Obesity and Lifestyle

Risk factors associated with obesity and lifestyle include:

• Obesity after menopause
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• High intake of alcohol

Living a healthy lifestyle can decrease the chances of developing several diseases, including certain types of cancer.
 

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Early and accurate diagnosis helps doctors to decide the most appropriate treatment plan.
 

Clinical Breast Examination

Your doctor will perform a physical examination to check both breasts and nearby lymph nodes for lumps, skin changes, or nipple abnormalities.
 

Mammography

Mammography refers to an advanced type of low-dose X-ray that is able to identify breast abnormalities in advance of physical symptoms. In the course of the test, both breasts are compressed for some seconds as images using X-rays are made. Even though some discomfort may arise, the test is rather quick and is one of the most efficient means of detecting breast cancer.

Breast Ultrasound or MRI

More testing may be needed, based on factors like the breast density, the age of a patient, their symptoms, or mammogram results.

Biopsy

If there is a suspicious area detected through imaging, then a biopsy needs to be done. This procedure entails taking out a portion of the tissue and examining it for any cancer cells. Biopsy is the only procedure that can conclusively prove breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Staging

Once the cancer is diagnosed, it is important to find out the stage of the cancer to know its spread and plan treatment.

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

Management is determined based on the form and stage of breast cancer, tumour biology, and the general condition of the patient. In Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, management programs are designed using a multidisciplinary approach to ensure personalised treatment.

Breast Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)

Alternatively called a lumpectomy, breast-conserving surgery is an operation that aims to remove the cancerous tumour but preserve as much normal breast tissue as possible. Usually, radiation therapy follows this procedure to prevent recurrence.

Mastectomy

This is a procedure that involves the removal of the whole breast. This procedure is performed in cases of large breast tumours, multiple breast cancers or according to the patient’s preference.

Radiation Therapy

It involves the use of radiation to eliminate cancer cells left in the body after a surgical operation or used in some advanced stages of cancer.

Chemotherapy

This process involves the use of anticancer drugs to eliminate cancerous cells in the body. This procedure can either be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery (adjuvant therapy).

Hormonal and Targeted Therapy

In some cases of breast cancer, hormones and specific proteins play a key role in the growth of cancer. Hormonal and targeted therapies can help prevent the condition in such cases.

Breast Reconstruction

Women undergoing mastectomy may choose reconstructive surgery to restore the breast's appearance. Reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy or at a later stage, depending on individual circumstances and treatment planning.

Recovery and Follow-up

Recovery will differ based on the type of treatment that you undergo. Follow-ups will enable your physician to track recovery, handle any treatment side effects, spot any recurrence and promote your general well-being.

Possible components of follow-up care include:

• Physical examinations
• Mammograms or other scans
• Counselling for emotional and psychological needs
• Blood work where appropriate
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Lifestyle counselling for general well-being

Why Choose Apollomedics Lucknow?

Apollomedics Lucknow believes in early medical evaluation that allows timely diagnosis and helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach. The healthcare facility also offers-

• Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer within the same centre
• Team of experts from surgery, medicine, and radiation oncology
• State-of-the-art breast imaging and diagnostics equipment
• Personalised treatment options in accordance with national and international protocols
• Patient-centric care with psychological counselling, rehabilitation and follow-up
• Up-to-date infrastructure for surgical procedures

Whether you've discovered a breast lump, observed changes in your breast, or are looking for expert guidance after a breast cancer diagnosis, our specialists at Apollomedics Lucknow are here to help.

Meet the Specialist

Our specialist team of breast cancer experts evaluates each individual case to create a personalised plan of treatment according to the type, stage, and biology of the cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a breast lump usually mean?

Most breast lumps are non-cancerous and may result from cysts, fibroadenomas, or hormonal changes. But every new or returning lump should be seen by a doctor.
 

2. How often should I get a mammogram?

It is usually advised that a woman start having mammograms when she reaches the age of 40. But the frequency may vary with age and other personal risk factors.

3. What is the difference between a mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery?

Breast-conserving surgery removes only the tumour and a margin of healthy tissue, whereas a mastectomy removes the entire breast. The most suitable procedure depends on several clinical factors.
 

4. Is breast cancer hereditary?

Only a small proportion of breast cancers are inherited. But women with mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or a strong family history may be at increased risk.
 

5. What are the early signs of breast cancer?

These include a new breast lump, skin puckering, nipple changes, nipple discharge, and swelling of the armpit. Some people show no symptoms and are identified during screening.
 

6. Can breast cancer be treated without surgery?

Yes, some people might be treated by chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. But surgery plays a vital role for some patients in their treatment.
 

7. Is breast reconstruction possible after mastectomy?

Yes. A person can go for breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy.
 

8. How is breast cancer staged?

This depends upon the size of the tumour, lymph nodes affected, and cancer existing in other parts of the body. The staging helps identify the most suitable treatment option.
 

9. What increases the risk of breast cancer?

Older age, a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutation, hormones, being overweight, smoking, inactivity, and drinking too much alcohol increase the risks.
 

10. How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Clinical breast examination, mammogram, ultrasound/MRI scan if needed, and biopsy will help to diagnose breast cancer.
 

11. Breast cancer ke lakshan kya hain?

Breast cancer ke lakshan mein breast ya underarm mein nayi ganth, breast ki size ya shape mein badlav, nipple se discharge, nipple ka andar ki taraf mudna, skin par dimpling ya laalpan, aur underarm mein sujan shamil ho sakte hain. Agar aapko inmein se koi bhi lakshan nazar aaye, toh bina deri kiye breast specialist se salah leni chahiye.