The diagnosis of breast cancer
The diagnosis of breast cancer is a profoundly life-altering event. Every 1 in 8 women either had, has, or will have this prevalent disease in her lifetime. With these statistics and the occasion of breast cancer awareness month, it is key to keep in mind the importance of breast health to ensure early detection of the cancer.
It can start in either the milk-producing ducts or the glandular tissue
Breast cancer, like any cancer, is the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of tissue cells which begin to take over other surrounding cells. The cancer can start in either the milk-producing ducts or the glandular tissue (known as lobules) within the breast. Hormones, diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors are all contributors to breast cancer. However, this disease can also be passed genetically. If there is history of breast cancer in a patient’s family, genetic testing, known as BRCA testing, is strongly advised. BRCA gene 1 and gene 2 increase the risk for breast and ovarian cancer, so it is crucial to detect this predisposition if preventative measures are to be taken.
Symptomes
The most common indication of breast cancer is an irregular lump or bump in the breast tissue. There may also be discharge from the nipple, redness, change in size or shape of the breast, or flaking of the skin around the areola. Since these symptoms can go unnoticed, it is crucial to get regular mammograms and breast exams. The best place for a self-examination is in the shower when the breast is warm and slippery, an optimal surface for palpitations. In the event of discovering an abnormality in your breast, you should call your primary care physician to get a proper breast exam and tests.
Treatment options
There are many surgical options to address breast cancer. With the advancement of medicine, many surgical techniques such as nipple-sparing mastectomies, short scaring techniques, or oncoplastic procedures. Such approaches can improve the appearance of breasts and last for the rest of one’s lifetime. In terms of reconstruction, one can have either a prosthetic or autologous procedure. Prosthetics involve silicone or saline implants chosen and tailored to the patient’s proportions, and autologous surgeries involve transfer of one’s own tissue into the breast. This tissue can come from the back via latissimus dorsi or the tummy. A specialized form of free tissue transfere from the tummy, which spares the muscle, is deep inferior epigastric perforator artery (DIEP) flap. This procedure requires microsurgical training to connect blood vessels from the flap to those in the chest. Another type of autologous tissue transfer gives the patient an option to remove fat from places where fat is undesirable through liposuction. After the fat is retrieved and processed, it can be placed back into the breasts. The advantage of fat transfer is that the fat cannot be rejected by the body because it is native tissue! Your breasts will gain weight with you, and lose weight with you. They will be you!
Modern options to combat this disease
In summary, the diagnosis of breast cancer is a destabilizing event in anyone’s life. Though the statistics of breast cancer are menacing, we are lucky to live in a time when medicine has developed preventative and treatments options to combat this disease. Genetic testing, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical techniques, and reconstructive procedures are all available in the event of a breast cancer diagnosis. The main preventative measure, however, is early detection and a proactive approach to breast health. One should stay on top of breast health with mammograms and breast exams to increase the chances of finding the cancer as early as possible. Remember: if you or a loved one is battling this disease, you are never alone. There are resources, organizations, and always there to help in the time of need. Do not be afraid to seek help!