Breast cancer is one of the most common types of women’s (and sometimes it does affect men) cancer in the world. Breast cancer originates within breast cells, most often forming in the lobules (or milk producing glands) or ducts (which bring milk) of the breast. However, breast cancer may also develop in the fatty or fibrous tissue within the breast. Breast cancer becomes aggressive when it grows uncontrolled and moves to healthy breast tissue and to other areas of the body (i.e., lymph nodes).

This article explains the diagnosis and treatments for breast cancer as follows:

1. Diagnosing breast cancer
The following test procedures are used to detect an incidence of breast cancer:

• Physical examination of breasts: The doctor conducts a physical exam of the affected areas to inspect for lumps in the breasts and the surrounding lymph nodes.

• X-ray mammogram: An X-ray of the breast is known as a mammogram. This is an essential test that is done as part of the screening for breast cancer. If any kind of lump is detected in the mammogram, the patient is sent for further diagnosis to see if the lump is malignant.

• Ultrasound imaging: An ultrasound can produce images from deep within the body. It uses sound waves to check if internal lumps are filled with fluid or if they have a solid mass that is malignant.

• Biopsy: In a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from the affected area of the breast. A biopsy is the most preferred method of diagnosis for breast cancer. The tissue sample is removed with the help of a special needle.

• Other tests: Certain other tests that may also be done include blood work, MRI, and bone scans.

2. Treatments for breast cancer
After diagnosis, the doctor determines the breast cancer stage. The stage of cancer indicates the treatment to be followed. Treatments for breast cancer vary between patients; they depend on many other factors such as patient’s overall health and age. The main treatments are:

• Surgery: The first line of treatment for breast cancer usually is always surgery. There are several different types of surgery that may be performed depending on the health requirements of the patient.

Patients can have the lump removed, an entire breast removed, both breasts removed, and even surrounding lymph nodes removed. In some cases, the patient can choose to have both breasts removed due to a strong family history of breast cancer.

Removing a breast can be a traumatic experience for a woman. The doctor may offer the option of having breast reconstruction surgery performed.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to fight and kill cancer cells. It may be administered before breast cancer surgery or even after, depending on the patient’s need. Chemotherapy drugs have many side-effects that vary between patients. Some of the major side-effects include hair loss, weight loss, nausea, and nerve damage.

• Radiation therapy: Radiation is employed to treat breast cancer in cases where the cancerous cells have spread beyond the breast into the surrounding lymph nodes. There are two methods of radiation therapy: internal and external. The doctor will advise on which one suits the patient’s need. Radiation treatment can last anywhere between a few days to an entire month. There may be some side-effects such as fatigue and a skin rash.