What is breast cancer?
Breast Cancer cells proliferate and grow out of control, creating a tumour. Although there are several varieties of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma, which begins in the breast's milk ducts and spreads to other breast tissue, is the most prevalent. Invasive lobular carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, and Paget's disease of the breast are a few other less frequent kinds of breast cancer.
How does Dr Mthombeni diagnose breast cancer?
Breast cancer can be identified using a mix of diagnostic testing and screening tests. Some of the most popular techniques for detecting breast cancer include the following:
- Biopsy
A biopsy entails removing a little sample of breast tissue and studying it under a microscope. Usually, this method tests a suspected lump or growth for cancer. - Blood tests
Specific markers that can detect breast cancer may be found through blood tests. - Breast ultrasound
In an ultrasound, sound waves produce images of the breast tissue. An ultrasound of the breast aids in determining if a lump is a solid mass or a cyst filled with fluid. - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
In order to produce finely detailed images of the breast tissue, an MRI utilises a magnetic field and radio waves. MRIs are frequently employed to detect breast cancer in women at high risk of developing it or assess the severity of the disease in those who have already been diagnosed. - Mammogram
A mammogram is an X-ray that can detect lumps or abnormal growths in the breast tissue. Women over 50 or those with a higher risk of getting breast cancer are frequently advised to get mammograms. - Physical exam
Dr Mthombeni will check the lymph nodes and breasts during a physical examination for any abnormalities or lumps.
How does Dr Mthombeni treat breast cancer?
In order to remove the malignant tissue, stop cancer from spreading, and lower the risk of recurrence, many treatments are used. Examples of these treatments include:
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy employs chemicals to destroy cancer cells. It can be applied before, following, or in conjunction with radiation therapy. Hair loss, nausea, and exhaustion are some of the adverse effects of chemotherapy. - Hormone therapy
is a type of treatment that aims to stop the actions of oestrogen or progesterone, which may promote the development of some breast cancers. - Radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, high-energy radiation is utilised to kill cancer cells. After surgery, it is often utilised to eliminate cancer cells that may still be present and lower the likelihood of a recurrence. - Surgery
In the course of treating breast cancer, surgery is frequently the initial step. A lumpectomy, called a partial mastectomy, involves removing the malignant lump and a small portion of the surrounding tissue. In some circumstances, a mastectomy may be required, which entails removing the entire breast. - Targeted therapy
Utilising medicines that directly target particular cancer cells is known as targeted therapy. Targeted therapy utilises medications that attack proteins, which enable breast cancer cells to thrive. .
FAQ
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer symptoms include a mass or thickening in the breast or armpit, changes to the size or form of the breast, discharge from the nipple, and changes to the skin of the breast, such as inflammation (redness), dimpling or puckering.
What is the prognosis of breast cancer?
Although breast cancer is dangerous and possibly fatal, prognosis and survival rates can be significantly improved with early detection and treatment.
How long does the healing process after breast cancer surgery take?
It may take weeks or months to recover fully.
