How can Breast Cancer be diagnosed?

Being in an area which is easily accessible the importance of early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer is comparatviely easier. Early detection and treatment can provide an almost 100% cure.

Breast Self Examination (BSE) is important as it helps the patient to detect any changes occurring in the breast herself. All women should be taught how to do a breast self examination. However it is reassuring to note that all lumps in the breast are not cancerous, though one must check out with the doctor, when a lump is suspected. A Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast using specially designed machine and is very useful in early diagnosis.

Besides BSE every woman over 40 years must have Physical Examination of the breast done by a doctor, as part of the annual check up programme. Following a clinical examination, Biopsy is the only definite way of confirming or ruling out breast cancer in suspected cases. A piece of breast tissue is taken for testing, this can be done by inserting a needle into the breast (FNAC – ‘Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology’), or by an operation under local or general anesthesia. A pathologist then examines the breast tissue under the microscope to check for cancer cells.

What are the treatment options for Breast Cancer?

Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are the three options available for treating breast cancer, Often the treatment given may be a combination of 2 such as surgery followed by radiotherapy; or chemotherapy followed by surgery. Selection of the appropriate therapeutic approach depends on the location and size of the tumor, breast size, appearance on the mammogram, the extent of change in the tissues, and the preference of the patient and the treating doctor.

Surgery is the commonest modality of cancer treatment wherein the surgeon removes the affected tissues mostly a localized tumour. The types of surgery may vary. Mastectomy means total removal of breast tissue.

Radiotherapy involves subjecting the tumour bearing region either in part or whole to short wave length rays using a variety of delivery systems.

Chemotherapy using cytotoxic drugs; capable of arresting fast growth of cancer cells.

Life after mastectomy (surgery to remove the breast).

Because of the traditional thinking that femininity is associated with presence of breasts, the surgical removal of breast can be traumatic and requires rehabilitation measures.

Detachable External prosthesis, Silicon prosthesis and Reconstructive surgery provides hope to these patients. Breast prosthesis are now available, to help patients feel as feminine as before and nobody can notice the difference.

The fitting of breast prosthesis should occur approx. 6-8 weeks following mastectomy. Careful measurements help in getting a well fitted prosthesis. When fitted correctly, the prosthesis is comfortable and looks as natural as the healthy breast. Check for the following:

Do the prosthesis fill up the cup of the bra both top and bottom.

Check for similarity. Place the flats of your hands on top of both your normal breast and the prosthesis one and compare size and softness.

Check that there is not too much fullness in the underarm extension of your breast prosthesis. You can do this by feeling with the hand, then by swinging your arms back and forth. If fullness is greater than on your other side, then try a shape with less thickness in this area.

Stand upright and look in the mirror to check shape and symmetry. The form should be completely covered by the bra.

To check final result put on a soft blouse or T-shirt. No difference should be noticed in either breasts.