Breast Cancer
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumor. It can affect both women and men, but it is much more common in women.
It usually begins in:
Milk ducts (Ductal carcinoma – most common)
Milk-producing glands (Lobular carcinoma)
Types of Breast Cancer
1️⃣ Ductal Carcinoma (most common)
2️⃣ Lobular Carcinoma
3️⃣ HER2-positive Breast Cancer
4️⃣ Triple Negative Breast Cancer
5️⃣ Inflammatory Breast Cancer (rare but aggressive)
Common Symptoms
Lump in the breast or underarm
Change in breast size or shape
Nipple discharge (especially bloody)
Nipple turning inward
Skin changes (redness, dimpling like orange peel)
Persistent breast pain
⚠️ Not all lumps are cancerous, but any new lump should be checked by a doctor.
Risk Factors
Increasing age
Family history of breast cancer
Genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
Early menstruation or late menopause
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Alcohol consumption
Hormone replacement therapy
Diagnosis
Breast self-examination
Clinical breast examination
Mammography
Ultrasound
Biopsy (confirmatory test)
MRI (in selected cases)
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on stage and type:
🔹 Surgery
Lumpectomy (removing tumor only)
Mastectomy (removing whole breast)