Breast Cancer Specialists in Maharashtra
Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from cells in breast tissue, most commonly originating in the ducts or lobules that produce milk. It is one of …
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What is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from cells in breast tissue, most commonly originating in the ducts or lobules that produce milk. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, though it can also rarely occur in men. Early-stage breast cancer is often highly treatable, while advanced disease that has spread to other organs is more difficult to manage. Regular screening through mammography has significantly improved early detection and survival rates in recent decades.
Severe
Very common — the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women globally
No
Causes of Breast Cancer
Results from genetic mutations that cause breast cells to grow uncontrollably, with risk influenced by inherited mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, family history, early menstruation or late menopause, and hormone replacement therapy. Lifestyle factors including obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity also contribute to risk.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
New lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple discharge or inversion, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, breast pain that doesn't go away, swelling in part of the breast
Treatment & Types of Breast Cancer in Maharashtra
Treatment is tailored to cancer stage and type, commonly involving surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy for hormone-receptor-positive cancers, and targeted biologic therapy for specific molecular subtypes. A multidisciplinary approach combining these modalities has substantially improved survival outcomes.
Breast cancer is classified by its molecular subtype, which strongly guides treatment: hormone-receptor-positive cancers (estrogen or progesterone receptor positive, treated with hormone therapy), HER2-positive cancers (respond to targeted biologic therapy), and triple-negative breast cancer (lacking all three receptors, typically treated primarily with chemotherapy). It's also staged from 0 (non-invasive, in situ) through IV (metastatic spread to distant organs).
Medical Oncology Specialists in Maharashtra (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lump always cancer?
No, most breast lumps are benign, but any new or persistent lump should be promptly evaluated with imaging and, if needed, a biopsy to be certain.
Is breast cancer hereditary?
Inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly raise risk, and genetic counseling is recommended for those with a strong family history.
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, though rare, breast cancer can occur in men, and any new breast lump or nipple change in a man should be evaluated.
How effective is mammography screening?
Regular screening mammography has significantly improved early detection and survival rates by catching cancers before they cause symptoms.
Does breast cancer treatment always mean losing the breast?
Not always — many early-stage cancers can be treated with breast-conserving surgery followed by radiation, rather than full mastectomy.