Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. It occurs when cancerous cells in the breasts multiply and form tumors. Approximately 80% of breast cancer cases are invasive, which means that a tumor can spread from the breast to other parts of the body.
Fortunately, with advancements in medical technology, effective treatments are available at the best breast cancer hospitals in India. Today we will explore the treatments available for breast cancer stages I-III.
Contents:
- What Are The Common Symptoms?
- Treatment of Breast Cancer Stages I-III
- Stage I
- Treatment for Stage I
- Stage II
- Treatment for Stage II
- Stage III
- Treatment for Stage III
- Conclution
What are the common symptoms?
Breast cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, when it does, the following symptoms may occur:
- A change in the appearance or texture of the skin on your breast or nipple. Your skin may appear dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed. It may appear red, purple, or darker than other areas of your breast.
- A marble-like hardened area beneath your skin.
- A bloody or clear fluid discharge from your nipple.
- A variation in the size, shape, or contour of your breast.
- A mass or lump that can feel as small as a pea.
- A lump or thickening in or near your breast or underarm that remains throughout your menstrual cycle.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor for diagnosis and the required treatment.
Treatment of breast cancer stages I-III
Stage I
In stage I breast cancer, cancerous cells have spread into the breast tissue.
Breast cancer at stage I remains relatively small. It is possible that the cancer did not spread to the lymph nodes, or that only a small portion of the cancer did.
Treatment for Stage I
At this stage, cancer has a proclivity to spread to nearby healthy tissues. At stage I, the tumor is approximately 20 millimeters or smaller. The doctors agree that the treatment for this cancer consists of a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues) or a mastectomy. This stage of cancer is curable with BCS (breast-conservation surgery). If BCS is performed, radiotherapy typically takes place following the surgery to reduce the chances of cancer recurring. In some cases, breast reconstruction and surgery are performed at the same time. However, if someone requires radiation therapy, it is best to have reconstruction after the radiation therapy is completed.
Stage II
Stage II breast cancer is more advanced than Stage I. It is likely that the cancer has spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.
Treatment for Stage II
In stage II, cancer has spread to adjacent lymph nodes (up to three), and the tumor size ranges from 2 to 5 cm. Patients with stage II breast cancer are treated with either BSC or mastectomy. If cancer is discovered in lymph nodes after a mastectomy, the patient is treated with radiation therapy. If the patient is initially diagnosed with stage II cancer, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are recommended following surgery. If cancer is found in the lymph nodes during a mastectomy, radiation therapy may be recommended. A radiation oncologist from the best breast cancer hospitals in India will review the case and make a recommendation on whether or not radiation therapy would be beneficial.
Stage III
Tumors in stage III breast cancer are larger and have spread to surrounding tissues, such as the skin over the breast or the muscle beneath. The cancer may also have spread to several nearby lymph nodes.
Treatment for Stage III
In stage III breast cancer, cancer cells have spread to more lymph nodes but not to distant organs, and the tumor has grown to a size of 5 cm. These cancers are treated with neoadjuvant therapy. This therapy is performed prior to surgery to reduce the size of the tumor. This allows for easy surgical removal. However, if the tumor does not shrink, a lumpectomy or mastectomy can be performed. Doctors at the best breast cancer hospitals in India suggest that with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patients can avoid surgery and live cancer-free.
Effective treatment for breast cancer stages I-III improves survival and quality of life. The best breast cancer hospitals in India provide advanced care, helping patients fight cancer with expertise and compassion. With timely intervention and medical advancements,