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General Surgery

Breast Cancer

It is a malignant tumor disease resulting from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the breast, which can spread to surrounding tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body. It occurs most frequently in women, but it can also be seen in men.

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ℹWhat is Breast Cancer?

It originates in the cells of the glandular tissue in the breast. A cancerous (malignant) tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into and destroy nearby tissues. It can also metastasize to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer most commonly begins in the cells lining the ducts, which are the tubes that carry milk from the glands where it is produced to the nipple. This type is called Ductal Carcinoma. Cancer can also begin in the cells of the lobules, which are the groups of glands that produce milk. This type is called Lobular Carcinoma.

Both Ductal Carcinoma and Lobular Carcinoma can be in situ (the cancer remains where it started) or invasive (it has grown into the surrounding tissues).

Less common types include Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Paget's Disease of the breast, and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Common Symptoms

Breast Lump
Palpation of a hard or solid mass that feels significantly different from the rest of the breast. It may feel attached to the skin or surrounding breast tissue.
Lump in the Armpit
Feeling of swelling in the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes.
Change in Breast Shape or Size
Significant differentiation in the shape or size of the breast.
Nipple Changes
Inversion of the nipple or bloody discharge.
Advanced Stage Symptoms
Bone pain, weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice, shortness of breath (dyspnea), headache, double vision (diplopia), and muscle weakness.

Diagnosis Methods

Physical Examination
Manual examination of the breast provides important information.
Mammography
Follow-up Mammography is used to monitor changes in the breast, while Diagnostic Mammography involves focused imaging. Lesions are scored using the BI-RADS grading system.
Ultrasonography
Detailed imaging of the breast tissue.
Biopsy Methods
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy, Core (Tru-Cut) Biopsy, Stereotactic Biopsy, Surgical Biopsy, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.
Hormone Receptor Status
Estrogen Receptors (ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR) are investigated in cancer cells.
HER2 Assessment
Determines whether breast cancer cells overexpress the HER2 protein.
Tumor Markers
CA 15-3 and CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) measurements are performed.

Causes

Age
Risk increases with advancing age.
Genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2)
Risk is elevated if there is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
Hormonal Factors
Early puberty, late menopause, and prolonged hormonal therapies.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity increase the risk.

Treatments

Surgery
The primary treatment in early stages. Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy may be performed.
Radiation Therapy
Aims to destroy cancer cells using high-energy radiation. Used post-surgery to reduce residual potential microscopic disease.
Chemotherapy
Systemic drug therapy to kill canceer cells or stop their growth.
Hormonal Therapy
Treatment that blocks the effects of estrogen and progesterone in hormone receptor-positive cancers.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted agents such as Trastuzumab are used in HER2-positive cancers.
Immunotherapy
Treatment that strengthens the body's immune system against cancer cells.
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