Breast Cancer

Each year, millions of women across the globe face the life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer, making it one of the most prevalent and challenging health concerns worldwide. While the disease brings emotional and physical challenges, advancements in medical science have revolutionized the way breast cancer is detected, treated, and managed, offering hope and better outcomes to patients at every stage.

At the Cancer Clinic, we are deeply committed to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care that emphasizes both early detection and effective treatment strategies. For advanced cases, we rely on evidence-based therapies and innovative surgical techniques to ensure optimal results.

Types of Breast Cancer

1. Early Breast Cancer

1. Early Breast Cancer

Early breast cancer refers to cancer that is confined to the breast tissue, (even mammographically detected non palpable cancer) or nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to distant organs. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Stages of Early Breast Cancer:

  1. Stage 0 (DCIS – Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

    • Non-invasive cancer confined to the milk ducts.

  2. Stage I

    • Tumor size: Up to 2 cm.

    • May or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

  3. Stage II

    • Tumor size: 2–5 cm or smaller tumors with limited lymph node involvement.

Symptoms:

  • Lump in the breast or underarm.

  • Changes in breast size or shape.

  • Skin dimpling or puckering.

  • Nipple discharge or inversion.

  • Persistent breast pain or redness.

2. Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC)

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) refers to breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or chest wall but has not metastasized to distant organs. It is considered an intermediate stage between early breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer. At this stage, tumor size is typically larger than 5 cm and cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (e.g., axillary, internal mammary, or supraclavicular nodes). It may involve the chest wall, skin of the breast, or cause ulceration and skin changes.

Stages of LABC:

  • Stage IIIA: Tumor is larger and may have spread to multiple nearby lymph nodes.

  • Stage IIIB: Tumor has invaded the chest wall or skin, causing swelling or skin ulcers.

  • Stage IIIC: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the collarbone or sternum.

Symptoms:

  • A large breast lump (often firm or hard).

  • Swelling of the breast or skin thickening (peau d’orange appearance).

  • Skin ulceration or redness.

  • Retraction or inversion of the nipple.

  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone.

  • Breast pain or discomfort.

 
 

3. Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage IV)

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant organs such as the bones, liver, lungs (Lung parenchyma & Plura), brain and peritoneum (ascites). It is considered the most advanced stage of breast cancer and is generally not curable, but it can be managed effectively for extended periods with appropriate treatment.

Symptoms:

  • Bone Metastasis: Bone pain, fractures.

  • Liver Metastasis: Jaundice, abdominal swelling, nausea.

  • Lung Metastasis: Persistent cough, shortness of breath.

  • Brain Metastasis: Headaches, vision problems, seizures, confusion.

  • General symptoms: Fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite.

 
 
 

Treatments and Outlook

 

Our team integrates the latest oncological principles with a strong focus on cosmetic and breast-conserving surgical procedures. These techniques are designed not only to eliminate cancer but also to preserve the natural appearance of the breast, minimizing physical scars and emotional distress. By prioritizing breast-conserving strategies whenever possible, we help our patients maintain their sense of identity and self-esteem throughout their recovery journey.

Beyond medical treatment, we believe in holistic care that addresses the emotional and psychological well-being of every patient.

Our supportive care services, including counseling, post-surgery rehabilitation (physical, mental, social, occupational), and wellness programs, ensure that patients not only survive but also thrive after treatment.

Comprehensive cancer treatment combines surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, immuno therapy tailored to individual cases.

 

Surgery:

  • Breast-Conserving Surgery: Removing only the cancerous tissue. This method is used when only the lump is removed or partial mastectomy is done on the patient.

  • Oncoplastic surgery: (Onco = Cancer, Plasty = to remodal) For better cosmosis and bilateral symmetry modern oncology principles centers around oncoplastic surgery for wider resections and better local control.

  • Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts. Sometimes adjacent tissues and lymph nodes are also removed to avoid the chances of spreading further. In certain cases, a mastectomy is performed as a preventive measure for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer, those who carry genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or individuals with other risk factors may consider this option after consulting with their healthcare provider.

Usually mastectomy will be followed by immediate breast reconstruction using various flaps or implants to improve the physical appearance and prevent psychological trauma.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, often combined with other therapies. It is a common and effective treatment for breast cancer that uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells, prevent their growth, and stop them from spreading to other parts of the body. It can be administered orally or intravenously, depending on the specific treatment plan and the patient’s condition.

Targeted Therapy

Precise drugs target specific breast cancer characteristics, minimizing damage to healthy cells. Targeted therapy is an advanced treatment approach for breast cancer that focuses on specific molecules or proteins involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy is designed to specifically attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Immunotherapy :

Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively. It is an innovative and rapidly advancing treatment for breast cancer that harnesses the body’s immune system to identify, attack, and destroy cancer cells. While immunotherapy has shown remarkable success in certain types of cancer, its role in breast cancer treatment is still evolving, with promising results, especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

 

Early Diagnosis and Prevention

Early detection significantly improves survival rates. Regular screenings, including mammograms, MRI, clinical breast exams, and self-examinations, play a crucial role in identifying cancer early. Our approach begins with using diagnostic tools capable of identifying breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.