Know how cancer begins and spreads

Posted by Shreya Dey on February 24th, 2021

Cancer is amongst the most fatal diseases found across the globe. It ranks second to cardiac arrest in terms of worldwide casualties. After numerous technological advancements in medical care, cancer is still a threat to mankind and our society. 

Depending on the stage, type, and location of cancer, different cancer specialists may deploy different treatment techniques in a patient’s care. A cancer specialist (medical oncologist) is a licensed physician (typically in internal medicine) trained in diagnosing, staging, and treating cancer. This oncologist also prepares the patient’s cancer treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy treatment, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, while also coordinating with other specialists and clinicians who may have a role in the patient’s care. A medical oncologist is also someone a cancer patient will continue to see after treatment, for checkups over the long-term. 

The cause of cancer is mutation changes that take place in genes that regulate cell growth. The change in mutations lets the cells divide and multiply in an abnormal manner.

Cancer that develops in breast cells is called Breast Cancer. It either develops in the lobules or the ducts of the breast. Lobules are the glands that are responsible for producing milk and ducts are the pathways that ensure the flow of milk from the glands to the nipples. Breast Cancer can also be found in the fibrous connective tissue or the fatty tissue within your breast.

There are several types of cancer but they are majorly dissected into two types:

1. Invasive

2. Non-Invasive

Depending on the type, stage, and size of your tumor your doctor will determine what kind of breast cancer treatment you’ll require. Surgery is generally the go-to treatment for breast cancer. Still, many women have to undergo additional treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy. 

If you find an abnormal lump or spot in your breast or experience any other symptoms of breast cancer, make an appointment to see a doctor at the cancer hospital. There are good chances that it’s not breast cancer, as there are other potential causes for breast lump. But having said that it’s always better to be safe than sorry.