Breast Cancer

The term Breast cancer, also known as malignant breast neoplasm, refers to a malignant (potentially dangerous) tumor which has developed from cells in the breast. Breast cancer has many variations; it is not a single disease.

The types of breast cancer differ by their aggressiveness, how far they have spread (metastatic cancer) and the genetic makeup of the cancer. Breast cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage and type.

Usually, breast cancer originates from the cells of the milk ducts (the channel leading milk from the lobules to the nipple) or the lobules (the glance producing milk). They are known as ductal carcinomas and lobular carcinomas respectively.

Breast Cancer Video

Breast Cancer Facts

At the initial stage, when the cancer is a small group of cancer cells it is too tiny to feel and no cancer symptoms appear. Only during a mammogram (a screening performed during a routine check-up) the cancer is traced.

The first symptom of breast cancer is a lump found in the breast or armpit, a lump you can feel. Many lumps are benign but you should always check them carefully with your doctor.

Breast Cancer Symptoms:

• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple discharge- redness, thickening, nipple turning inward
• Swelling (or a lump if detected) in the breast or in the armpit (the lymph nodes)
• Skin irritation
• Scaly or pitted skin in the nipple

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is usually treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or a combination of several treatments. The breast cancer treatment plan is based on your individual prognosis. The prognosis takes the following factors into account: the cancer stage, the cancer location, the size of the tumor, its development, and your general health. The prognosis can determine how aggressive the cancer is and the risk of cancer recurrence.

During surgery either the entire breast is removed (mastectomy) or only the part that contains the cancer is removed (lumpectomy). Usually the surgery will also include the removal of a number of lymph nodes located under the armpit (this procedure is called axillary lymph node dissection or lymph node removal).

Radiation therapy includes the use of high doses of X-rays to shrink tumors and destroy the cancerous cells. Hormone therapy involves an Aromatase inhibitor Aromatase is an enzyme that synthesizes estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors block the synthesis of estrogen. This lowers the estrogen level, and slows the growth of cancers. (Source: Wikipedia) or tamoxifen to alter the way in which the body's hormones cause cancer to grow.

Breast Cancer Recovery

Recovering from breast cancer surgery depends on the procedure performed. Lumpectomy is a smaller procedure that can be performed also at a clinic. Following surgery the patient will be kept for observation for a few hours.

Mastectomy, especially when combined with lymph node removal is usually performed at a hospital. The patient will remain in observation for 1-2 days.

When breast reconstruction surgery is also performed, the procedure requires a longer recovery time.

Breast Cancer Treatment Abroad

TicketMed can help you understand your prognosis and your treatment options. Many hospitals, clinics and medical centers offer breast cancer treatment. Our goal is to help you find the most suitable high quality health care and affordable surgery abroad.

For additional information please contact a TicketMed agent or ask for a quote.