Breast Cancer- Treatment and Recurrence

The treatment plan for breast cancer can vary depending on several factors, including the type and stage of breast cancer, the presence of certain receptors on the cancer cells, the patient's overall health, and individual preferences. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapies aimed at removing or destroying cancer cells, preventing recurrence, and managing symptoms. Common treatment options for breast cancer may include: Surgery: Lumpectomy: This is the removal of the tumor (lump) and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. It is often performed for early-stage breast cancer. Mastectomy: A mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast. There are different types of mastectomy, including a simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts). Sentinel lymph node biopsy: To determine if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used after surgery (lumpectomy) to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that circulate throughout the body to kill cancer cells. It may be recommended before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumors, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or for advanced-stage breast cancer. Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is used for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (estrogen receptor-positive or progesterone receptor-positive). It involves medications that block the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells or reduce estrogen levels in the body. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target certain molecules involved in cancer growth. For example, trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a newer approach that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is primarily used in certain cases of triple-negative breast cancer or in clinical trials. Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy: Adjuvant therapy is treatment given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Neoadjuvant therapy is given before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove. Palliative Care: Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing emotional and psychological support. It is often used for advanced-stage breast cancer. The specific treatment plan for an individual will be determined by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and others. They will consider the type and stage of breast cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. Treatment plans are often personalised to meet the unique needs of each patient. Get the best treatment for breast cancer at Saifee Hospital Mumbai. There are different types of breast cancer recurrence: Local Recurrence: This occurs when cancer cells reappear in the same breast or the chest wall after initial treatment such as surgery and radiation therapy. Local recurrence may be indicated by the development of a new lump, changes in the surgical scar, or other signs in the breast or chest wall. Regional Recurrence: Regional recurrence involves the reappearance of cancer in the lymph nodes near the original tumor site, such as the axillary lymph nodes under the arm. Distant Recurrence: Distant recurrence, also known as metastatic breast cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, most commonly to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Distant recurrence may happen years after the initial diagnosis and treatment.