Breast cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, tumour size and other features of the cancer. Your treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Some patients may need a combination of these treatments.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, our cancer specialists review your diagnosis, tumour characteristics and overall health before planning treatment. Our team works together to choose a treatment approach that is suitable for your condition.
Breast cancer develops when breast cells change and grow abnormally. These cells can multiply and form a tumour. Breast cancer can start in the milk ducts or milk-producing glands. It may spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
The type and stage of breast cancer can vary from person to person. Doctors use this information to plan the most appropriate treatment.
Doctors may use different tests to confirm breast cancer and understand the tumour:
Doctors may recommend additional tests to check the stage of breast cancer and find out whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
There is no single treatment for breast cancer. Your oncologist may recommend one treatment or a combination of treatments based on your type and stage of breast cancer and other tumour characteristics.
Surgery removes the tumour and, in some cases, surrounding breast tissue. Depending on the cancer, you may have breast-conserving surgery, such as a lumpectomy, or a mastectomy to remove the whole breast.
Your surgeon may also check or remove nearby lymph nodes to find out whether the cancer has spread. Breast reconstruction may be considered during or after a mastectomy.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is commonly used after breast-conserving surgery and may be recommended in some patients after mastectomy.
The radiation plan depends on factors such as the tumour, lymph node involvement, type of surgery and other features of the cancer.
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be given before surgery to shrink the tumour or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Chemotherapy may also be used when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The medicines and treatment schedule depend on your type of breast cancer, its stage and other tumour characteristics.
Some breast cancers have receptors for hormones such as oestrogen or progesterone, which can help the cancer cells grow. Hormone therapy works by blocking these hormones or reducing their effect on cancer cells.
It is mainly used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy after surgery or as part of treatment for advanced breast cancer.
Targeted therapy works on specific features of cancer cells. For example, some breast cancers are HER2-positive, meaning they have higher levels of the HER2 protein. HER2-targeted medicines may be used to treat these cancers.
Other targeted medicines may be considered based on the specific features of the tumour.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It may be used for some patients with triple-negative breast cancer and other selected cases.
Your oncologist will decide whether immunotherapy is suitable based on your tumour characteristics, stage, biomarker results and overall condition.
Breast cancer treatment can vary depending on the stage and other features of the cancer. Doctors consider the size of the tumour, lymph node involvement, whether the cancer has spread and the biological features of the cancer.
Early-stage breast cancer: Surgery is often an important part of treatment. Depending on the stage and biological features of the cancer, you may also need radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy.
Locally advanced breast cancer: Treatment may begin with chemotherapy, targeted therapy or other medicines before surgery. This can help shrink the tumour and may make it more suitable for surgery in some cases.
Advanced or metastatic breast cancer: When breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment focuses on controlling the disease, slowing its growth and managing symptoms. Medicines such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be used depending on the tumour type and biological features.
The type of breast cancer also affects treatment. Doctors may check the hormone receptor and HER2 status of the cancer. This helps determine whether it is hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive or triple-negative. These results help guide treatment decisions.
Your treatment experience depends on the type of treatment you receive. Your cancer team will explain the treatment schedule, possible side effects and follow-up care before treatment begins.
After surgery, you may have pain, swelling or fatigue for some time. If lymph nodes are removed, some patients may develop swelling in the arm, known as lymphedema.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause side effects. These may include fatigue, nausea, skin changes or other symptoms depending on the treatment. Your healthcare team can help manage these side effects.
Follow-up care continues after the main treatment is completed. Regular follow-up visits help your doctor monitor your health and check for any signs of recurrence or treatment-related problems.
You may be referred to an oncologist if a biopsy confirms breast cancer or if your doctor suspects that you may have breast cancer.
You should also see a doctor if you notice a new breast lump, unusual nipple discharge, changes in the breast skin or nipple, or a change in the size or shape of your breast.
A breast lump does not always mean cancer. However, any new or unusual breast change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
At the CK Birla Hospitals, Kolkata, our cancer specialists provide care from diagnosis and treatment through follow-up. Our multidisciplinary team works together to assess your condition and plan your treatment approach.
Our breast cancer care may include:
Our specialists consider the type and stage of cancer, tumour characteristics and your overall health when planning treatment. This helps our team determine which treatments may be appropriate for your condition.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or notice a breast change that needs evaluation, consult a healthcare professional for timely assessment and appropriate treatment planning.
An abnormal mammogram does not always mean you have breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend further tests, such as a breast ultrasound or MRI, to look at the area more closely. If the findings are suspicious, a biopsy may be performed. A biopsy examines a sample of breast tissue and is usually needed to confirm breast cancer.
For many people with early-stage breast cancer, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy can be as effective as mastectomy in treating the cancer. However, the choice depends on the tumour size, location, cancer type and other factors. Your breast surgeon will discuss which surgical option is suitable for you.
Some breast cancer treatments, particularly certain chemotherapy medicines, can affect fertility. The effect depends on your age, treatment and the medicines used. If you may want to have children in the future, discuss fertility preservation with your oncologist before starting treatment.
Yes. Not every person with breast cancer needs chemotherapy. Treatment may instead include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and type of breast cancer. Your oncologist will recommend chemotherapy only when it is considered appropriate for your cancer.
Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later stage. The timing depends on your cancer treatment, the need for radiation therapy, your overall health and your preferences. Your breast surgeon can discuss the available reconstruction options with you.
No. Surgery is an important treatment for many early-stage breast cancers, but it is not required in every case. Treatment for advanced breast cancer may mainly involve medicines such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. The treatment plan depends on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.
© 2024 CMRI Kolkata. All Rights Reserved.
