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Some patients with breast cancer may not need chemo
Breast cancer is the commonest of all forms of cancer and one of the major threats to health among women. Knowledge about breast cancer is necessary for the early detection, prevention and treatment. Early detection which remains the surest mean of breast cancer prevention can be achieved through Breast Self-Examination (BSE), Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) and Mammography.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
Self-breast examination
Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel to report any change to the doctor right away.
Red flag signs
1. New onset nipple retraction – that is slightly turned inward or inverted.
2. Nipple discharge - bloody.
3. Rapid increase in size of lump.
4. Thickening near the breast or underarm areaÂ
5. Change in the skin texture or enlargement of pores on the skinÂ
6. Change of the size and shape of the breast
7. Dimple in the breast
8. Swelling or shrinking of the breast
9. Changes in the skin – scaly, red, swollen or may have ridgesÂ
If the patient identifies any of the above, immediate clinical examination is advised. Clinical examinations mammogram, breast ultrasound, MRI and biopsy.
If  doctor suspects cancer may have spread to other parts of the body more Tests are required to confirm such as X-ray, CT scans, Bone scans, PET scan or MR Scans.
How to detect early stages
Breast cancer is  sometimes found after symptoms appear but many women with  breast carcinoma have no symptoms that is why regular cancer screening is so important.
New methods
Oncoplastic Surgery
In early breast cancer, Breast Conservation surgery is often used. But it results in breasts of different signs and/or shapes. Oncoplastic surgery combines cancer surgery and plastic surgery techniques to make the operated breast cosmetically similar to normal breast.
Radiotherapy
The whole breast is subjected to radiation after BCS. But  is early breast cancer, among select patient s with modern high precisions techniques, focused radiation is delivered to the part of the breast where tumour was removed. The advantages include better cosmetic results, lesser side effects shorter treatment duration.
Molecular risk profiling
In the past, chemotherapy was administered for patients with tumour more than 1 cm. Now molecular risk profiling has enabled an in decisions making regarding chemotherapy. Some patients with a larger tumour may not require chemotherapy at all if they are in the low risk category.
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