Breast Cancer Treatment In India With The Highest Success Rate
Breast Cancer not only changes your appearance but also makes you undergo a lot of stress, anxiety, and unbearable pain.
Breast Cancer Treatment in the current era has revolutionized treatment approaches and you can get back your beautiful look without undergoing much pain.
Without wasting any more time, let’s know about breast cancer in detail:
What is Breast Cancer?
It is a cancer that starts in the breast. tissues. Cancer begins when cells start to grow out of control. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and weight gain.
Different types of breast cancer depend on which cells in the breast turn cancerous. A Breast is made up of three parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue.
The lobules are the glands that produce milk and ducts are the tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue which comprises fibrous and fatty tissue encircles and holds everything together.
Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread out of the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels.
What are the different types of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is of 2 types – invasive and non-invasive. Invasive cancer spreads from the breast ducts to other parts of the breast whereas non-invasive cancer has not spread from the original tissue.
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Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
It is a non-invasive condition where the cancer cells are confined to the ducts in your breast and haven’t invaded the surrounding tissue.
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Lobular Carcinoma In Situ
It is a cancer that grows in the milk-producing glands of your breast. In this way, the cancer cells do not invade the surrounding tissues.
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Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
It is the most widespread type of breast cancer. This type of breast cancer develops in your breast’s milk ducts and invades surrounding tissues in the breast. Once it spreads to surrounding tissues, it begins to spread to other organs and tissues.
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Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
It first develops in your breast’s lobules and has already invaded the surrounding tissues.
What are the different Stages of Breast Cancer?
There are four stages of breast cancer. The stages are classified according to the size of the tumor and whether the tumor has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
The cells are limited to the ducts and have not spread to surrounding tissues. Stage 0 is also called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).
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Stage 1A
At this stage, the tumor has not affected the lymph nodes or there are small groups of cancer cells in the lymph nodes. During this stage, the tumors measure up to 2 centimeters.
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Stage 1B
Cancer is found in nearby lymph nodes and either there is no tumor in the breast or is smaller than 2cm.
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Stage 2A
At this stage, the tumor is 2 centimeters and has started to spread to 1-3 lymph nodes or is 2-5 centimeters and has not spread to lymph nodes.
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Stage 2B
At this stage, the tumor is between 2-5 cm and has spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes or it is larger than 5cm and has not spread to any lymph nodes.
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Stage 3A
At this stage, the tumor has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
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Stage 3B
At this stage, the tumor has reached the chest wall and the skin of the breast.
Sometimes, stage 3 breast cancer is inoperable and is known as inflammatory breast cancer.
At this stage, cancer can have a tumor of any size. Cancer has spread to many organs including bones, liver, lungs, and brain.
What are the Causes of Breast Cancer?
The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but there are some risk factors that you should know to prevent breast cancer. Such are as follows:-
The risk factors of breast cancer increase with age with women over the age of 50.
Women who carry certain mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have higher chances of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both. People take over these genes from their parents.
Women who had breast cancer in the past are more likely to have it again than those who have no history of the disease.
Women with more dense breasts are likely to have breast cancer.
Estrogen exposure could increase due to people having their periods earlier or entering menopause at a later age.
Women who are overweight or develop obesity after menopause also have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.
Women who consume alcohol (moderate to high levels of a drinker) have a higher risk of breast cancer than those who do not (and light drinkers).
According to NCI, oral Contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a hard or thickened area in the breast, a lump in the breast, or underarm.
Other symptoms include:
- Pain in the armpits
- Sunken nipple
- Redness of the skin on the breast or the nipple
- Rash around the nipples
- Discharge from a nipple
- Change in the size and/or form of the breast
However, the majority of breast lumps are not cancerous; it is recommended that if a woman experiences such lumps, she should see a doctor.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Several tests are available that may aid in the identification of breast cancer.
Tests that can help to diagnose Breast Cancer
Several diagnostic tests are useful in the early detection and management of breast cancer thus making it a critical area of study. Below is a list of tests that can help in the right diagnosis of breast cancer and may help patients and healthcare givers eliminate this menace.
Breast Exam
The doctor will physically palpate your breast and the lymph nodes in your armpit for lumps or any other changes.
Ultrasound
Healthcare professionals send sound waves into your breast and use the echoes to produce a picture of the tissue inside your breast. It assists the doctors in differentiating between a solid structure like a tumor and a fluid-filled sac called a cyst.
Mammogram
It is a diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to produce pictures of structures inside the breast. If your doctor thinks that you may have a tumor or suspicious areas then they will recommend a mammogram.
MRI
It is a kind of examination done on the breasts whereby a magnet connected to a computer is used to produce images of part of the breast.
Biopsy
In this test tissue or fluid is taken from the suspected part of the breast in order to check for cancer. Some of the procedures of biopsy include fine needle aspiration biopsy, core biopsy, and open biopsy.
Best Breast Cancer Treatment in India
Breast cancer statistics in India reveal that it is the most common type of cancer in females with more than 25 cases reported per 1,00,000 cases. There has been a considerable improvement in the treatment of breast cancer in India in recent times.
The first step of breast cancer treatment is to determine the stage of the disease or the spread of cancer. Based on the stage, the tumor board decides the treatment plan for the patient.
Most of the time, breast cancer treatment in India is a multi-modality treatment that includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. This multimodality breast cancer treatment ensures that the cancerous tissues are removed and that the probability of reoccurrence is reduced as far as possible.
Surgery is the most popular treatment for breast cancer. However, surgery needs to be complemented with other treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or hormone therapy.
There are different types of breast cancer surgery conducted by surgeons as part of breast cancer treatment in India.
Based on the stage of cancer, one of the below-mentioned surgeries may be recommended by the surgeon.
1. Lumpectomy
This removes the tumor and surrounding tissues which are affected. The success of lumpectomy and radiation therapy has not only helped to check the spread of cancer but has also reduced the number of deaths from cancer considerably.
2. Mastectomy (Breast Removal Surgery)
In this surgery, the entire breast is removed, and in a double mastectomy, both breasts are removed. Reconstruction surgery is generally carried out along with mastectomy in which the breast skin or the nipple is conserved during the surgery.
3. Breast Conservation Surgery
BCS (breast-conserving surgery) removes cancer while preserving as much of the normal breast as possible. Some healthy tissue and lymph nodes are usually removed as well.
Depending on how much tissue is removed, breast-conserving surgery is referred to as a lumpectomy, quadrantectomy, partial mastectomy, or segmental mastectomy.
4. Sentinel Node Biopsy
In this surgery, a few of the lymph nodes that receive drainage from the tumor are removed and tested for cancer.
5. Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
If the lymph nodes removed during sentinel node biopsy contain cancer cells, then your doctor will remove a few more lymph nodes for testing.
6. Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy
In this surgery, even though cancer is present in one of the breasts, people tend to remove the healthier breast to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer again.
7. Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Many women having breast cancer surgery have the option to reconstruct their breasts.
Breast reconstruction usually falls into two categories: Implant reconstruction and Flap reconstruction.
In Implant reconstruction, breast implants are done to form a new breast mound whereas, in flap reconstruction, a patient’s own tissue from another part of the body is used to form a new breast.
Visit the page for more information:- https://www.medicoexperts.com/should-i-have-breast-reconstruction-after-mastectomy/
8. Oncoplastic Surgery
Most women who have a lumpectomy or breast conservation surgery might end up with breast deformity as a result of the surgery hence oncoplastic surgery is done either at the time of the initial surgery or after the completion of treatment.
Chemotherapy is a breast cancer treatment in India wherein the medical oncologist attempts to kill the cancerous tissues through medicines. The medicines are typically given through injections or IV.
Chemotherapy, at times, is also given to patients after the surgery to ensure that all the cancerous cells are killed even in nearby areas of the tumor which is surgically removed.
Sometimes, doctors might choose to administer chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor and remove it easily.
In breast cancer treatment in India, radiotherapy (high-powered radiation) is used mostly after the surgery to target and kill any remaining cancer cells that might be left after the surgery is done.
Some breast cancer can be hormone positive; which means hormones like estrogen and progesterone stimulate certain cells of the breast. Breast cancer cells have receptors on them that are proteins that enable the cells to bind to estrogen and progesterone hormones to grow. The treatment that stops these hormones from attaching to these receptors is called hormone or endocrine therapy.
Hormone therapy can be taken internally and can thus affect cancer cells all over the body, not just breast cancer. This is advised for women with tumors that are receptor-positive for hormones. It does not benefit women whose tumors are hormone receptor-negative; that is, tumors that do not contain receptors for hormones.
Hormonal therapy is sometimes given after surgery and is done to reduce the chances of the cancer recurring. It may be given before the operation.
It is usually prescribed for at least 5 years. Treatment may be recommended for more than five years if the woman’s cancer is likely to recur. A test known as the Breast Cancer Index could be utilized to determine if a specific woman will be able to benefit from more than 5 years of hormone remedy.
Hormone therapy can also be used when the cancer returns or when it has metastasized to other parts of the body.
Approximately 60-65% of breast cancers are Estrogen Receptor (ER) and/or Progesterone Receptor (PR) positive. Their cancerous cells contain proteins that bind to estrogen (ER-positive cancer) and/or progesterone (PR-positive cancer).
Hormone therapy for breast cancer has several categories. The different types of hormone therapy either reduce the amount of estrogen in the body or block the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells.
Best Breast Cancer Hospital in India
We at MedicoExperts leave no stone unturned to offer professional help from a Tumor Board of well-experienced doctors having 30+ years of work experience.
We have been able to manage the simplest to the most complex of cases, thus making us the best when it comes to clinical excellence. We have modern facilities- including the latest diagnostic and therapeutic tools to handle cases that are not typical.
In the management of the disease, we offer quality services in treatment to every patient and this we do considering the uniqueness of each patient in need of the services.
Lastly, we adhere to the highest measures in the control of infections.
Best Doctor for Breast Cancer Treatment in India
It is very important to take note of the fact that one doctor will not guarantee success and survival rates; it is the team of doctors, in other words, the Tumour Board method helps in the success of treatment.
The tumor board approach is a new paradigm in the fight for increased survival in breast cancer patients. Innovative Consultants, Radiation Therapists and medical oncologists work together to provide the optimal level of care.
Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment in India
Breast cancer treatment can be a combination of therapies or a single treatment which depends on the stage and how serious the disease is. In such cases, the expense for the treatment is generally on the higher side.
Also, the expenses for breast cancer surgery in India will depend on the facility in which the procedures will be done.
Breast cancer surgery cost in India is still affordable as compared to many developed countries of the world.
The cost of lumpectomy with reconstruction in India is approximately between Rs. 2-3 lakhs. ($ 2000- 3000$)
If it is a major surgery like a mastectomy, you can spend anywhere between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. ( $1000-$2000)
The cost of Chemotherapy in India ranges from one to four lakhs of Rupees ($ 1000 -4000$) depending on the drugs that are to be used.
Radiotherapy can vary between Rs 1-3 lakhs ( $1000-$3000) for the treatment.
Role of Tumor Board in Treating Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treatment is not a simple process that begins with diagnosis and ends with treatment. But it is a process that involves diagnosis, planning, implementation, and follow-up.
The fundamental principle of cancer treatment is that the disease is treated by a team of different specialists- surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, molecular oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative oncologists, oncopsychologists, oncorehabilitationists, and many others. The best outcomes for any patient can be achieved only if all the decisions are made jointly by these specialists.
A tumor board is a group of specialists who respond to the problem periodically and decide on the further treatment of patients with breast cancer. It guarantees that there are many heads trying for a well-rounded management of breast cancer.
Takeaway
Breast cancer can be completely cured if detected at an early stage. Even for late-stage breast cancer, there are advanced treatments available.
Therefore, there is nothing to fear about. Specialists from all domains of cancer care are available in MedicoExperts who can do their best to help you get cured as early as possible.
If you have breast cancer, contact the MedicoExperts team who will arrange a specific tumor board for you and help you get better in your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Does breast lump go away on its own?
Lumps may sometimes regress on their own. Teenagers may develop lumps associated with the menstrual cycle (but it is not a cancer risk). Those lumps subside and are not seen by the end of the cycle. Still, it is recommended to inform your healthcare provider about any lumps you have. Your provider can find out what is going on with the lump and whether it has to be checked or treated in any way.
Q2. Are all breast lumps tumorous?
Most of the time, lumps that can be easily moved around are not cancerous. They are fibroadenomas or cysts. As for the moveable breast lumps, they are mostly benign but it is advised to consult a doctor. Breast cancer can be felt particularly in the early stages as movable lumps, which is why it is necessary to go to a specialist to exclude the presence of cancer.
Q3. Is radiotherapy or chemotherapy needed after breast lump removal?
Adjuvant radiotherapy may be advised following mastectomy to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind in the breast following surgery. Mastectomy is a procedure in which the surgeon tries to remove every cell of the breast tissue, which is a difficult task.
Q4. How to check for lumps in the breast?
With the pads of your 3 middle fingers, examine the entire breast and armpit, applying light, moderate, and deep pressure. Appreciate both breasts every month by trying to feel for any new lump, thickening, or any abnormality of the breast.
Q5. Can I get breast cancer again after surgery?
Many women have no further difficulties after their primary therapy for breast cancer. However, breast cancer may recur after the treatment to attempt to cure it. If the cancer comes back after treatment, this is called recurrent or relapsed breast cancer.
Q6. How long does the breast cancer surgery take to be completed?
A mastectomy alone may take one to three hours. The patient is usually discharged on the same day of the operation depending on how major the surgery is.
Q7. How long does it take to recover from breast cancer surgery?
Your wound may take approximately six to eight weeks to heal. However, it may take several months for your breast or chest wall and your arm to feel normal especially if you had surgery under your arm. Sometimes, the part that has been operated will always have a different feeling.
Q8. Does breast cancer spread fast?
It has been estimated that breast cancer on average takes 180 days, that is half a year, to double in size. The growth rate of any particular type of cancer will be a function of many factors.
Best Breast Cancer Hospital in India
The top hospitals in India are equipped with cutting-edge technology and the latest innovation to provide the best cancer care. Here is a list of the best breast cancer hospitals in India which provide the best cancer treatment and surgery:
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Relevant Articles For You
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8428369/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8156889/
- https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.1998.16.2.441
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538212/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547708/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5620435/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5528370/
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Medically Reviewed by MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinical Review Board on 21 September 2024
Author’s Bio
Dr. Yashashree Joshi is an MD from the Philippines with a focus on advanced oncological treatments. She has good knowledge about the latest oncological therapies that are an embodiment of the newest techniques and innovations in cancer care. Dr. Joshi has done extensive medical training in the Philippines, which added to her knowledge and experience in treating complicated cases of cancer. She is known for her kind attitude and creates an individual treatment plan that aids in curing the patient based on different disease states and requirements.
