There are many women who do not experience any typical symptoms and will be diagnosed with asymptomatic breast cancer. In such cases, the disease may metastasize meaning it will spread to other parts of the body and treatment options will become more aggressive.
Breast cancer is a common cancer that most women suffer from. Although the cases of breast cancer are increasing rapidly in the country, there is a lack of awareness about it. Moreover, there are many myths surrounding breast cancer and many women feel ashamed and afraid to speak openly about it. Now you will also be shocked to know that breast cancer can be without any symptoms. Yes, you heard us here. It can be called asymptomatic breast cancer. There are many women who will not experience any typical symptoms and will be diagnosed with asymptomatic breast cancer. In such cases, the disease may metastasize i.e. it will spread to other parts of the body. Metastatic breast cancer is detected at an advanced stage where there are not many treatment options.
Breast cancer screening
Did you know? Timely screening is the need of the hour to help you detect this cancer early. Thus, women over the age of 30 should talk to a doctor for a clinical breast exam that needs to be done early. Also, do not forget to self-examine the breast from the age of 18 and from the age of 40 do not forget to do an X-ray mammogram as prescribed by a specialist. Similarly, other tools such as breast ultrasound, MRI breast, CT and PET scan can help detect malignancy, if any, in the breast. Treatment will be initiated after the diagnosis is confirmed with radio-pathological confirmation.
When doing a self-test, ‘look’ and ‘feel’ are the two most important factors to consider. The breast should be watched for any lumps, changes in contour, dimpling or bulging of the skin, swelling or inversion of the nipple, and any changes in the nipple such as changes in position. Any fluid discharge, especially if bloody, or discharge from the breast should be considered a warning sign and should be reported to your healthcare professional immediately.
Breast cancer treatment
It depends on the type, stage and location of the tumor. The doctor will choose between surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. The doctor will decide what is best for you. If detected early, one can save the breast and undergo breast cancer surgery and lead a good healthy and hearty life.
(With inputs from Dr. Aditi Aggarwal, Breast Onco Surgeon & General Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road)
