What happens if breast cancer is there and how is it treated? Although treatment depends on the type of tumor and the stage at which it is detected, it is mainly based on five types of treatment. An important component of prevention is sufficient knowledge about the disease and its treatment, therefore at skrinings.lv we have compiled information about the main treatment methods. Be informed, be protected!
Main breast cancer treatment options
If a woman is affected by breast cancer, several specialists are involved in her treatment, who ensure that the disease is combated by all available methods! A council or group of doctors is formed, which, based on the patient's age, general condition, and the characteristics of cancer, draws up an individual treatment plan for a woman. In general, treatment can be divided into two types - local and systemic treatment. The local includes methods that target and act on the tumor without affecting other tissues in the body - such as surgery and radiation therapy. Systemic therapy, in turn, is able to destroy tumor cells beyond their original site of localization. Typically, systematic treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, include the use of tablets or injections.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is one of the main methods in the fight against breast tumors. With its help, the tissues affected by the tumor are removed. The scope of surgery varies depending on the stage of the disease:
- breast-sparing surgery - usually used when the tumor is detected early. This operation allows you to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible;
- mastectomy - complete removal of breast tissue, which must be used when the tumor is detected at a late stage of development;
- axillary lymph node removal - if doctors have reasonable concerns about the spread of tumor cells to the armpit lymph nodes, they may be removed and sent to a laboratory for evaluation, which may also affect the plan of further treatment;
- breast reconstruction surgery - in case a woman underwent radical surgery during her treatment, she may undergo plastic surgery to restore the original appearance of the breast.
Chemotherapy
This type of treatment can be used both before (neoadjuvant therapy) and after (adjuvant therapy) surgery. It is usually given as an intravenous injection, with patients going through cycles of treatment, during which they have to go to the hospital regularly to receive prescribed medications. Chemotherapeutic agents act on all cells in the body, disrupting their growth and division. The key to the success of this therapy and drug is the strong effect on rapidly dividing cells. This group of cells includes cancer cells, but there are other tissues in the body that naturally actively divide, such as hair follicles, digestive mucosal cells, and blood cells. During treatment, they are all affected, causing well-known side effects such as body hair loss, but it is important to remember that they can regenerate naturally after treatment. Although this therapy has certain side effects, it can effectively reduce the size of the tumor before and after surgery, preventing the development of metastases and the spread of the tumor!
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is the targeted destruction of tumor cells with the help of ionizing radiation. Radiation breaks down DNA in tumor cells, killing those or stopping them from multiplying. This method is used to reduce the size of the tumor before or after surgery. It is also often used to relieve the symptoms of cancer in patients who have unfortunately been diagnosed late and are currently receiving palliative care. Before receiving radiotherapy, the localization of the tumor is carefully assessed to direct the radiation directly to cancer cells. This therapy is received as a course, during which the woman comes to the procedure every day, which allows the radiation doses to be divided into a safe manner.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is applicable to tumors that are hormone-dependent. By blocking the production of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone in the body, it is possible to stop the growth and development of hormone-dependent tumors. This type of treatment is also used when the hormone-dependent tumor cannot be operated and it is necessary to reduce its size. This is why women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer need to determine their hormone receptor status to plan the best treatment. You can read more about the different types of tumors here.
Targeted therapy
Like chemotherapy, this type of therapy disrupts cell division and growth. The main difference between the two therapies is that targeted therapy focuses on tumor-specific receptors or molecules that are rare in healthy tissues. This type of treatment, if applicable, helps to protect the body from the side effects and strain caused by chemotherapy. By examining the tumor tissue before starting treatment, doctors can determine which medication would be appropriate for each individual patient.
As you can see, there are several methods for treating breast cancer, and each woman is given an individual treatment plan. With the cooperation of several specialists, the disease can be overcome, and the woman can gradually return to her daily activities. However, prevention and early detection are still the best tools in the fight against breast cancer! To learn more about your personal breast cancer risk factors and health monitoring options, complete a short, free test.