Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects many people, but understanding how it progresses can help us fight it. Let’s explore what happens when breast cancer develops in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast. These cells are the building blocks of the breast tissue. Normally, cells grow and divide in an orderly way. But sometimes, something goes wrong. The cells begin to grow out of control and form a lump or tumor. This is what we call cancer.
How Does Breast Cancer Start?
- Normal Cells: Think of breast cells like small building blocks that make up the breast tissue. Each cell knows exactly how to grow and divide.
- Change in Cells: Sometimes, these cells start to change. They don’t grow and divide like they’re supposed to. They start to grow too quickly and don’t stop when they should.
- Forming a Tumor: As these abnormal cells keep growing, they can form a lump or mass called a tumor. This tumor can be felt as a lump in the breast or sometimes seen on an X-ray.
How Breast Cancer Grows and Spreads
- Tumor Growth: At first, the tumor stays in one place, but over time, it can grow bigger. This is called localized cancer.
- Spreading to Nearby Areas: If the cancer cells continue to grow, they can spread to nearby tissues in the breast. This is still considered local spread.
- Entering the Bloodstream or Lymphatic System: Cancer cells can enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (a network of vessels that helps fight infections). This allows them to travel to other parts of the body.
- Forming New Tumors: When cancer cells travel to other parts of the body, they can start to grow and form new tumors. This is called metastasis. It means the cancer has spread from the breast to other places like the bones, liver, or lungs.
How Do Doctors Check for Breast Cancer?
Doctors use several methods to check for breast cancer:
- Breast Self-Exams: People are encouraged to check their breasts regularly for any lumps or changes. This can help spot any issues early.
- Mammograms: These are special X-rays that can show tumors before they can be felt.
- Ultrasounds and MRIs: These are other tests that can help doctors see inside the breast tissue.
- Biopsies: If a lump is found, doctors might take a small sample of tissue to look at under a microscope. This helps determine if it is cancerous.
What Happens in the Body?
- Cell Changes: Abnormal cells form a tumor in the breast tissue. These cells continue to grow and divide.
- Tumor Growth: The tumor grows larger and might start to invade nearby tissues.
- Spread to Lymph Nodes: The cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, which are small glands that help fight infections.
- Metastasis: Cancer cells can break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, where they can form new tumors.
How is Breast Cancer Treated?
Treating breast cancer often involves a combination of methods:
- Surgery: The tumor and some surrounding tissue are removed through surgery.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells in a specific area.
- Chemotherapy: Medicines are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Hormone Therapy: Some cancers grow in response to hormones. Hormone therapy can help block these hormones.
- Targeted Therapy: This type of treatment targets specific characteristics of cancer cells.
Dr. Vikesh Shah: A Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad
Dr. Vikesh Shah is a specialized Cancer Doctor in Ahmedabad who helps people with breast cancer. He uses advanced treatments and works closely with his patients to create a personalized treatment plan. His goal is to fight cancer effectively and support his patients through their treatment journey.
How Can We Prevent Breast Cancer?
There are some steps people can take to help lower their risk of breast cancer:
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk.
- Regular Check-ups: Visiting the doctor for regular check-ups and mammograms can help find problems early.
- Genetic Testing: For some people with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing might be recommended to understand their risk better.
Conclusion
Understanding how breast cancer progresses helps us know what to look out for and how to seek help early. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and support from experts like Dr. Vikesh Shah can play an important role in managing and treating breast cancer. By learning about breast cancer, we can all be more aware and better prepared.