I have breast cancer
I discovered a large swelling in my left breast, and whenever I press my nipples, some liquid comes out. I was diagnosed with cancer but told it can be cured, and I am on treatment now. Please share detail information. Bukola J It is very important for every woman to be as informed as possible […]
I discovered a large swelling in my left breast, and whenever I press my nipples, some liquid comes out. I was diagnosed with cancer but told it can be cured, and I am on treatment now. Please share detail information.
Bukola J
It is very important for every woman to be as informed as possible about the signs, symptoms, and complications of breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers facing women today. Unfortunately, many women are still unfamiliar with the basic facts about breast cancer. Breast cancer in a simple language, is a disease that causes the cells inside the breast to grow too rapidly.
Though women are more likely to develop the disease, men can also suffer from male breast cancer. Everyone is at risk for developing breast cancer, however, there are certain factors that can increase one’s risk.
1. Being a female.
2.Aging (Risk of breast cancer rises after the age of 40)
3. Having a personal history of breast cancer.
4. Having a family history of breast cancer.
5. Experiencing changes in breast shape, size, or density.
6. Having one of the breast cancer genes (BRCA 1 or 2).
7. Experiencing early menarche or late menopause ( first menses or secession of menses respectively )
8. Being overweight or obese.
Unfortunately, breast cancer usually doesn’t present any symptoms until the latter stages of the disease. At this point, the cancer has usually progressed, making treatment and recovery more difficult.
Some common signs of breast cancer include:
1. A change in the shape or size of the breast.
2. A change in the texture or color of the breast skin.
3. Nipple discharge.
4. The presence of a hard lump in the breast or underneath the underarm.
Complications of breast cancer include:
1. Cachexia (severe loss of weight )
2. Cerebral metastases ( cancer cells spread to the brain)
3. Lymphangitis (Inflammation of Lymph nodes)
4. Breast lump.
5. Lung metastases ( spread to lung tissue).
6. Brachial plexus neuropathy (Diseased nerves that supply the arm)
7. Back pain.
8. Liver metastases (cancer cells spread to the liver)
9. Bone metastases (cancer cells spread to the bone)
10. Bone pain.
11. Renal metastases (cancer cells spread to the kidney )
12. Mastalgia ( breast pain)
13. Pleural effusion (Fluid collection within the protective layers that cover the Lungs)
14. Lymphadenopathy (Diseased Lymph Nodes)
15. Anaemia (Decrease Blood level)
16. Nipple discharge
Steps in good management
1. Encouragement of breast awareness and self-examination
2. Referral from primary center to specialist care
3. Assessment of breast abnormality through clinical examination, imaging, and sampling the lesion for cytological/histological assessment ( Observation under microscope).
Treatment/Management options
1. Surgery
The aims of breast cancer surgery
1. To achieve cure if excised before metastatic spread has occurred.
2. To prevent unpleasant sequelae of local recurrence.
Surgical options are:
1. Breast conserving surgery, removal of the lump (Lumpectomy)
2. Mastectomy ( removal of the breast)
3. Breast reconstruction
4. Axillary surgery ( removal of lymph nodes around the arm and armpit)
2. Radiotherapy
3. Systemic Therapy (Drugs)
Psychological care (Providing social and family support to patients on coping with the problem)
Follow up.
Palliative care (Easing pain and discomfort)
Management could be a combination of two interventions or more and also depend on the extent of the breast cancer staging and spread.
HEALTH INTERACTIVE COLUMN @ 13 YEARS
Dear Readers, with gratitude to Almighty God, our column this last month (October) marks its 13th year anniversary. It started in October 2002. As a tradition, we dedicate a week to publish readers’ views and comments about the column and answer questions related to our work. We will publish such on Tuesday, 10th November 2015. Send your comments via our emails.