Breast cancer occurs when cells of the milk ducts or milk glands of the breast undergo changes and proliferate uncontrollably for various reasons.
Symptoms
A palpable lump in the breast, shape change around the nipple, orange-peel appearance of breast skin, bloody or clear nipple discharge, and breast pain or tenderness are among the most common symptoms.
Types
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Begins in the milk ducts and has not yet spread — the earliest stage.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: The most common type; spreads from milk ducts to surrounding tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Originates from the milk glands (lobules).
Diagnostic Methods
Mammography, ultrasound, MRI, fine-needle aspiration biopsy and tru-cut biopsy are the main methods used for diagnosis.
Treatment
Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted (biological) therapies are applied alone or in combination depending on the stage and characteristics of the tumour.