Approximately, it is expected that, in the coming decades, 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide. Breast cancer is a common type of cancer among women. The factors that contribute to the disease are obesity, family history, radiation exposure, aging, and more.
Though many are aware of the common types of breast cancer, it is important to know a form that causes breast swelling, progresses rapidly, and is diagnosed only at a later stage, which is known as breast inflammation cancer. To learn about this type clearly, keep reading this blog.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the types of cancer that starts in the breasts. It can start from one or both breasts. There are more than 20 types of breast cancer. Among these, redness in breast cancer is known as inflammatory breast cancer.
It is an aggressive and rare kind that occurs when the cancer cells obstruct the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast. This leads to swelling, redness, thickening, and an appearance like an orange peel. Unlike other types of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer does not have a visible lump, and it requires specific testing to diagnose it.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer development is largely influenced by heredity, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. The most important reasons for the development of breast cancer are:
1. Hormonal Influences: Cancer risk increases with long-term exposure to estrogen, e.g., early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy.
2. Genetic Predisposition: In addition to BRCA1,2, the mutation of other genes may also increase the risk of breast cancer. These same genetic alterations are responsible for the hereditary nature of breast as well as ovarian cancer.
3. Obesity and Diet: The main problem caused by the accumulation of fat in the body, especially after menopause, can improve the level of estrogen. The situation can go worse if your diet is largely composed of sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Drinking, smoking, and the absence of physical activity are the lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer.
5. Radiation Exposure: In case you were subjected to radiation therapy while you were a child or a teenager, the likelihood of developing breast cancer later on will be very high.
6. Aging: Breast cancer risk is largely dependent on age; therefore, after 50, the risk goes up significantly since, over time, cells become more susceptible to mutations.
Though the main reasons for breast cancer are still unknown, rapid blockage of lymphatic vessels by cancer cells is the most common cause of inflammatory breast cancer.
What Are The Vital Signs of Breast Cancer?
The symptoms of each breast cancer type vary; still, the inflammatory breast cancer symptoms are identified through the following indications.
1) Enlargement or Swelling: One of the main features of inflammatory breast cancer is the intense breast swelling that probably progresses within a few days or weeks.
2) Redness and Warmth: The breast that is affected may look red, feel warm if touched, and be swollen. Most of the time, the whole area rather than a small part is affected.
3) Pain or Tenderness: However, it is quite painful in most breast cancer types, while with inflammatory breast cancer, discomfort is most likely to be felt as heaviness or tightening of the breast rather than localized pain.
4) Skin Changes: The skin has an orange peel-like texture and is thicker.
5) Nipple Changes: The nipple of the affected breast may get inverted, discharge, or become flat.
6) No Lump: Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is not like any other breast cancer, and hence it usually doesn’t show a visible lump
Firstly, these could also be the symptoms of diseases such as mastitis, which is a common infection that affects younger and breastfeeding women, and thus early diagnosis is really important. Consequently, any breast abnormalities should be thoroughly checked by a doctor without delay.
How Can Breast Cancer Be Treated?
The aggressive nature of inflammatory breast cancer requires multiple diagnostic approaches before providing proper treatment. The primary approaches are:
1. Surgery
Based on the extent of the tissue involvement, a radical mastectomy is required to conserve the breasts.
2. Supportive Care
The inflammatory breast cancer progresses quickly, so getting prompt medical assistance from the best cancer hospital in Coimbatore is vital. This includes counseling, physical therapy, and pain management to improve quality of life.
3. Chemotherapy
Before surgery, chemotherapy is used as the initial line of treatment to minimize tumors and reduce lymphatic blockage.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted medications are useful for cancers with HER2-positive tumors.
5. Radiation Therapy
Post-surgery, radiation assists in destroying the cancer cells that are still present in the breast. This therapy is highly helpful in reducing the chance of recurrence.
6. Hormone Therapy
Drugs are recommended for hormone receptor-positive cancers to prevent estrogen from triggering the development of tumor cells.
Since inflammatory breast cancer progresses more quickly than the other types, prompt medical assistance is vital. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can improve recovery faster.
Conclusion
Breast redness, sudden changes, and swelling are signs that should not be taken lightly, as they may indicate inflammatory breast cancer. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment, and hence, recognizing symptoms, knowing risk factors, and getting breast cancer treatment in Coimbatore as soon as possible are necessary steps.
Though breast cancer affects women worldwide, modern treatments have come a long way in lowering the risk factors. Along with this, a monthly self-examination will help you become familiar with your breast texture and allow you to notice any changes. Timely consultation with a doctor is also important to be aware of any unfamiliar symptoms.