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Conditions

Cancer care · Breast

Breast cancer

Understand the signs, diagnostic confirmation, subtypes and care choices for breast cancer.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Breast cancer develops when cells in breast ducts or lobules grow uncontrollably. It may remain in situ or become invasive and spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Possible symptoms

A lump or thickened area, change in shape, dimpled or red skin, nipple change, unusual discharge or an underarm lump can occur. Early cancer may have no symptoms, and most breast changes are not cancer.

Causes and associated factors

Age and female sex are major factors; family history, inherited variants such as BRCA1/2 or PALB2, alcohol, obesity after menopause, chest radiation and hormonal factors modify risk. Breast cancer also occurs in men.

Diagnosis

A clinical or screening abnormality leads to diagnostic imaging. Only examination of a tissue sample confirms cancer and establishes its type.

Tests

Mammography, ultrasound or MRI is selected by context. Biopsy reports grade, hormone receptors, HER2 and sometimes other biomarkers; staging scans are not routine for everyone.

Course of the condition

Course depends on whether disease is in situ or invasive, stage, grade, lymph nodes and biological profile. Some forms grow slowly; others are more aggressive or may recur.

Care options

Depending on subtype and stage, breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be combined. Preferences, health, fertility and long-term effects matter.

When to consult

Seek assessment for any new lump or persistent breast or nipple change, even after a recent normal mammogram. Screening without symptoms follows recommendations based on age and individual risk.

Urgent help

Sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, new weakness, seizure, confusion, suspected spinal-cord compression, fever during treatment or an allergic reaction needs urgent help.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exactly does the biopsy show, and what is the stage?
  • Which biomarkers were tested, and how do they affect the options?
  • What is the aim of the proposed treatment, and what alternatives are possible?
  • Which side effects, functional consequences and support should I anticipate?
  • What follow-up is planned, and who should I contact between appointments?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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