Breast cancer is the most common type of tumor found in the urban population and second most common next to cervical cancer among rural women. It occurs when the cells in the breast mutate and cluster together. It usually starts in the lobules (milk-producing gland) or in the tube-shaped duct of the breast which carries milk from lobules to the nipple.
There are many different types of breast swellings most of them are non-cancerous.
The most common types of breast tumor (malignant swelling/lump) are:
The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood; mostly it occurs when there is a genetic mutation in the DNA of the breast cells. Some mutations occur over time while others may be because of lifestyle factor or some environmental exposures.
Risk Factors
The following are the key breast cancer risk factors, you cannot control every variable that influences your risk, but some of them are preventable:
The symptoms of breast cancer vary from person to person and it may sometimes occur without any symptoms. If you found any of the below symptoms, consult a breast cancer specialist or surgeon. Some of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
The following are the tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer:
The doctor determines the treatment for breast cancer based on the type, its stage and grade. The most common options for breast cancer treatment include,
Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala is a leading Surgical Oncologist with over 17 years of clinical experience, including 12 years as a cancer specialist. Trained at The Kidwai Memorial Institute, he has extensive expertise in complex oncological surgeries, and advanced laparoscopic procedures, which ensures patients get the highest standard of care. He is currently a Consultant at North Bangalore Hospital.
In India, Breast Cancer Treatment costs around Rs 70,000 to a full expense of Rs 16,50,000 in Bangalore. This depends on the hospital, which stage of cancer the patient is in and the specific treatments given to the patient, like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc. Usually, surgeries like mastectomy or lumpectomy cost from Rs 70,000 to Rs 2,00,000. Whereas chemotherapy cycles may cost from Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000, which again depends on the drugs used. Radiation therapy costs start from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1,50,000 for the full course. We have to remember that the final bill may vary according to the hospital stay, diagnostics and treatments given, medicines and any other charges according to the particular hospital.
