breast cancer It is another silent threat that can be fatal if detected late. and undergoing breast cancer screening by mammogram including rushing to get a diagnosis by a doctor if any abnormal symptoms are found Considered to reduce the risk of illness. or died of breast cancer
Dr. Weeranuch Rattanadej, MD. Oncologist at Phitsanuwet Horizon Cancer Center Phitsanuwet Hospital A subsidiary of Princess Healthcare, in collaboration with Bumrungrad Health Network, answered questions. and provided additional information about screening and treatment of breast cancer as follows:
If breast cancer is detected What is the first treatment step?
after self detection of breast lumps Or it may be detected by screening by mammograms. The patient must be examined to confirm the diagnosis by taking a biopsy for examination. to confirm that such a lump was found Breast cancer cells. Then the doctor will diagnose at what stage the breast cancer is. which can be divided into 3 phases as follows:
- initial stage : The disease is mainly in the breast area. can perform surgical treatment and has a very high chance of being cured
- invasive period : The disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Treatment can be more complicated. Treatment may be with medication, surgery, and radiation.
- spread distance : The disease has spread to other organs outside the mammary glands. Drug treatment is mainly used.
Usually, the treatment will depend on the nature of the biopsy. And the stage of breast cancer is important, for example, in the early stages. Treatment can be primarily done by surgery. And there may be other treatments such as chemotherapy. anti-hormonal medication targeted drug delivery or light irradiation to reduce the chance of breast cancer recurrence Moreover, many types of breast cancer surgery are now available. whether it is treated by surgery for the whole breast Breast preservation surgery or surgery and breast augmentation at the same time In order to maintain the image of beauty, which is important to the mind.
What is the removal surgery?
It is important to have surgery to remove the cancer completely. Not even a small cell was left. The tumor size may be millimeters in size. up to several centimeters in size If diagnosed by screening Most cancerous tumors are small. which can be easily cured by surgery Most cancerous tumors are quite large. This may complicate the treatment.
In which cases should the treatment be done by removing the breast?
If the tumor is still small and has not spread to the lymph nodes The surgeon will then be able to perform breast conserving surgery. But if the cancer is large or has spread to nearby lymph nodes will have to give chemotherapy first to make the lumps smaller and make it easier for the surgeon to perform the surgery or even breast-preserving surgery can be performed. But in some patients there may be other limitations. who are unable to perform breast preservation surgery It is necessary to remove the whole breast, depending on the doctor’s consideration primarily.
after surgery Is there any further treatment needed?
After undergoing surgery The doctor will have to analyze the nature of the cancer that has been surgically removed. that the patient What additional treatments are necessary, such as the need for chemotherapy? Anti-hormonal drugs, targeted drugs, or radiation? which must be considered individually This is because doctors need to look at many factors, including the nature of the cancer, the patient’s age, and physical health conditions. and congenital disease in order to determine which patients are suitable for which complementary treatment
cancer cells spread How can the treatment be done?
For cases where the disease has spread locally such as a large cancerous lump or spread to nearby lymph nodes quite a lot Treatment may be more complicated. Your doctor will need to assess which form of treatment should be given. or whichever method first, for example, if the tumor is very large Medications may be given to make the tumor smaller first. and then perform surgery, etc.
Next, if the cancer has spread to other organs Treatment may not be able to cure the disease itself. But the treatment aims to allow the patient to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. and can have a quality of life as close to normal as possible There are many methods of treatment, such as the use of chemotherapy drugs. Anti-hormonal drugs, targeted drugs, radiation, depends on the doctor’s determination of which treatment is most appropriate at that time.
breast cancer treatment process How long does it take?
At present, there are many different treatment approaches. The treatment time varies from person to person. and stage of disease It depends on what kind of treatment each patient needs, such as early stage breast cancer. after surgery If the patient needs to continue treatment by using chemotherapy. It takes 3-6 months for the drug to be administered, after which radiation therapy is necessary. It must take another 1-2 months of exposure, and if necessary, anti-hormonal drugs. have to take the drug for another 5 years, etc.
After treatment, how will the disease be monitored? Is there any chance of recurrence?
The doctor will schedule follow-up appointments for at least about 5 years, after which they may schedule a distant visit, eg once a year, as the disease may recur at any time. Patients need to keep an eye on their symptoms at all times. whether there are any abnormal symptoms, such as feeling a lump in the breast, armpit, or feeling tired, breathless, coughing, pain in the body, bone, limb weakness, or any abnormality due to these symptoms It can be a sign of cancer recurrence and a symptom of the cancer spreading to other organs.
Breast cancer is curable and should be screened regularly.
for the general public If screening by self-palpation of the breast reveals abnormalities Should seek a diagnosis from a doctor as soon as possible. or when the age reaches the criteria for screening with a mammogram, you should hurry to get tested due to early detection of cancer can be easily cured
Dr. Weeranuch Rattanadej, MD. cancer pathologist at Phitsanuwet Horizon Cancer Center Phitsanuwet Hospital in the Principal Healthcare group, in collaboration with Bumrungrad Health Network, continues to emphasize that For patients with breast cancer who are undergoing treatment should not be discouraged with treatment Because the current treatment guidelines have evolved a lot. treatment works and less side effects in treatment compared to the past Is there any problem in treatment? You can always consult a medical professional who takes care of you.