Breast cancer: failure of the cell replacement process (P2)
There are several treatment options for breast cancer including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and hormone therapy, among others.
Dr. Yamil López Chuken
Diagnosis of breast cancer
Some of the following diagnostic tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer:
- Mammography: X-ray of the mammary gland.
- Ultrasound: It is the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images.
- Magnetic Resonance: A diagnostic imaging test that uses magnets and powerful radio waves to create images of the body.
- Computed Tomography (CT): A diagnostic procedure that uses X-rays to create transverse images of the body.
- Biopsies (Surgical, Sentinel Ganglion, Trucut Needle): Take a piece of tumor tissue for pathological study.
Treatments against breast cancer
The treatments available to treat breast cancer are:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Generally, this form of treatment in breast cancer is administered before going through a surgical process (Neoadyuvancia) or after the patient undergoes a surgery (Adyuvancia). Additionally, it is a standard form of treatment that is commonly used when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body (Metastasis).
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy (RT) uses high-intensity X-rays and electron beams to destroy cancer cells. It is used before surgery to reduce the size of tumors or treat tumors in places that are located in difficult locations at high risk for surgery.
Mainly used Modulated Intensity Radiotherapy (IMRT) for breast cancer, this is an advanced form of three-dimensional therapy that configures the radiation from various angles. The IMRT modifies the intensity of the radiation within the tumor tissue to intensify or decrease the dose of treatment.
Hormone therapies
Hormone Therapy is a Whole Body (Systemic) Treatment for Breast Cancer of Positive Hormone Receptors. Hormone therapy helps prevent female hormones from aiding the growth of breast tumor disease. This type of therapy helps:
- Reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer with early-stage positive hormone receptors.
- Reduce the risk of breast cancer with positive hormone receptors in women who are at high risk but with a negative diagnosis
- Reduce or slow down the growth of breast cancer with hormone receptors in advanced or metastatic stage
Biological Therapies
Biological therapies are pharmacological treatments that help the patient to fight cancer, by stimulating or inhibiting the body's immune system.
Surgery
The most common surgical procedures are:
- Mastectomy
- Partial Mastectomy
- Lumpectomy
- Breast Reconstruction