Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting Indian women. To spread awareness on breast cancer and its related complications, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October every year. The emphasis is on regular screening and early diagnosis of the disease for better clinical outcomes. The theme of this year’s event is, “No-one should face breast cancer alone”.
Department of Breast-Onco surgery, Fortis Mohali has successfully treated several patients suffering from breast cancer using the most advanced surgical techniques of breast conservation aided by reconstruction and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. Dr Naval Bansal, Endocrine & Breast Cancer Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Mohali sheds light on the symptoms, warning signs and treatment options for breast cancer.
Signs & Symptoms
Discussing the early signs of breast cancer, Dr Bansal, said, “Women should be careful to identify symptoms such as a new lumps in the breast or underarm (armpit), thickening or swelling of the breast, dimpling of breast skin, changes in colour of areola or flaky skin on the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, do warrant a medical examination.”
Who does it affect?
Stating that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally, Dr Bansal, said, “Women of all age groups should be careful about the symptoms of breast cancer as it can affect anybody. Breast Cancer is no longer associated with older woman – it affects younger age group equally. Regular self-examination goes a long way in early detection.”.”
Dr Bansal further stated that he had recently treated a 21-year-old breast cancer patient at Fortis Mohali. “A patient had a lump in her breast, which was mistaken for normal lumps for her age, which was operated and removed at a city based without proper evaluation. However, to her surprise, cancer was detected in the biopsy conducted at a diagnostic centre in Jalandhar, Punjab. Following this, the patient approached Fortis Mohali and post a thorough analysis, the Tumour Board decided on the line of treatment as she had already undergone a surgery earlier, however the cancer had relapsed. Our focus was not just on removing the tumour, but also saving the breast and axillary nodes. The patient had stage 2 cancer and underwent breast conservation with reconstruction and sentinel lymph node biopsy.”
Treatment – Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is considered the gold standard for early breast cancer as it involves detecting the gate keeper nodes for axillary staging. Discussing the procedure, Dr Bansal, said, “The process involves injecting a blue dye and radioactive dye around the nipple areola complex. We look for sentinel nodes that have been stained blue and have radioactivity using a specialised device called Gamma Probe. It is then sent for testing known as frozen section biopsy. This helps avoid unnecessary removal of axillary lymph nodes. Breast Conservation Surgery with Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy has transformed the treatment of breast cancer.”
