What is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the breast. It +++4happens when cells in the tissues of the breast starts growing uncontrollably and ultimately forms a tumor. If the tumor of the breast is not treated accordingly, it can further lead it to spread or metastasize to different parts of body through lymphatic system or blood stream and can result in death.
Types of Breast Cancer:
1) Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): It is a non-invasive type of breast cancer where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts.
2) Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): It is most common type of breast cancer in which cancer cells originates in the milk ducts of the breast and later spread to the surrounding tissue.
3) Lobar Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Not cancer but indicates a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
4) Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): It is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER 2 receptors. It is usually resistant to treatment.
Diagnosis:
1) Clinical breast exam
2) Mammography
3) Ultrasound or MRI
4) Biopsy (removing tissue for testing).
What is mammography?
Mammography is a specialized medical imaging technique used to screen and diagnose breast cancer, and other breast conditions. Mammography involves using low-dose X-Ray to create detailed image of the breast tissue:
A) Purpose of Mammography
1) Screening Mammography:
- It is used to detect breast cancer in women who have no symptoms.
- It is even help to identify tumors that cannot be felt.
- It is recommended for early detection which starts typically at the age of 40 years and for high risk individuals.
2) Diagnostic Mammography:
- It is used to diagnose and investigate symptoms like lump in the breast, pain in the breast, or unusual nipple discharge.
- It provide detailed images that help in diagnosis of breast cancer.
B) Types of Mammography:
1) 2D Mammography: It produces two-dimensional images of the breast. This imaging technique is commonly used in routine screening.
2) 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis): It is used to take multiple images of the breast from different angles and provide a three dimensional view of the breast thereby improving detection of breast cancer and reducing false positive cases.
C) Benefits of Mammography/Importance of mammogram:
1) It helps to diagnose breast cancer early and often help to diagnose before symptoms develops.
2) Mammography helps to find small tumors that are easier to treat.
3) Timely diagnosis with mammography helps to increase the survival rate.
D) Limitations of Mammography:
1) It may not detect all cancers and especially in dense breast tissue.
2) False positive can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional invasive investigations.
3) There is small risk of radiation.
At what age should I start getting mammograms?
The recommended age to start mammograms depends on the individual risk factors and the recommended guidelines in the respective country. Further is mentioned some general recommendations.
1) For Average-Risk Individuals:
A) Age 40 – 44: It is optional if an individual choose to start early.
B) Age 45 – 54: Annual mammograms.
C) Age 55 and older: Mammogram every 2 years, you can continue annually.
2) For Higher-Risk Individuals:
A) If an individual have a family history of breast cancer, genetic predispositions (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations), or other risk factors:
To start screening at earlier age (e.g. at 30 – 35 years), and additional imaging like MRI is recommended.
It is always advisable to start screening after appropriate advice from your health care physician.
Treatment of Breast Cancer through Ayurveda by Dr. Ravi Gupta:
Dr. Ravi Gupta, Ayurveda Cancer Consultant offers a holistic treatment on traditional Ayurvedic Principles for breast cancer. His different treatment modalities include:
1) Herbal Medicines: Dr. Ravi Gupta advises certain Ayurvedic herbs and formulations that helps to support the immunity and further target the cancer cells.
2) Panchakarma: He advises various therapies that helps to eliminate toxins or dustha doshas from the body. It even help to restore vitality in cancer patients.
3) Rasayana Therapy: Dr. Ravi Gupta, certain Rasayana or Rejuvenative formulations that helps to improve disease tolerance in breast cancer patients.
4) Dietary Adjustments: Personalised treatment plan advised by Dr. Ravi Gupta helps to support healing in breast cancer patients.
5) Mind – Body Therapies: Dr. Ravi Gupta advises yoga, meditation, and pranayama that proves beneficial in breast cancer patients.
For Ayurvedic treatment of Breast Cancer, kindly call +91 – 9819274611.