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Breast cancer

Description

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. There are several types of cancers, breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in females. In breast cancer, cells of the breast multiply in an uncontrolled way. Typically, breast cancer forms in lobules (glands that produce milk) but can also form in fatty tissue and fibrous connective tissue. Breast cancer can also invade the surrounding healthy tissue. Lymphatic spread is the primary route of metastasis in breast cancer.

Causes

The exact causes of breast cancer are not known but researchers have found relationship with the following factors:

  • Genetics: Genetic mutations have been found to majorly contribute to the development of breast cancer.
  • Family history of breast cancer: Family history of breast cancer is seen relative to development of breast cancer.
  • Recurrence: Females who have been treated for breast cancer can develop it again.
Risk factors

The following risk factors can play a role in the development of breast cancer:

  • Women over the age of 60 are more commonly diagnosed.
  • Both men and women are affected, but it is much more common in females.
  • The presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 increases risk significantly.
  • Family Tendency, or family history of cancer.
  • Radiation exposure
  • Taking hormone therapy
  • An early onset of menstruation, and menopause that starts late.
  • Alcohol, and smoking
  • Women who have never had children, or had them over the age of 35 have increased risk.
Symptoms
  • A lump that can be differentiated from normal breast tissue. It may be felt in the collarbone area, breast area, or armpit.
  • Any change in appearance, shape, size, etc.
  • Skin thickening, or redness.
  • Itching or warmth felt in the breast.
  • Changes in the nipple, or nipple discharge.
Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will ask for your complete medical history, perform a simple physical exam, and examine your breast. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may further recommend the following tests:

  1. Breast ultrasound
  2. Mammogram (X-ray of breast)
  3. Breast biopsy (taking a sample of breast tissue for further examination)
  4. Breast MRI
Management

Management depends on the progression of the disease. It may involve medication (raloxifene, tamoxifen etc.), radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or removing the breast  (mastectomy).

When to consult a doctor?

A doctor should be consulted if you feel like you are experiencing any of the symptoms of breast cancer. It is also best to get checked on a yearly basis if there is a history of breast cancer in your family.

Available Medicine for Breast cancer

Arimidex 1mg 1gm

Rs.5951.45

ICI Pakistan Limited

Anthracin 10mg

Rs.670

Atco

Anthracin 50mg

Rs.2500

Atco

E-Rubicin 10mg

Rs.670

Pharmadic

E-Rubicin 50mg

Rs.3450

Pharmadic

Farmorubicin 10mg

Rs.1047.14

Pfizer

Farmorubicin 50mg

Rs.3635.42

Pfizer

Farmorubicin 10mg

Rs.788.39

Pfizer

Farmorubicin 50mg

Rs.4829

Pfizer

Lectrum 3.75mg

Rs.11990.88

Novartis

Lectrum 7.5mg

Rs.19984.31

Novartis

Lucrin 11.25mg

Rs.21000

Abbott Laboratories

Lucrin 3.75mg

Rs.9517.2

Abbott Laboratories

Nolvadex 10mg

Rs.257.4

ICI Pakistan Limited