Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. As these clusters of abnormal cells grow larger, they form tumors. While benign tumors are non-cancerous and cannot spread, malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues or metastasize to distant organs.
Most breast cancers originate in the ducts or glands of the breast. Tumors may take months or even years to grow large enough to be felt through physical examination. This is why routine screening—most commonly with mammography—is essential. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in its early stages, often before any symptoms are noticeable.
There are various types of breast tumors, and not all are cancerous. However, the most common malignant breast tumors include:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Angiosarcoma
Recurrent Breast Cancer
For expert evaluation and accurate diagnosis, consulting a specialist like Dr. Sandhya Bade, an experienced Lady Breast Surgeon in Pune, is crucial.
While the exact cause remains unclear, breast cancer typically results from genetic mutations in breast cell DNA. Some mutations are inherited, but others may occur due to environmental exposures or lifestyle factors over time.
Several factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer:
Age – Risk increases with age
Family history – A close relative with breast cancer increases your risk
Personal history – Previous breast cancer diagnosis
Hormonal factors – Early menstruation, late menopause, and hormone therapy
Reproductive history – Late age at first childbirth or not having children
Dense breast tissue – More glandular and connective tissue than fat
Radiation exposure – Especially during childhood
Alcohol consumption – Higher intake raises risk
Being aware of these risk factors allows for timely screenings and preventive steps.
Symptoms vary between individuals and can sometimes appear without warning. Watch for the following signs:
A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
Change in size or shape of the breast
Breast or armpit pain
Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
Redness, dimpling, or puckering of breast skin
Changes to the nipple, such as inversion or pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a specialist immediately. Timely diagnosis and Breast Cancer Treatment In Pune can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Doctors use several tests and imaging methods to confirm a diagnosis:
Clinical breast examination
Mammography – X-ray imaging of the breast
Ultrasound or MRI – To provide detailed internal views
FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) – To collect sample cells
Biopsy – To analyze a tissue sample from the suspicious area
Early diagnosis ensures the most effective treatment planning.
The treatment plan for breast cancer depends on its type, stage, and grade. Common treatments include:
Breast Cancer Surgery in Pune to remove the tumor or entire breast tissue if necessary
Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells
Chemotherapy to kill rapidly growing cancer cells
Hormonal therapy to block hormone-sensitive tumors
Targeted drug therapy
Palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
If you are seeking trusted and personalized care, Dr. Sandhya Bade offers expert Breast Cancer Surgery in Pune with a patient-centric approach tailored to your condition and needs.
