Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi

DCIS consists of abnormal cells confined to the milk ducts without evidence of invasion into surrounding breast tissue. It is generally classified as Stage 0 breast cancer.

Invasive ductal carcinoma begins in the milk ducts and grows into surrounding breast tissue. It is the most common type of invasive breast cancer.

Invasive lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing lobules. It may grow in a less clearly defined pattern than some other breast cancers, which can affect how it is detected and assessed.

Triple-negative breast cancer does not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and does not have excess HER2 protein. Depending on the stage and other clinical factors, treatment may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and, in selected cases, immunotherapy.

HER2-positive breast cancer has higher levels of the HER2 protein. Patients with HER2-positive disease may be candidates for HER2-targeted treatment along with other appropriate therapies.

Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon and aggressive form that can cause rapid breast swelling, redness, warmth and changes in the appearance of the skin. It requires prompt assessment and coordinated treatment.

Breast-conserving surgery, also called lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, removes the cancer along with a surrounding margin of tissue while preserving most of the breast. Whether breast-conserving surgery is appropriate depends on the size and location of the tumour, the extent of disease and other clinical factors.

Mastectomy involves removal of the entire breast. It may be recommended when breast-conserving surgery is not appropriate or based on the patient's individual circumstances. The choice between breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy should be discussed after reviewing the diagnosis, imaging and treatment options.

The sentinel lymph nodes are the lymph nodes most likely to receive cancer cells first if breast cancer spreads beyond the breast. A sentinel lymph node biopsy removes selected lymph nodes for examination. In appropriate patients, this can provide important staging information while avoiding more extensive lymph-node surgery.

Breast reconstruction can help restore breast shape after mastectomy. It may be performed during the same operation as the mastectomy or at a later stage. The timing and type of reconstruction depend on the patient's treatment plan, overall health and preferences.

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or control cancer cells. Depending on the type and stage of breast cancer, chemotherapy may be given before surgery, after surgery or as part of treatment for advanced disease.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended after surgery for selected patients to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated area.

Targeted medicines act on specific characteristics of cancer cells. For example, HER2-targeted treatment may be used for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

Immunotherapy may be considered for selected patients, including certain cases of triple-negative breast cancer. Its use depends on the cancer's characteristics and the overall treatment plan.

Surgery is often an important part of treatment. Radiation therapy and other medicines may also be recommended depending on the tumour.

Some patients receive treatment before surgery to reduce the tumour or extent of disease, followed by surgery and/or radiation therapy when appropriate.

When breast cancer has spread to distant organs, treatment focuses on controlling the disease, managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. Medicines are often the main treatment, while surgery or radiation may be used in selected cases.