Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Types, and the Latest Surgical Advances for Survivors

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. As such, scientific studies and research continue to explore the best ways to combat the disease. Below are the latest surgical developments that contribute to improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, as well as the symptoms and types of breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The most common first symptom of breast cancer that many patients notice, according to Cancer Research UK, is the presence of a lump or thickening in the breast. However, there are other signs to be aware of, including:

A new lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm.

Changes in the size, shape, or texture of the breast.

Skin changes on the breast such as puckering, dimpling, rash, or redness.

Unexplained nipple discharge (for a woman who is not pregnant or breastfeeding).

Changes to the nipple, such as inversion (turning inward).

Types of Breast Cancer

It's crucial to identify the type of breast cancer before starting treatment. The different types of breast cancer can guide the choice of the most effective treatment with the least side effects. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common types of breast cancer include:

Common Types of Breast Cancer:

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This cancer begins in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby breast tissue. It is the most common type of breast cancer.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and often spreads to nearby breast tissue. It is the second most common type of breast cancer.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): This type also starts in the milk ducts, but the key difference is that it does not spread outside of the ducts.

Less Common Types of Breast Cancer:

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): A more aggressive form of invasive cancer that spreads faster than other types of breast cancer.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): A rare and fast-growing cancer that causes the breast to look red, swollen, and inflamed, resembling a rash.

Paget's Disease of the Breast: This rare cancer affects the skin of the nipple, often appearing as a rash.

For a deeper understanding, you might want to explore a recent study on pomegranate, the only fruit shown to help combat cancerous tumors.

Surgical Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Advances in treatment methods, particularly in surgery, play a significant role in helping women and medical teams provide personalized care, improving the quality of life for survivors.

There are two main surgical options for treating breast cancer: lumpectomy (tumor removal) and mastectomy (full breast removal). The choice often depends on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's personal preferences and genetic history.

Dr. Sarah McLaughlin, a surgical oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, explains, “Some of these decisions may be linked to the cancer itself, family history, genetic factors, and personal emotional comfort. If a complete mastectomy is not required, it does not improve survival or quality of life simply because you underwent the procedure.”

Breast cancer surgery often involves removing cancerous tissue from the breast, and it is frequently combined with other treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or targeted therapy. Surgery may also be performed to reduce the risk of future cancer recurrence.

Surgical Options Include:

Tumor removal with surrounding healthy tissue.

Mastectomy: Complete removal of the breast.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Removal of a few lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of additional lymph nodes under the arm if multiple sentinel nodes are affected.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy, which may be done later, based on the patient's situation.

As research advances, surgical techniques have improved. For example, Dr. McLaughlin notes that long-term survival rates are similar for both lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures. Additionally, some patients no longer need to have the lymph nodes under the arm removed. Modern mastectomy techniques focus on removing less skin and preserving the nipple and areola when possible.

For oncoplastic surgery (cosmetic surgery after tumor removal), surgeons aim to make incisions away from the cancer site. After removing the cancerous tissue, they reshape the remaining breast tissue to maintain an aesthetically acceptable breast shape, as explained by Dr. McLaughlin.

Dr. McLaughlin's research focuses on improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, including creating a biobank for breast tissue using excess breast tissue from volunteers to accelerate research. She states, “Breast cancer survivors live long lives, so the importance of long-term survival has increased considerably.”

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Challenges Faced by Breast Cancer Survivors

One of the major challenges for survivors of breast cancer who have had lymph nodes removed is lymphedema — swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid that is typically drained by the lymph nodes. Lymphedema can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including discomfort, swelling, heaviness, restricted movement, frequent infections, and skin tightening.

Dr. McLaughlin has worked on studies aimed at predicting, preventing, and improving the treatment of lymphedema, including identifying biomarkers and developing customized therapeutic strategies.

She explains, “There is a major focus on techniques to reduce the risk of lymphedema,” including reverse axillary lymph node mapping, which helps identify and preserve lymph nodes that drain the upper limbs separate from those that drain the breast. This allows the surgeon to remove only the lymph nodes draining the breast.

Another option is lymphatic reconstruction if the lymph nodes are extensively removed. Lymphedema can be disabling and psychologically distressing for patients as it constantly reminds them of their cancer treatment.

Dr. McLaughlin emphasizes that managing lymphedema should not become overly burdensome or painful. "The goal is to reduce this to the minimum and avoid time-consuming and expensive interventions."

It is always recommended to consult with your medical team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your condition. Factors to consider include the stage of cancer, your personal preferences, and your overall health. The goal is to minimize interventions while achieving the best possible outcome — long-term survival.

Note from "Nadormagazine": Please consult a specialized doctor before following any treatment or remedy.