How is breast cancer treated?

Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

Updated on September 04, 2024

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For the comprehensive treatment of malignant (breast cancer), it needs to be specifically addressed based on case analysis, considering the patient's physical condition, economic factors, and other circumstances. There isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment plan suitable for everyone, as each case requires specific analysis. The treatment options for breast cancer include, firstly, surgery, which can be either a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, depending on lymph node metastasis and pathological staging. The second option includes radiation therapy, the third is endocrine therapy, the fourth is chemotherapy, the fifth is targeted therapy, and the sixth and subsequent options may include immunotherapy.

Other Voices

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Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

1min 30sec

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Causes of Breast Cancer

The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully understood, but research has shown that the onset of breast cancer follows certain patterns and is related to various risk factors: The first is the age of onset for female breast cancer, which is generally low from ages zero to twenty-four, gradually increases after twenty-five, and peaks from fifty to fifty-four years old. So, the first factor is related to age; The second factor is genetics. If a mother or sister has breast cancer, then the individual’s likelihood of developing breast cancer may be higher, making family history a relevant factor; The third point involves risk factors related to the breast, including early menarche (before the age of twelve), late menopause (after the age of fifty-five), being unmarried, nulliparous, late marriage, and not breastfeeding. These factors also tend to increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer; The fourth point is that benign breast conditions, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, could potentially transform into malignant tumors; The fifth point includes potential exposure to radiation, long-term use of exogenous estrogens, postmenopausal obesity, chronic alcohol consumption, and an irregular lifestyle, all of which can also have an impact.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo

Oncology

52sec

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Early symptoms of breast cancer

The symptoms of early-stage breast cancer mainly include breast lumps, abnormal nipple discharge, and changes in breast skin. Breast cancer is a common type of malignant tumor among women in China, with adenocarcinoma being the most common pathological type, although other types can also be seen clinically. Patients exhibiting abnormal breast lumps, abnormal nipple discharge, and changes in breast skin should consider the possibility of breast cancer. Patients suspected of having breast cancer should undergo breast imaging tests, including mammography and breast MRI, among others. Patients in whom abnormal breast masses are found during imaging tests can obtain a definitive diagnosis by surgical removal or percutaneous biopsy. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer should undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

37sec

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Early symptoms of breast cancer

The initial symptom of early breast cancer is a painless, single small lump with no redness or swelling around the skin. However, a few individuals may experience nipple discharge, typically fresh or stale blood. There may be slight indentations on the skin and some itching. Visually, some individuals might notice inverted nipples and lymph node metastasis under the armpits. The lump often has unclear boundaries, is hard in texture, has limited mobility, adheres to the skin, and is difficult to move within the breast tissue.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie

Breast Surgery

1min 10sec

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How long does breast cancer metastasis take?

How long does it take for breast cancer to metastasize? There is no absolute scientific data on this issue. Based on data from theoretical animal experiments, metastasis can occur within a few hours, tens of hours, several days, or even years. It should be understood in this way. I believe your question primarily concerns how long after breast cancer surgery metastasis might typically occur. Generally speaking, after comprehensive treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy, the earliest metastases appear within a year. The peak incidence for most people is between two to three years after treatment, making this period critical for frequent check-ups. During the first two years, stringent, thorough examinations every three months are essential. After two years, check-ups every six months continue from the third to the fifth year. After five years, annual physical examinations are recommended. A second peak period for recurrence occurs around eight to nine years post-surgery, which is why the frequency of examinations increases again during this time.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao

Breast Health Department

1min 13sec

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Differences between Breast Hyperplasia and Breast Cancer

Both breast hyperplasia and breast cancer can present as breast lumps. The lumps in breast hyperplasia are generally softer or of medium hardness, often occurring bilaterally with multiple lumps of varying sizes. They may appear nodular, plaque-like, or granular, are quite mobile, and have no adhesion to surrounding tissues. The size and characteristics of the lumps commonly change with the menstrual cycle and emotional fluctuations, and they tend to grow slowly, predominantly affecting young and middle-aged women. In contrast, breast cancer lumps are generally harder, usually unilateral and solitary. These lumps may be round, oval, or irregular in shape, can grow quite large, have limited mobility, and tend to adhere to the skin and surrounding tissues. The lumps are not related to the menstrual cycle or emotional changes, can increase in size rapidly over a short period, and are more commonly seen in middle-aged and older women. Sometimes breast cancer can be confused with breast hyperplasia, necessitating a hospital visit for examination and diagnostic differentiation by a doctor.