Expert Talk: A Gynaec Explains The Difference Between Symptomatic & Asymptomatic Breast Cancer (& Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments)

In India, Breast Cancer is one of the most common forms of Cancer in women. Nearly one case of Breast Cancer is reported in India every four minutes. With rising incidences of Breast Cancer in rural and urban India, almost 1,78,000 new patients are being diagnosed every year, according to Globocan 2020. 

Breast Cancer is a disease that arises in the lining cells (Epithelium) of the ducts (85%) or lobules (15%) that are present in the glandular tissue of the breast, which then becomes cancerous. In the beginning stage, the cancerous growth occurs only in the duct or lobule (“in situ”). At this time, there will be no visible symptoms, and there is minimal potential for the Cancer to spread (Metastasis) to other organs. However, when it is not treated on time, the Cancer will progress and spread to the breast tissue and finally to the external organs in the body (Distant Metastasis). In most cases, when this happens, there is a higher chance of the patient succumbing to the disease due to widespread Metastasis.  

The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Neha Bothara, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, who shares the types of breast cancer, its symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments. 

2 Types Of Breast Cancer You Should Be Aware Of

There are two types of Breast Cancer, namely symptomatic and asymptomatic. 

1. Asymptomatic Breast Cancer

When a woman has asymptomatic Breast Cancer, it can become difficult for them to diagnose it at the right time. This, in turn, affects their outcome as a delay in treatment will mean that options will be limited. This could lead to fatal consequences. 

2. Symptomatic Breast Cancer

There is not much difference between the symptoms presented in either of the two types of Breast Cancer. The only difference that sets apart symptomatic Breast Cancer from asymptomatic Breast Cancer is that the former can be diagnosed at the right time provided the patient sees a doctor during the early stages of the health condition, which is not the case with the latter.

Read: Risks Of Breast Cancer To Look Out For Even If You Don’t Have A History Of Breast Cancer In Your Family

8 Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

Some of the common symptoms and signs of breast cancer include: 

1. Presence of a new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) area
2. Thickening or swelling of any part of the breast
3. Constant irritation or dimpling of the breast skin
4. Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
5. Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
6. Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
7. Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
8. Pain in any area of the breast

3 Diagnostic Options For Breast Cancer 

While Breast Cancer cannot be prevented, knowing its signs and symptoms is essential, as early diagnosis can help ensure better patient outcomes. Some standard methods for detecting Breast Cancer include:

1. Screening mammography
2. Clinical breast examination (carried out by a trained health professional) and breast awareness
3. Self-screening techniques (during the initial stages of the health condition)

Treatment Options For Breast Cancer

Some popular treatment methods include a combination of surgical removal of the affected breast, radiation therapy and medication (including hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted biological therapy) to treat microscopic Cancer that could have spread to other body parts.

Read: An Oncologist Shares What To Expect During Breast Cancer Treatment

3 Takeaways From The Present Scenario

1. One of the critical factors that have led to high cases of Breast Cancer is the fact that there is a lack of awareness and low rate of early screening and diagnosis rates, even in most urban areas of the country.
2. The hour’s need is to increase awareness about Breast Cancer and teach women how to self-diagnose Breast Cancer. By doing so, the fatalities related to Breast Cancer can be reduced effectively.
3. Finally, Breast Cancer treatments in India have come a long way and are highly effective in treating the disease, especially when it is diagnosed early.

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