Breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is defined as an abnormal growth of cells and tissues inside the breast. The type of breast cancer treatment administered depends upon the stage and type of the tumour. Local therapies are used in some cases, which means that the tumour is treated without causing any harm to the rest of the cells and tissues of the body.

Surgery and radiation therapy work as the best treatment for breast cancer. Systematic treatment is suggested by doctors when the tumour is cancerous and it is important to kill those cells. Such type of therapies uses drugs that are administered directly through the mouth, thus reaching the bloodstream. The types of drugs used for the treatment of breast cancer depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Drugs can be administered as a part of targeted therapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

If breast cancer is in the second or third stage, then a surgery may be advised. In case of advanced breast cancer, a surgery is not recommended since the cancer has spread to other parts of the body as well.

A breast cancer is surgically treated by a team of breast surgeon, radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist. The team of doctors also include physician, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, assistants, nutritionists and health professionals.