Breast cancer is a type of cancer that mainly develops in the cell lining of the breasts of both men and women. However, it has been found that the occurrence of breast cancer is found to be higher in women. Breast cancer affects at least 1 out of 8 women in the country itself. Most commonly, women above the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast carcinoma.

There are various triggers and risk factors that could lead to the development of breast carcinoma. In the following, a brief overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for breast cancer has been given.

Causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer develops like any other form of cancer. In this type, the cancer cells rapidly grow and accumulate as a mass of cells. If the cancer cells begin to metastasize, then the cancer could be considered as malignant. Mostly the cells lining the milk duct begin to get mutated; this causes invasive carcinoma. In some other cases, cancer may originate at the glandular tissue causing invasive lobular cancer.

Studies have revealed that hormonal and environmental factors are a contributory agent that could trigger breast carcinoma. The genetic makeup may also be a predominant cause of the disease. The BRCA 1 and 2 genes generally get mutated which, in turn, cause this disease. This genetic mutation may be carried from one generation to the other as well.

Symptoms of breast cancer
The most common symptoms of breast cancer include the following:

• Formation of lumps or thickening of the breast and the surrounding tissues.
• Alterations in the appearance and size of the breast.
• The skin of and around the breast gets dimpled and changes are noted.
• One can notice a newly formed protrusion as well.
• Scaling, peeling, flaking, and encrusting of skin around the nipple or the breast skin.
• The appearance of pigmented areas around the nipple of the breast.
• Redness all over the area of the breast.

Diagnosis of breast cancer
There are some tests that can help in diagnosing the disease effectively. Some of them have been explained in brief as follows:

• A mammogram is a process in which an X-ray image of the breast is taken in order to screen for cancer. The abnormality is diagnosed and evaluated by the doctor with the help of a mammogram.
• Ultrasound of the breast is done to detect the stages of cancer. The image of the breast is produced using sound waves.
• A biopsy is a process where a small part of the suspected cancerous tissue is removed. The tissues are then sent to the laboratory to determine whether they show any signs of cancer.
• An MRI of the breast may also be done to screen for cancer in the breasts.

Treatment options for breast cancer
There are many surgical and nonsurgical ways that can help treat breast cancer. Some of these include the following:

• Lumpectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of the tissues by local excision. This is done when the cancer is in the initial stages. A small margin of healthy tissue is also removed in this case.
• Mastectomy is a process in which the entire breast tissue is removed. The lobules, fatty tissues, and the ducts along with the nipple are surgically removed.
• Radiation therapy is done when the cancer is in advanced stages. The high-powered energy beams are exposed to kill the cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy could also be done to reduce fast-replicating cancer cells through various medications. These medications are supposed to be taken intravenously.

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that can be cured completely if diagnosed in the earlier stages.