Breast cancer is a cancer that is very prevalent in women and in it, the breast cells undergo uncontrollable growth. Let’s get more aware of this ailment and know about the types, causes, signs and treatment of the cancer.
Types of Breast Cancer –
- Ductal Carcinoma – it is one of the most common types of breast cancer which begins in the duct cells.
- Lobular Carcinoma – usually affects both the breasts and it starts in the lobules.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer – it is of the rare type and the cancerous cells block the lymph nodes which makes the skin red and inflamed.
- Paget’s disease – involves the skin around the nipples.
Causes of Breast Cancer –
- Some genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 and CHEK2 can have mutations that can increase the chances of getting breast cancer.
- Having this cancer in the family also increases the risk of the cancer.
- Age also increases the chances of getting breast cancer.
- Exposure to female hormones such as estrogen also leads to uncontrollable proliferation.
- Obesity and alcohol consumption also increase the chances.
- Radiation therapy in the chest for some other cancer such as lung cancer also increases the chances of getting breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer –
- New lump in the breast or the armpits.
- Size and shape of breasts changes.
- Pain in the breast area.
- Swollen and red skin around the nipples.
- Discharge other than milk.
Diagnosis –
- A physical examination that involves checking the breast or armpits for lumps.
- Using imaging scans such as mammograms, ultrasound and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
- blood tests that measure various proteins and fats can also be used to identify the cancer.
- Genetic tests to check for mutations in BRCA and TP53 genes can confirm the cancer.
- HER2 test which is the human epidermal growth receptor that is involved in the growth of cancer cells. This test is done to detect the excess of HER2.
- Test for estrogen and progesterone tests can help in detecting breast cancer. Excess of these hormones can signify that the patient has or has an increased chance of breast cancer.
Treatment –
- Surgery – one type of surgery called as mastectomy which involves the removal of the complete breast. Double mastectomy refers to both the breasts being removed. Another type is breast-conserving surgery where only the tumour is removed and some cells surrounding the tumour are removed.
- Chemotherapy – use of medications that stop the growth of the cancer cells either by killing or shrinking the cells. Examples of chemotherapy medicines are –
Pacliall 100mg which is also known by the generic name Paclitaxel and it functions by inhibiting the working of microtubules and inducing cell death in cancer cells. Pacliall causes cell apoptosis in cancer cells. The price of Pacliall is high therefore buy it online from Magicine Pharma as they provide various discounts.
- Radiation Therapy – use of high-energy beams to kill or shrink the cancer cells.
- Target Therapy – use of medications that target the specific factors of cells that promote cancerous cell proliferation. The various types of target therapy are – Monoclonal antibodies which are immune system proteins and these antibodies can attach to the cancer cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor which blocks the signals that influence cancer growth. PARP inhibitor blocks enzymes that cause DNA repair. CDK inhibitors are also a type that are given with hormone therapy.
- Hormone Therapy – also called as endocrine therapy and stops the growth of the tumour cells which are hormone sensitive.
- Immunotherapy – use of medications that focus on the immune system and strengthen the immune system to fight the cancerous cells.
The other medicine that is similar to Pacliall is the Altaxel Nova 100mg Inj which also has the chemical composition of Paclitaxel it is also used for the treatment of ovarian cancer and lung cancer. Some of the side effects of Altaxel Nova are – loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. The price of Altaxel Nova is high therefore it can be purchased from Magicine Pharma at a low price.