Experts Speak: Identifying Different Breast Cancer Types

Among all cancer types in women, breast cancer tops the charts. It mostly develops in the milk ducts of the breast or in the lobules which are responsible for carrying milk to the ducts. Based on that, it can be classified into ductal carcinoma or lobular carcinoma. Yet another classification can be made depending upon the sensitivity of the hormones like progesterone and estrogen which are present in the women body. The knowledge of various types of breast cancer can greatly help in their treatment.

Besides the aforementioned breast cancer types, one can make a broad classification here with breast cancer types. Invasive breast cancer and non-invasive breast cancer fall in this category. These are discussed below:

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer

According to Dr Sidharth Sahni,Senior Consultant Breast Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, non-invasive breast cancers have a higher rate of survival. This can be gauged from the fact that in this type of breast cancer, cancer cells do not spread to other parts of the body but remain restricted to the point where they have originated. These types of cancers are also known as in situ cancers. One of the prime examples of non-invasive breast cancers is ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS. As previously discussed, ductal carcinoma starts to develop in the milk ducts of the breasts and is curable. The effective treatment options available for non-invasive breast cancers include mastectomy.

Invasive Breast Cancer

Dr.Sidharath Sahni further talked about invasive breast cancers. In his words, this type of breast cancer can be life-threatening. Unlike non-invasive breast cancers, it spreads to other parts of the body rather than just remaining confined to the site of its origination. Invasive cancer cells greatly affect the lymph vessels and blood vessels. Consequently, malignant tumours start developing in other parts of the body as well. Invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma are two of the most common types of invasive breast cancer which may prove to be really dangerous if there is a lack of proper treatment. If statistics are to be believed, around 70-Cancer cases out of 100 are of invasive ducal carcinoma.

If you think that every cancer type either originates in ducts or lobes of the breasts, then you are certainly wrong. Other originating sites of breast cancer include fibrous connective tissues, blood vessels lymph vessels, breast tissues etc. Some lesser known types of breast cancers are inflammatory breast cancer, metaplastic breast cancer, angiosarcoma, osteosarcoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Knowing about various types of cancers can help you identify your ailment in a better way and choose the best treatment option available.

Nutrition Tips After Breast Cancer Surgery as Suggested By Oncologists

Breast cancer surgery can bring along with it lots of frustration and anxiety. But once it is done, the patient feels relieved to some extent. However, after breast cancer surgery, it becomes more important for the patient to take care of her health. This can be achieved by following simple nutrition tips as suggested by the leading oncologists.   

                             

How to maintain a healthy diet routine for faster recovery after breast cancer surgery?

According to the prominent oncologist, Dr Sidharth Sahni, maintaining a proper diet routine after breast cancer surgery is extremely important. He has suggested a few nutrition tips that must be followed in order to fasten the recovery process. Have a look:   

  

1.       The body needs proteins more than ever after breast cancer surgery. Hence, including a protein-rich diet in your routine is always a good idea. It not only repairs the cells but also heals cuts and incisions. You can add protein to your diet by eating food items like cheese, rice and salads. Snacks such as almonds and peanuts are also good sources of proteins. Right after surgery, you don’t need to worry about calories or gaining weight. All you need to focus upon is gaining strength which can be very well accomplished by having a protein-rich diet.           

2.       Another important thing which you can include in your diet is soy or soybean. Rich in phytoestrogens (similar to the estrogen), soybeans quickens the recovery time. But before including soybean in your diet, it is important to consult your doctor about the serving size and other side-effects as soybeans are known to interfere with hormone therapy.    

3.       One can’t ignore the importance of antioxidants when it comes to breast cancer surgery after-care. The rich sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables including broccoli, liver, carrots and blueberries. Known for protecting the cells from damage, antioxidants are better than any kind of supplements.     

As they say, prevention is better than cure, following an anti-cancer diet will reduce the risks of getting any kind of cancer. The following list will get you started:

1.       Include fruits and vegetables in your diet daily as they are rich in antioxidants.

2.       Avoid consuming processed meats as much as possible.

3.       For breakfast, you can have whole-grain bread. Including brown rice in your meals also help a great deal.

4.       Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

Before you go forward with the aforementioned tips, you must talk to your doctor once to plan your diet properly. Also, ask him about the exercise routine which you must follow when you are recovering from breast cancer surgery.