Breast cancer and tumours

Types of Breast Cancer and Tumors

• Benign tumors, such as fibroadenomas and cysts, are non-cancerous growths that are not life-threatening and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can sometimes cause discomfort or anxiety and may require monitoring or removal.
• Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer types include:
  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to nearby tissue.
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the milk-producing glands and spreads to surrounding tissues.
  • HER2-positive breast cancer: A fast-growing cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
  • Triple-negative breast cancer: Lacks three common types of receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth—estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2 gene—making it more challenging to treat.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Early breast cancer often does not cause symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, symptoms may include:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge, other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

Risk Factors

Certain factors may increase the risk of breast cancer, including:

• Gender (being a woman)
• Age (risk increases with age)
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
• Dense breast tissue
• Radiation exposure
• Hormone replacement therapy during menopause
• Lifestyle factors (such as alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity)

Diagnostic Tools and Treatment

At London Private Ultrasound, our approach to diagnosing and treating breast cancer and tumors includes:

• Ultrasound: Essential for evaluating breast lumps, guiding biopsies, and distinguishing between solid tumors and cysts.
• Mammography: X-ray images of the breast to detect tumors that cannot be felt.
• MRI: Provides detailed images of the breast, used in conjunction with mammography for high-risk patients or to better understand the extent of cancer.
• Biopsy: The definitive way to diagnose breast cancer, involving the removal of a small amount of tissue for laboratory analysis.
• Blood tests, MRI, and CT scans: Additional tools to assess overall health and cancer spread.

Treatment options vary widely based on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Our team of GPs, radiologists, oncologists, and other specialists works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan, providing support throughout their journey.