Treatment for breast cancer varies according to the degree of tumor development, and can be done through chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. Other factors that may influence the choice of treatment are the characteristics of the tumor and the characteristics of the woman, such as whether she has entered menopause and whether there are other diseases associated or not.
These treatments are indicated mainly for malignant tumors, and in the case of benign breast cancer, it is usually only necessary to maintain constant surveillance of the nodule, without the need for any kind of treatment. Learn more about benign breast tumor cases.
In the case of metastatic breast cancer, where the tumor is highly developed, it may be necessary to use a combination of all treatments to try to fight all cancer cells and increase the chances of cure.
1. Surgery
Surgery is indicated for any type of tumor in the breast, regardless of size, because it removes many cancer cells, increasing the chances of healing and facilitating the rest of the treatment.
The type of surgery varies according to the size of the tumor, and the radical mastectomy, in which the breast is completely removed, is only used in the most severe cases when the cancer is widespread. In other cases, it is usually only removed the part of the breast where the tumor is found, being known as partial mastectomy.
After the surgery, the doctor may also indicate some radiotherapy sessions to eliminate tumor cells that may not have been removed, especially in cases of high-risk primary breast cancer or advanced breast cancer.
2. Chemotherapy
Treatment with chemotherapy is done with the combined use of several medications indicated by the oncologist and the emergence of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, lack of appetite and hair loss are common. Therefore, it is important to follow a psychologist to help address these changes. See how you may feel better after chemotherapy and know what to do to lessen the side effects of chemotherapy.
3. Radiation therapy
Treatment of breast cancer with radiation therapy is indicated when chemotherapy is not sufficient to eliminate all cancer cells. In this type of treatment the patient is subjected to direct radiation in the region of the breast and axilla and it is common the complementation with chemotherapy.
4. Physiotherapy
After surgery to remove the breast, physiotherapy should be started to combat swelling of the arm, increase the range of movements with the shoulder, improve body posture, normalize sensitivity and reduce spasms and cicatricial adhesion, which are complications due to surgery + radiotherapy, which affect all women treated in this way. Check out how physical therapy can be done, and the care needed after the mastectomy.
Male Breast Cancer Treatment
The treatment of breast cancer in men is done with the same methods used in women, however, as the diagnosis is usually made at a later stage of the disease, there is less chance of cure than women diagnosed early in the disease.
In this way, it is critical that men also be alert to symptoms of breast cancer, such as chest pain or fluid coming out of the nipple and go to the doctor as soon as it detects any change.
Natural Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
The natural treatment for breast cancer only complements the clinical treatment performed in the hospital and should not replace the doctor's indications. To improve the treatment in a natural way it is due to:
- Consume foods rich in fiber at all meals, such as whole oats, ground flaxseed, and whole foods, and raw vegetables;
- Decrease fat consumption and avoid consumption of processed or processed foods;
- Stop smoking if you smoke;
- Invest in the consumption of organic food, free of pesticides.
This type of changes in food are very important because they guarantee an increase of lignans in the body, which are substances that decrease the production of estrogen, the main hormone responsible for the development of this type of cancer.
Breast cancer treatment is free
Treatment for breast cancer can be done by the SUS for free at the High Complexity Oncology Care Units known as Unacon and at the High Complexity Oncology Care Centers, also known as Cacon.
In order to start treatment for cancer it is important to contact INCA and follow all the recommended indications to make the treatment as close to home.
If you are pregnant, see how you should treat cancer during pregnancy.
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