Female | 34

Why Do My Breasts Feel Tender for a Week?

Q: Are there any options for financial assistance for breast cancer treatment in India?

There are a number of organizations in India that provide financial assistance for individuals who are unable to afford the cost of breast cancer treatment. These organizations may offer grants, loans, or other forms of financial assistance to help cover the cost of treatment. Some hospitals and clinics may also have financial assistance programs available for patients who are in need.

Q: Can breast cancer treatment be done at a lower cost in India?

In some cases, it may be possible to receive breast cancer treatment at a lower cost in India by seeking treatment at a government-run hospital or clinic, or by opting for a less expensive treatment option. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost of treatment should not be the only factor to consider when deciding on a treatment plan. It's important to work with a medical team to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

Q: Is breast cancer treatment covered by insurance in India?

Many health insurance policies in India cover the cost of breast cancer treatment, although the specific coverage can vary depending on the policy. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and what is not.

Q: What are the various treatment options available for breast cancer in India?

The various treatments given by a breast cancer doctor are: 1. Surgery The type of breast cancer surgery totally depends on the cancer stage and the type of cancer: Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumour along with a small, cancer-free margin of healthy tissue around the tumour. Mastectomy: Surgical removal of the entire breast. A few surgeries are conducted to check if any of the lymph nodes near the breast contain cancer: Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This type of surgery removes 1-3 lymph nodes from under the arm to see if the nodes are free of cancer Axillary lymph node dissection: If cancer is detected in the lymph nodes, this type of surgery is done to remove many lymph nodes from under the arm. This is done to prevent the spread of cancer. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: This type of breast cancer surgery involves the removal of both the breast to minimise the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. 2. Radiation Therapy Powerful radiation beams are used to destroy cancer cells. 3. Hormonal Therapy If the cancer is hormone-receptor-positive, i.e., has both estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors, then hormonal therapy is used by a breast cancer doctor to block the production of these hormones. 4. Chemotherapy Use of medications to destroy cancerous cells or shrink their size before surgery.

Q: How often should you perform a breast self-examination (BSE)?

1. If you're still on your period, the optimum time to perform BSE is: When your breasts aren't as painful or swollen. It is usually 5 to 10 days after your cycle starts. 2. If you don't have your period anymore, set a reminder for yourself. Check your breasts on the first of every month. 3. A breast self-exam is also recommended for all males at high risk for breast cancer. Every month, perform a breast self-examination. Other symptoms that indicate you should see a doctor about breast cancer include: Thickening, a lump, or a tight knot Clotting, heat, dryness, as well as spots on the skin Size or shape of breast changes Itchiness, scaly sore or rash on the nipple, dimpling or puckering of the skin Pulling of your nipple or any other body parts Nipple discharge that appears from nowhere

Q: What is the procedure for getting a breast cancer screening?

The different procedures of getting a breast cancer screening are: Clinical breast exam: Here, breasts are physically examined by a doctor who uses his hand to feel lumps or any other changes in the breasts. Mammography: An X-ray of the breasts which is considered the best technique to detect cancer at an early stage. It can even show the lumps or other changes before a patient or doctor can feel them. There are three types of mammography: Film Mammography: The technique results in an X-ray picture of the breast Digital Mammography: The technique results in a computer based picture of the breast Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT): The technique results in pictures of breasts from many different angles to finally make 3-D pictures of the breasts. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technique uses radio waves to take pictures of the breasts. It is mostly used for women who are at high risk for breast cancer; either due to family history of the disease or other underlying conditions. Breast Ultrasound: This is used for pregnant women who cannot be exposed to X-rays used in mammography or who are unable to undergo an MRI examination. This technique is also for those with dense breast tissue (less fat and lots of ducts, glands and tissues), which makes it harder to detect cancers with traditional mammography.

Q: How does a breast cancer doctor detect or diagnose breast cancer in India?

Breast cancer is diagnosed using a variety of tests and procedures, which include the following: Breast exam : Your doctor will examine both of your breasts as well as the lymph nodes in your armpit to see whether everything is normal or if anything is wrong. Mammography - An Xray of the breast is called a mammography. They are frequently used to detect breast cancer. If something abnormal is discovered during a screening mammography, your doctor will recommend additional treatment options. Ultrasound- It is a technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of structures deep within the body. A new breast lump can be diagnosed as a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst using ultrasound. Taking a sample of breast cells for testing (biopsy)- A biopsy is the only means to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis. During a biopsy, your doctor extracts a core of tissue from the questionable location using a specialized needle instrument guided by an X-ray or another imaging test. A tiny metal marker is frequently left at the spot within your breast so that subsequent imaging tests may easily identify the region. Biopsy samples are submitted to a facility for testing, and specialists evaluate if the cells are malignant. It's also examined to see what kind of cells are involved in the breast cancer, how advanced it is, and whether the cancer cells contain hormone receptors or other receptors that might be harmful. Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scanner that creates images of the inside of your breast using a strong magnetic fields and radio waves . A dye injection is given before to a breast MRI. An MRI does not employ radiation to produce pictures, unlike other forms of imaging procedures.

Q: How long does it take to recover from breast cancer treatment ?

Various factors determine the recovery time of breast cancer. The treatment depends on the early stage or advanced stage of breast cancer. Your doctor will only be able to tell you an assessment based on how far your cancer has gone through the breast tissue and its stage. However, the process through it goes as follows: Surgical - It will take a few days or a week to recover from a less complicated surgery. But if the individual had a major operation, it would take around a few weeks based on your operation. Medical - Medical treatments include drugs and pills or medicines given in your veins, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. After surgery, the doctor will recommend you the treatment based on your stage and condition. The recovery time after this procedure varies for every patient. Yet it takes three months at least to get recovered from one session. Radiation - Depending on the patient's condition doctor may recommend radiation therapy. Skin reactions from radiation therapy are dominant for 1-2 weeks after your therapy. To recover it would take a few weeks to 2 months, depending patient's condition.

I have tender breast for a week what could be the problem

1 Answer

Dr. Nisarg Patel

Social Obstetrics And Gynecologist

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Answered on 23rd May '24

Breast tenderness might result from hormonal shifts. This frequently occurs during menstrual cycles or with certain medications. Sometimes, it indicates pregnancy or a breast infection. To reduce discomfort, wear a supportive bra. Apply warm compresses. Avoid caffeine. If tenderness persists or worsens, consult a gyneoclogist for evaluation.

21 people found this helpful

Questions & Answers on "Breast Cancer" (54)

I have a breast lump in my left Brea. Its been 20 days.There is no discharge from the breast. I had a miscarriage 4months ago. At that time i had milky discharge. The lump is brown in colour. And have little pain.Could this be a sign of breast cancer ?

Female | 31

A brown lump with no effusion could be a benign condition and not breast cancer. After miscarriage and milky discharge in the past, it is a possibility as well. Pain is one of the symptoms of hormonal variations. Nevertheless, one must visit a gynecologist for a thorough examination.

Answered on 28th Oct '24

Dr. Donald Babu

Am having a painful ball in my breast for about four years now pls help me

Male | 20

A painful lump in the breast that has been there for four years could be a sign of something serious, like a cyst or even breast cancer. Please visit a breast surgeon or an oncologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Answered on 3rd Sept '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

I want to know about Triple-negative breast cancer as our doctor hinted that my aunt has signs of this specific type of breast cancer.

Female | 57

The term triple-negative breast cancer means that the cancer cells do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and does not make too much of the protein called HER2. ( therefore the cells test "negative" on all 3 tests.)

Triple-negative breast cancer has less treatment options available than other types of invasive breast cancer. The reason being the cancer cells do not have enough estrogen or progesterone receptors or HER2 protein for hormone therapy or targeted drugs to work.

Treatment options are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery mainly. But consulting clinician on time and starting the treatment is important. Regular follow up with doctor with lifestyle modifications and counselling will help. Consult an oncologist.

Hope our answer helps you.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Babita Goel

can breast cancer develop in 6 months

Female | 25

Yes, it's possible for breast cancer to show up quite quickly, in as little as 6 months. Being alert to any changes and consulting your doctor if something seems unusual is critical for early detection and treatment.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Donald Babu

I'm 19 and I'm a female I have a tumor in my left breast, I don't know when it appears exactly but it's been two years since I noticed it, earlier I had a kind of acne in my breast but I'm not sure if it is the same one, it was big, brown and hurts when I press it but it disappeared by the time, now the tumor get bigger than before and became so painful even without touching it, I didn't notice any discharges or change in the skin yet, in addition to that I'm not able to go and check it in my current location so can you please help me I can't take it anymore.

Female | 19

The painful breast mass you're experiencing could be due to various conditions, such as fibroadenomas or breast cysts, but it’s important to take note of it. However, if the lump has been present for two years and is now growing and becoming more painful, it's crucial to rule out more serious conditions like breast cancer. Since I can’t examine you in person, I strongly recommend seeking medical attention immediately, especially given these changes. The earlier treatment begins, the better the potential outcome.

Answered on 23rd Oct '24

Dr. Donald Babu

What should I do if my triple-negative breast cancer is not responding to chemo?

Female | 42

Consult with your oncologist if you can try immunotherapy or radiation therapy.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

I am a girl and my age is 22. I have pain in my left nipple.

Female | 22

A throbbing or stabbing sensation in the chest can be triggered at the age of 22 by a variety of issues, such as hormonal transformations, trauma, disease, or particular drugs. Hormonal shifts around the menstrual cycle can cause one or both nipples to hurt. If you are experiencing pain along with other symptoms like redness, swelling, or discharge, see a healthcare professional immediately.

Answered on 4th June '24

Dr. Nisarg Patel

I am a 25 years old male, So doctor i laying down i last week and as i was laying down i was rubbing my chest and felt something so let me describe properly, I have an inverted nipple my left one and it has been since birth ( just want to add that before describing what i felt) So i felt this tiny rubbry ball like thing in that left inverted nipple, it's very small, The crazy thing is that I'm 1000% sure it has been there for years i just never paid attention to it, It went to a pharmacy to ask about it and the asked, if i was feeling any pain or noticed anything unusual around that area or armpit, i said no and the said I'm perfectly alright, And yes feel no pain, no swelling, no colour change, nothing, Also i have small breast cause I'm a bit chubby, please what's your analysis

Male | 25

What you are sensing in your left inverted nipple is possibly a harmless cyst or a benign lump. Because you've had it for years without any changes or symptoms like pain, swelling, or color changes, it seems to be nothing serious. Yet, it always is a good idea to have it checked out by an oncologist to make sure you are okay.

Answered on 4th Oct '24

Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

can you get breast cancer at 19?

Female | 19

It is not that common in teenagers but there is no harm in being alert. Young women even at 19, should be aware of their breast health and report any unusual findings, like lumps or changes in breast appearance, to your doctor.

Answered on 23rd May '24

Dr. Donald Babu