The breast cancer nurse specialist team provide support to each patient from the time of diagnosis onwards and can be contacted on 0113 2068623.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer can include
- a lump in the breast
- a change in the size or shape of the breast
- dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue
- a nipple that’s turned in (inverted)
- a rash (like eczema) on the nipple
- discharge from the nipple
- swelling or a lump in the armpit
- pain or discomfort in the breast that doesn’t go away
Condition and Treatments
There are many different types of breast cancer and a range of treatment options available which include:
Surgery
The types of surgery include:Ìý
A wide local excision (also called a lumpectomy) is an operation that retains as much of the breast as possible. It involves the surgical removal of the cancerÌýwith a small border of normal tissue surrounding it.ÌýOftenÌýÌýis recommended following this procedure.ÌýÌý
Mastectomy is the removal of all the breast tissue which mayÌýincludeÌýremoval of the nipple.
Sentinel node biopsy – it is common for theÌýaxilla (armpit) to have been examined with an ultrasound scan when breast cancer has been diagnosed. Biopsies are often taken from these lymph glandsÌý(even if they appear normal) and can help to determine treatment options following breast surgery.
More information about breast surgery can be found byÌý.
Drug Therapy
The different types of drug therapy that can be used to treat breastÌýcancer including:
- Ìý
ÌýThe aims of these treatments are to:ÌýÌý
- shrink the cancer
- keep the disease under control
- help to manage symptoms
Find out more information about theÌýchemotherapy service at theÌýÄ¢¹½tvÊÓƵ Cancer Centre.
Radiotherapy
is the treatment of cancer with X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used on its own to treat breast cancerÌýbut it may also be given together withÌýor after chemotherapy orÌýsurgery.
Radiotherapy is given as an outpatient on a daily basis for a few weeks. The exact number of treatments and which part of the body the treatment is recommended is always discussed with patientsÌýbefore starting treatment.
Information about the radiotherapy service can be found byÌýon the Radiotherapy page.
Potential side-effects
Radiotherapy itself is painless. However, there are some side-effects associated with it and include fatigue,Ìýskin reactions andÌýsoreness around the treatment area.ÌýTheÌýside-effects usually gradually disappear after completion of treatment.