Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with over 83,000 cases reported annually in Pakistan . With such high prevalence, it is estimated that 1 in 9 women is diagnosed with breast cancer at some point of her life. At the Breast Surgery Department of LNH, we offer top-notch care for all breast health issues. Our mission is to provide comprehensive breast care through prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and support. The breast surgery specialists here provide personalized and compassionate care and maintains the highest standards of medical excellence. All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. While the exact causes remain unknown, the following factors increase the chance of developing the disease: The most common indication of breast cancer is the presence of a new lump or mass. While most of the cancerous masses are painless, hard, and have irregular edges, they can also be tender, soft, or rounded. Additional signs of breast cancer that need medical attention include: In some cases, breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, causing swelling or a lump even before a tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt. Any swelling in the lymph nodes should be reported to a doctor promptly. The multidisciplinary team at breast surgery department consists of experienced breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized nurses. We collaborate to provide a seamless and integrated approach to breast care through dedicated multi-disciplinary tumor board meetings every week. Patient-Centered Approach We understand that every patient’s journey is different. Our patient-centered approach ensures everyone receives personalized care according to their needs and preferences. Patient Feedback and Continuous Improvement We have a system of collecting and analyzing patient feedback from the clinics and admitted patients to identify areas for improvement. We regularly review and update clinical protocols and procedures concentrating on the latest evidence-based practices and patient feedback.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Our Team
Department of Breast Surgery at Liaquat National Hospital is the first department in Pakistan recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) for training for FCPS Breast Surgery, which has recently been started as a second fellowship in Breast surgery.
We train our fellows well and encourage ongoing education and professional development for all staff members, including attending conferences, workshops, and certification programs.
Moreover, we support staff participation in professional organizations and networks related to breast surgery and oncology.
Research and Innovation
With the help of well-maintained digital records of all breast cancer patients for the last 30 years, we have a wealth of information, and such kind of data-keeping is an essential tool for any research. We are involved in various research activities and have published in national and international journals.
Community Outreach and Educational Programs
The department organizes community outreach programs to raise awareness about breast health and the importance of regular screenings. It participates in and host workshops and conferences to educate healthcare professionals about advances in breast surgery and breast cancer treatment.
These are two genes that make up the majority of Breast Ovary Syndrome. If one inherits from one's mother or father a mutant BRCA 1 or 2 gene, she will have a higher lifetime risk of cancer, including early onset breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and possibly other cancers. Mutations in these genes are responsible for 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the breast. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
A breast biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of cancer if a patient has symptoms such as a solid breast lump or other signs of breast cancer.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia using a special needle, either freehand or image-guided, to get a sample from the tumor.
This sample is then sent to the pathology department for analysis. A biopsy is not dangerous and does not increase the chances of the cancer spreading.
Many factors contribute to the chance of getting the breast cancer. These include age, with most diagnoses occurring after age 50, and early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55).
Reproductive and family history also plays a role, as women who never give birth, have their first child after age 30, or do not breastfeed are at higher risk. In some rare cases, men can also develop breast cancer.
The symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Swelling of all or part of the breast, even if no lump is felt
- Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (when the nipple turns inward)
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
The following symptoms should be reported to a physician right away:
- Blood-stained discharge from the nipple
- Sudden inversion of a nipple
- Change in the texture of the breast skin, such as developing a textured appearance that looks like the skin of an orange
Research is being done on ways to prevent breast cancer. Although there is no known way to completely prevent breast cancer, there are ways to lower your risk. These include:
- Drinking less alcohol
- Getting regular exercise
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Breastfeeding (exclusively breastfeeding during your baby's first 6 months, and continuing for 12 months or longer)
- Avoid taking hormone replacement therapy for a prolonged period. Discuss with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy if you take it and regularly follow up.
Regular check-ups and screening tests can find breast cancer at an earlier stage when treatment works best. The most important action women can take is to have routine breast cancer screenings.
There is an increased risk of breast cancer for women who have been using birth control pills for more than five years. However, due to the low amount of hormones in birth control pills today, the risk is relatively small.
Women should conduct their breast self-exam 7-10 days after the start of their menstrual period, when their breasts are least tender and lumpy.
If you have difficulty remembering, consider drawing a diagram to mark the location of any lumps, bumps, grooves, or other findings.
If you detect a persistent lump in your breast or notice any changes, it's important to consult a physician promptly.
While women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history. Statistically, only 5-10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
Breast cancer risk is higher if you have a family member, like a sister or mother, who has had the diseases.
Additionally, about five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are due to inherited genetic mutations that greatly increase the chance of getting the disease.
You should schedule a physical check-up with your doctor every year, which should include a clinical breast exam and pelvic exam.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or notice changes in your breasts before your scheduled visit, don't hesitate to see the doctor immediately.
You should start getting mammograms at age 40 and continue to have them annually. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting mammograms earlier or having them more frequently.
Pregnant and lactating women shouldn't get mammograms done unless recommended by their physicians.
Mammography does compress the breasts and can sometimes cause slight discomfort for a very brief period. Sensitive patients should schedule their mammograms a week after their menstrual cycle so that the breasts are less tender.
Advanced screening mammography helps detect breast cancer earlier. Usually, the investigation process includes a breast ultrasound, a diagnostic mammogram, and a biopsy.
If breast cancer is confirmed, further tests are done to see if the cancer cells have spread within the breast or to other parts of the body.
This process is called staging. The type and stage of breast cancer help your doctor decide on the best treatment plan for you.
Total mastectomy is commonly suggested for women diagnosed with breast cancer or as a preventive measure for those at high risk of developing the disease. In this procedure, the doctor removes the breast completely.
Whether chemotherapy is needed after a total mastectomy depends upon its stage and characteristics. Your doctor will consider factors such as the size of the tumor, its aggressiveness, and whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Based on these factors, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include chemotherapy along with other therapies such as radiation or hormone therapy.
If you’ve recently received a diagnosis of breast cancer, getting treatment is likely the first thing on your mind. In general, the sooner you can receive treatment, the better. However, this does not mean you need to rush into treatment the same day you receive a diagnosis.
Your doctor may recommend receiving treatment after a short while once all the required investigations are done to better plan the treatment. Before receiving treatment, there may be additional tests or consultations that are necessary.
Hair loss can be a side effect of some breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. However, not all breast cancer treatments lead to hair loss. It depends on the medications and treatments prescribed by the oncologist.
It's important to discuss potential side effects, including hair loss, with your doctor so you can be prepared and explore options for managing any changes in your appearance that occur during treatment.
If your doctor suggests a total mastectomy as a treatment for your breast cancer, you might feel overwhelmed. Here are some questions to ask your doctor if you're considering this procedure:
- Are there less invasive alternatives?
- What are the associated risks?
- How do I prepare for a total mastectomy?
- How long is the recovery period?
- What potential side effects should I expect?
- Will additional treatments be necessary?
- Is breast reconstruction a possibility?
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes an entire breast. This procedure may be used as a treatment for breast cancer or a preventative measure for people at high risk of developing it. Although a mastectomy removes all of the breast tissue, there is still a chance that breast cancer can return.
Breast-conserving surgery removes the cancerous lump and a bit of healthy tissue around it. The goal is to get rid of the cancer while keeping the breast looking as normal as possible. After the surgery, radiation therapy is used to kill any leftover cancer cells.
The chances of the cancer returning after breast-conserving surgery vary depending on factors such as the size and stage of the tumor, as well as the effectiveness of follow-up treatments like radiation therapy. While recurrence is possible, regular monitoring and following the recommended treatments can help reduce the risk.
There are several different types of breast cancer, which are categorized based on where the breast cancer develops. Ductal carcinoma develops in the cells that line the milk ducts, while lobular carcinoma develops in the milk glands.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. If one inherits from one's mother or father a mutant BRCA 1 or 2 gene, she will have a higher lifetime risk of cancer. Women with a BRCA1 mutation have a 55-65% risk of developing breast cancer by age 70, and those with a BRCA2 mutation have a 45% risk. The risk for ovarian cancer is also increased.
People with certain risk factors are the best candidates for a prophylactic mastectomy. These factors include:
- Genetic mutation: Women with certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. These gene mutations are usually detected during genetic testing.
- A strong family history of breast cancer: People who have a sister, mother, or daughter who has had breast cancer diagnosed, especially if breast cancer was diagnosed before age 50, may have a greater risk than people without a family connection.
- A personal or family history of ovarian cancer: If you or a close family member has had ovarian cancer, your risk of developing breast cancer may be higher.
- A history of radiation therapy: People who’ve had radiation therapy to their chest before age 30 have a higher risk
- An LCIS diagnosis: Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) is a benign condition that can increase your risk of developing cancer.
These are two genes that make up the majority of Breast Ovary Syndrome. If one inherits from one's mother or father a mutant BRCA 1 or 2 gene, she will have a higher lifetime risk of cancer, including early onset breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and possibly other cancers. Mutations in these genes are responsible for 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer.
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