Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive Breast Cancer Treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. We are dedicated to providing world-class care for individuals diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Our team of highly skilled breast surgeons, recognized as some of the best in Dubai, is committed to offering cutting-edge treatments and compassionate support throughout every stage of a patient’s journey. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for managing invasive breast cancer, and our specialists are equipped to handle even the most complex cases, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

About Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive breast cancer occurs when cancerous cells from within the breast ducts or lobules break through the walls and invade the surrounding breast tissue. Unlike non-invasive breast cancers, such as Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), invasive breast cancer has the potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones, or brain.

There are two primary types of invasive breast cancer:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all invasive breast cancer cases. IDC starts in the milk ducts and then invades the surrounding breast tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This less common type begins in the milk-producing lobules and can spread to other parts of the body.

Early detection is key to managing invasive breast cancer. Mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies are critical diagnostic tools that help detect cancer at an early stage before it spreads further.

Procedure & Treatment for Invasive Breast Cancer

At Emirates Hospitals Group, our approach to treating invasive breast cancer is comprehensive and tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Treatment plans typically involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal or targeted therapies, depending on the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer.

Surgical Options:

• Lumpectomy: Also known as breast-conserving surgery, a lumpectomy involves removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This option is often followed by radiation therapy to ensure that no cancer cells remain in the breast.
• Mastectomy: In cases where the cancer is more widespread, a mastectomy may be necessary, which involves removing one or both breasts. Our breast surgeons offer advanced reconstructive options following a mastectomy to restore the breast’s appearance.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: To check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, our surgeons may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy or a full lymph node dissection.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors, making surgery easier, or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells that may be left behind after surgery. This treatment is often recommended after a lumpectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Hormonal Therapy: If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormonal therapy can be used to block the hormones (estrogen or progesterone) that help cancer cells grow. Drugs like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors may be prescribed for several years following surgery.

Targeted Therapy: Some types of invasive breast cancer, such as HER2-positive breast cancer, can be treated with targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin), which specifically targets the HER2 protein that promotes cancer cell growth.

Causes & Symptoms of Invasive Breast Cancer

The exact causes of invasive breast cancer are not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include:

• Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, particularly in women over 50.
• Family History: A family history of breast cancer or inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increases the risk.
• Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation, late menopause, and hormone replacement therapy may elevate the risk.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking have all been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.

Symptoms of Invasive Breast Cancer:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
• Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
• Nipple discharge, particularly if it is bloody or occurs without squeezing.
• Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling or redness.
• Persistent pain in the breast or nipple area.