What is Breast Cancer Treatment?

The first treatment of breast cancer is to remove more of the tissue. This can be performed by either a lumpectomy where a greater section of the breast is removed or by a mastectomy where all of the breast is removed. 

We also remove lymph nodes under the arm called axillary lymph nodes by a technique called sentinel lymph node resection. This gets the first lymph node that the tumor could have spread to under the arm. Other treatments, in addition to surgery, may be needed. 

One class of treatment is called hormone therapy. These are anti-estrogens. One you may have heard of is tamoxifen. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen at breast cancer cells. Another drug class that is used in postmenopausal women is the class of aromatase inhibitors. These block enzymes that convert testosterone to active estrogen found in the adrenal glands and in fatty tissue. 

Another treatment option is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for breast cancer is usually given in the vein through a device called a port-a-cath which is placed under the woman’s collarbone under the skin. Side effects of chemotherapy depend on which chemicals are chosen based on the biology of the tumor. 

Breast cancer is also stained for estrogen and progesterone receptors and a surface marker called her2, which is used to guide therapy. 

Radiation treatment may also be needed in addition to surgery for breast cancer. Radiation is given especially if a woman has had a lumpectomy in order to sterilize other cells that may be starting in other parts of the breast. Radiation can also be used with stage four breast cancer especially to help with pain.