Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a group of malignant tumours arising in breast tissue that differ in growth pattern, receptors and likelihood of spread.
Key points
- A new lump, skin dimpling, nipple inversion or bloody discharge needs assessment, although many breast changes are not cancer.
- Biopsy confirms the diagnosis; receptor tests and imaging define which local and systemic treatments may work.
- Surgery, radiotherapy, endocrine treatment, chemotherapy and targeted therapy have different roles according to subtype and stage.
The listings below are not a treatment plan; breast-cancer medicines require oncology selection and monitoring.
From finding to diagnosis
Triple assessment combines clinical examination, breast imaging and tissue sampling. Pathology reports tumour type and grade, oestrogen and progesterone receptors, and HER2 status. Additional imaging is used selectively to assess extent rather than automatically for every early lesion.
How treatment is built
Local treatment controls disease in the breast and nearby nodes. Systemic treatment addresses cells that may have travelled elsewhere and may be given before or after surgery. Menopausal status, genetic findings, recurrence risk, other illnesses and patient priorities all influence the sequence and balance of benefit and harm.
When to seek urgent care
Contact the treating team urgently for fever during systemic therapy, severe breathlessness, chest pain, uncontrolled vomiting, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding or sudden arm swelling and pain.