Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 31, 2017 5:14 PM IST
Just like diabetes and heart disease, most types of cancer can be treated with medications. But does this hold true for breast cancer? Well, the answer to this is NO. Yes, breast cancer cannot be treated with just medications. Dr Pawan Gupta, Additional Director, Surgical Oncology, Jaypee Hospital, Noida explains why and how it can be treated.
In general, the treatment modalities for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy and targetted therapy. The treatment option for breast cancer mostly depends upon the stage and type of cancer. For example, if you have stage 1 breast cancer, then surgery is the most preferred treatment option. However, for stage 2 and 3 breast cancer, surgery along with chemotherapy or radiation might be advised. Here is a detailed explanation of the four different stages and treatment of breast cancer.
Can breast cancer be treated without surgery?
Dr Pawan Gupta says, "In most of the cases, surgery is a must for breast cancer. It cannot be treated with only medications as in the case with other types of cancer. In rare cases, medications or hormonal therapy might be recommended before surgery."
As the cancerous cells have to be removed, surgery is a must. And if there are any cancerous cells left in the body, after the surgery, it can be treated with medications. But the dense breast tissue containing cancerous cells must be removed in the first place to treat it. Hence, breast cancer cannot be treated without surgery. Moreover, even after surgery, some patients might require chemotherapy or hormonal therapy to lower the chance of recurrence. So based on the surgery and tests, your doctor will devise the next treatment option. Also, if you have undergone breast cancer surgery, it is imperative to do a follow-up and follow the doctor's prescription to the T for better recovery. Here's what to expect after your breast cancer treatment.
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