Breast cells are where breast cancer begins. A mass of cancer cells known as a cancerous (malignant) tumor is capable of invading neighboring tissue and wreaking havoc on it. Additionally, it has the ability to "metastasize" to other body regions. The ducts, which are the tubes that deliver milk from the glands to the nipple, are where breast cancer most frequently begins to develop. Ductal carcinoma is the name given to this kind of breast cancer. The cells of the lobules, which are collections of milk-producing glands, are another place where cancer can develop. The name of this type of cancer is lobular carcinoma. Both ductal and lobular carcinomas can be in situ, which implies that the disease has not spread to the tissues around it and is still present where it first appeared. They may also be invasive, which indicates that they have spread into the tissues around them.

Breast cancers that are less common can also occur. These comprise triple negative breast cancer, Paget disease of the breast, and inflammatory breast cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and soft tissue sarcoma are uncommon forms of breast cancer.

SYMPTOMS

• breast thickening or new lumps, especially if they affect just one breast
• nipple sores and nipple shape changes
• discharge or turning in of the nipples
• alterations in breast size or shape
• dimpling of the breast skin
• soreness or armpit swelling
• rash or red swollen breasts
• Constant pain in just one breast that lasts after your period and is unrelated to your menstrual cycle.

CAUSES

• Age
• family history
• female hormone exposure
• having first menstruation before turning 12
• being overweight
• Insufficient physical activity
• Alcohol

Additionally, there is a link between some benign breast diseases and radiation exposure in the past.

Diagnosis 

• Physical examination
• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy
• Other scans

Treatment

• Staging
• Surgery
• Breast prostheses and reconstruction
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Palliative care

Side effects  

• Lymphoedema
• Cording
• Nerve pain
• Changes to memory and thinking 
• Breast prosthesis
• Hair loss
• fertility changes and menopause

Prevention

Although there is no known way to prevent breast cancer, the risk can be decreased by consuming less alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight.

Hormones like tamoxifen, which are typically given over five years, may be beneficial for women who are at high risk due to a very strong family history. In women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer as a result of gene abnormalities, bilateral preventive mastectomy may be an option.

Preventive Medication

Breast cancer risk can be decreased by preventive drugs.

Tamoxifen

Estrogen, a reproductive hormone that affects the growth and development of many breast tumours, is inhibited by tamoxifen.

The medication class known as selective oestrogen receptor modulators includes tamoxifen (SERMs). The medicine lessens estrogen's effects in the majority of body parts, including the breast. Tamoxifen, however, mimics the effects of oestrogen in the uterus and promotes the expansion of the uterine lining.

Typically, tamoxifen is prescribed as a pill to be taken orally once per day. Tamoxifen is normally taken for a total of five years to lower the risk of breast cancer. After you stop taking tamoxifen, the risk reduction advantage lasts for five more years. You could get benefits for up to ten years in total.

Raloxifene

Another medication in the SERMs pharmacological class is raloxifene (Evista). Additionally, it is recommended as a tablet to be taken orally once each day for five years.

Similar to tamoxifen, raloxifene inhibits the effects of estrogen on breast and other tissues. Raloxifene doesn't have the same effects on the uterus that estrogen does, in contrast to tamoxifen.

Aromatase inhibitors

Breast cancer with a positive hormone receptor response is frequently treated with aromatase inhibitors. These medications can also be used to prevent breast cancer.