Orange County Oncologist Provides Insight Into Breast Cancer Diagnoses and Treatment

Jan. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

First things first: Let's learn more about the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer. It’s important to understand that while breast cancer is often seen -- and advertised -- as problem that only women face, statistics show that a small percentage of men can also be sufferers.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. It is estimated that invasive breast cancer will affect 1 in 8 American women in the course of their lifetimes. Some common signs and symptoms include:

The discovery of a lump in the breast -- usually upon self-examination or through a clinical examination
Breast swelling (with or without a lump)
Breast pain
Skin irritation in the breast area

There’s no shame in getting something checked over if you’re concerned -- especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, contact your oncologist right away for treatment options.Dr. Armen Shahbazian (http://radiationcenter.org/our-people/dr-shahbazian.html) is well known as one of the premier oncologists in Orange County (http://radiationcenter.org/contact-us.html).

How To Diagnose Breast CancerExpect to learn some new words and medical terms when speaking with your oncologist about your breast cancer diagnosis and potential treatment options. Here are some of the techniques doctors use to diagnose breast cancer:

Mammograms: X-rays that screen for signs of cancer (calcifications, cysts or tumors).
Biopsies: Used to confirm whether breast tissue is cancerous. It requires removal of some breast tissue for further examination under a microscope and other tools.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRIs provide a more detailed image of tissue to assess its condition.
Clinical Breast Exams: Conducted by health professionals to detect breast or nipple changes, and any abnormalities that may indicate a cause for concern.
Self-Exams: These are recommended for women in their 20s and onward, and can be taught during a Clinical Breast Exam to do on one’s own.

Be sure to always ask your doctor questions and clarify any concerns you may have regarding diagnosis, treatment, and how you’re feeling. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or confused about your situation and your options.  

What Is The Best Type Of Treatment For Breast Cancer?Your oncologist will suggest an appropriate course of treatment for you, depending on your situation. According the American Cancer Society, some of the most common treatment options for breast cancer patients include:

Surgery: Depending on the patient, a lumpectomy (removal of the breast lump and some surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the breast) may be recommended.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy kills cancer cells with drugs that are given orally, in the form of pills or capsules, or by injection. Treatment can take place in cycles over several months.
Radiation Therapy (http://radiationcenter.org/faqs/breast-cancer.html): Radiation destroys cancer cells using high energy rays. External beam radiation is the most common type of radiation therapy for women with breast cancer.

Pacific Radiation Oncology Center Medical Group (http://radiationcenter.org/our-practice/why-proc.html) treats women at every stage of breast cancer. OrangeCounty oncologist Dr. Armen Shahbazian has over 30 years of experience in radiation oncology and is dedicated to ensuring that every patient treated at his facility receives the optimum care available. Call today for more information at (714) 639-1955.