Breast Cancer

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease characterised by the abnormal growth of cells in the breast tissue. It predominantly affects women but can also occur in men. The condition arises when cells in the breast mutate and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour.

There are several different types of breast cancer, including :

• Ductal carcinoma

  This begins in the milk duct and is the most common type.

• Lobular carcinoma

  This starts in the lobules.

• Invasive breast cancer

  Invasive breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells break out from inside the lobules or ducts and invade nearby tissue. This increases the chance of cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

• Noninvasive breast cancer

  Noninvasive breast cancer develops when the cancer remains inside its place of origin and has not yet spread. However, these cells can sometimes progress to invasive breast cancer.

Causes of Breast Cancer

After puberty, a woman’s breast consists of fat, connective tissue, and thousands of lobules. These are tiny glands that produce milk for breastfeeding. Tiny tubes, or ducts, carry the milk toward the nipple.

Cancer causes the cells to multiply uncontrollably. They do not die at the usual point in their life cycle.

This excessive cell growth causes cancer because the tumour uses nutrients and energy and deprives the cells around it.

Breast cancer usually starts in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. From there, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include:

• Breast exam

  Your doctor will check both of your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit, feeling for any lumps or other abnormalities.

• Mammogram

  A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are commonly used to screen for breast cancer. If an abnormality is detected on a screening mammogram, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram to further evaluate that abnormality.

• Breast ultrasound

  Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of structures deep within the body. Ultrasound may be used to determine whether a new breast lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst.

• Removing a sample of breast cells for testing (biopsy)

  A biopsy is the only definitive way to make a diagnosis of breast cancer. During a biopsy, your doctor uses a specialised needle device guided by X-ray or another imaging test to extract a core of tissue from the suspicious area. Often, a small metal marker is left at the site within your breast so the area can be easily identified on future imaging tests.

• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

  An MRI machine uses a magnet and radio waves to create pictures of the interior of your breast. Before a breast MRI, you receive an injection of dye. Unlike other types of imaging tests, an MRI doesn't use radiation to create the images.

Homoeopathy and breast cancer

Homeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, offers a complementary approach to managing breast cancer. While it does not replace conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, homoeopathy can be used alongside these treatments to alleviate symptoms, reduce side effects, and improve overall well-being.

Homoeopathic Medicines for Breast Cancer

1. Carcinosinum
   • This remedy is favourable for individuals with personal or family history of cancer.
   • Severe pain
   • Hardness or lump in the breast
   • Hardness of uterus or uterine fibroids
   • Offensive discharge from breast
   • Bleeding and pain in breast
   • Indigestion and gas formation
   • Bone and joints symptoms
   • Suicidal tendencies
2. Conium Maculatum
   • This remedy is suited to the individual who are indifferent by nature and are suffering because of grief.
   • Hard tumours in the breast
   • Severe piercing pain
   • Stitching pain in the nipples
   • Symptoms get worse on deep breathing and walking
   • Weakness and trembling
   • Painful and heavy breast before and during periods.
   • Swelling and ulceration of the glands in the underarms.
   • Nodules in the breast even if there is no milk yet.
   • Lax and shrunken breast
   • White discharge after passing urine
   • Inflammation of ovaries
   • Weakness of the nerves to the extent of paralysis.
   • Ovaries appear bigger than normal in ultrasound scan .
3. Phytolacca
   • Painful and hard breast
   • Purplish colour on breast
   • Hard nodules felt in the breast
   • Enlargement of small group of lymph node present in armpit
   • Painful and cracked nipples.
   • Inversion of nipples.
   • Bloody discharge from nipples.
   • Heat and swelling of mammary glands.
   • Abscess ( pus filled eruption ) may occur in mammary glands
   • Nipples pain spread to the whole body when breastfeeding.
   • Painful breast before and during periods .
   • Pain in ovarian region
4. Asterias Rubens
   • Nerve pain in the breast
   • Continuous dull pain in the breast , which may extend to the left arm and fingers.
   • Hard, knotted glands in the underarms .
   • Swelling which is more commonly seen in the left breast
   • Feeling as if breast pulled inwards .
   • Retraction of nipples .
   • Ulcerative stage of breast cancer
   • Numbness in the left hands and fingers.
   • Symptoms like pain become worse on movements .
5. Thuja Occidentalis
   • Warts on the skin.
   • Tearing pain felt all over the body and in the breast.
   • Pain worse on resting and improves in dry weather
   • Rapid weight loss.
   • Lumps in the breast
   • Sore and painful lumps near nipples.
   • Predominantly left sided symptoms.
   • Cannot tolerate winter and cold weather .
   • Retraction of nipples.
   • Pain in left ovary.
6. Pulsatilla
   • Changeable symptoms
   • Weeping while describing the symptoms
   • Symptoms better in open air
   • Discharge from nipples , if present , is yellow in colour .
   • Sensitiveness of organs
   • Fat rich food worsens the symptoms
   • Suppression of periods leads to hormonal issues
   • Ulcer in the chest region
   • Generalised chilliness
   • Mother weeps everytime the child is put to breast
7. Psorinum
   • Swollen breast
   • Painful breast
   • Sore nipples with oozing of acrid fluids
   • Burning ulceration in the breast and nipples
   • Discharge is so acrid that it burns and excoriate the glands
   • Severe intolerable itching
   • Dryness and eczema
   • Sleeplessness due to excessive itching
8. Arsenicum album
   • Ulceration on the breast
   • Weakness that is out of proportion to the pain
   • Fear that the person will die of the disease
   • Anger and anxiety that taking the medicine is pointless as the person is going to die
   • The individual is restless with pain and keep moving from one place to another
   • Extremely offensive and bloody discharge from nipples .
   • Burning sensation in breast
   • Disturbed sleep due to anxiety
   • Symptoms get worse in wet weather , after midnight and from cold drinks .
   • Symptoms improve on application of heat

Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment

1. Individualised Care: Homoeopathy recognizes that each person is unique. A homoeopath will assess your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to prescribe a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their minimal side effects. They work in harmony with the body, promoting self-healing and overall well-being.
3. Holistic Approach: Homoeopathy takes into account not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of an individual. It aims to restore balance at all levels, providing comprehensive care.
4. Long-Term Relief: By addressing the underlying causes of Ulcerative Colitis,homoeopathy strives to achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Consulting a Homoeopath

When considering homoeopathic treatment for breast cancer, it is essential to consult with a qualified Sanjivani homoeopathic practitioner specialising in oncology. During a consultation, the Sanjivani homoeopath will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, create an individualised treatment plan, and work collaboratively with conventional medical providers. Regular follow-up appointments will monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.