What Are The Common Complications Of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, known to primarily affect women but also occurring in men. Breast cancer can develop in different areas of the breast as well as different types of cells in the breast. Typically breast cancer affects women over the age of 50, but it has also been detected in younger women as well as some men.

Early detection and advanced treatment have shown significantly positive outcomes in most patients, but breast cancer remains one of the leading types of cancer prevalent worldwide, and one of the top reasons for cancer-related death in the world. As there are several complications and risks associated with breast cancer, it is highly recommended to conduct regular screenings to understand these factors and recognize possible symptoms.

Overview Of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant form of tumor wherein breast tissue cells grow uncontrollably and form a lump which can be felt physically. Breast cancer can start in one or both breasts, and spread to other body parts through blood or the lymphatic system.

However, not all breast lumps are malignant cancers, rather could also be benign tumors. There are also few forms of cancer such as sarcomas and lymphomas which can be found in the breast but not considered breast cancer.

Types Of Breast Cancer

Types of breast cancer are determined by the type of breast tissue cells affected and can be classified as in situ or invasive. Some of the most common types of breast cancer are as follows:

Ductal Carcinoma: Cancer that starts in the milk ducts This is the most common type of breast cancer, and can be in situ or invasive.
Lobular Carcinoma: Cancer that starts in lobules, the glands that produce breast milk, and can be in situ or invasive. Lobular carcinoma is difficult to detect via physical exams or mammograms.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Aggressive cancer that blocks lymph nodes and causes swelling, redness and unusual warmth in the breast.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Aggressive cancer cells that test negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and a protein called HER2.
Paget’s Disease: Rare form of cancer that starts in the breast ducts and affects the skin of the nipple and areola.

Causes and symptoms of breast cancer

Causes

Breast cancer can be caused by many possible factors, such as:
Genetics: Certain mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that are inherited can result in breast cancer. Family history of breast cancer can also increase risk.
Hormones: Menstruation before age 12, or exposure to female hormones through hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills can lead to breast cancer.
Reproductive History: First pregnancy after age 30, never having a full-term pregnancy, or never having breastfed before can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Lifestyle: Alcohol and tobacco consumption, lack of exercise, excess consumption of fatty foods, and obesity are all possible factors that put you at risk of breast cancer.
Environment: Exposure to chemicals or radiation during puberty, pregnancy or menopause that can disrupt your endocrine system can contribute to breast cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of breast cancer are not always seen unless through a physical exam or mammogram. Visible symptoms include, in one or both breasts:

Change in size or shape
Dimpling of breast skin
Lumps or thickening of breast
Discomfort or swelling and redness in the armpit
Changes in nipple shape
Nipple sores or discharge.

What are the possible complications of breast cancer?

General complications: Metastasis (spread to other organs), damage to lymph nodes resulting in edema of the arms and legs, chronic pain, fatigue and risk of infection are possible complications that can arise from breast cancer.

Bone complications: If breast cancer metastasizes to the bones, it can reduce bone density and weaken them, causing pain, fractures or elevated calcium levels in the blood which can affect the kidneys.

Lung complications: Breast cancer if spread to the lungs can cause shortness of breath, persistent dry cough and accumulation of excess fluid in the lungs which can lead to discomfort and difficulty in breathing.

Liver complications: Breast cancer can lead to jaundice due to blocked bile ducts. It can also cause painful enlargement of the liver and fluid buildup, leading to liver failure, abdominal pain, bleeding and even altered mental states (hepatic encephalopathy).

Brain complications: Neurological symptoms such as frequent headaches, seizures, vision problems, and difficulty in speech, movement and other cognitive functions are common in cases of breast cancer spreading to the brain. Tumor growth can also cause swelling and pressure in the skull, leading to severe headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Treatment-related complications: Different treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, surgery etc. can cause different complications; commonly noted ones are organ damage, nerve damage, skin irritation, nausea, fatigue, bone damage, blood clots and reduced mobility due to surgery.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a treatable form of malignant cancer that can manifest in both women and men. Though certain factors such as genetics, hormones, and lifestyle habits can increase the risk of breast cancer, it is still treatable with early detection and advanced medicine.

There are several complications related to breast cancer, especially through metastasis, such as organ or organ system damage, nerve damage, constant fatigue and nausea, reduced bone density, and chronic pain. In addition to this, breast cancer diagnosis may also have a significant impact on your psychological and emotional health and affect your quality of life.

Both early detection, as well as comprehensive healthcare, are vital for the mitigation and treatment of breast cancer and its symptoms. Moreover, education on recognizing symptoms of breast cancer and regular checkups and screening can also help with early detection and required treatments.

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