In the early stage, most breast cancers are painless
Fact: Postmenopausal ladies are at more risk of developing breast cancer. However, we are seeing an increase in the number of young women in their 30s and40s also developing an aggressive breast cancer variant called triple negative type.
Myth: One will develop breast cancer only if there is family history
Fact: Majority of breast cancer occurs in those without any family history. Risk increases in those whose first degree relatives (mother, siblings, children) develop breast cancer, particularly at a young age. Genetic predisposition like BRCA also increases risk, although it's rare, less than a percentage.
Myth: Breast pain is the symptoms of breast cancer
Fact: In the early stage, most breast cancers are painless. Only once they grow and invade surrounding muscles or nerves do they cause pain.
Myth: Breast lumps are breast cancers
Fact: In young women, hormonal changes can lead to development of fibrocystic disease, which is common and not cancerous. In such lumps they feel engorgement and pain during some days of the menstrual cycle. An ultrasound will help to differentiate these lumps from cancer.
Myth: Men do not get breast cancer
Fact: One per cent of all breast cancers occur in men. Unfortunately they are more aggressive than those in women, as they come at a late stage. Irrespective of gender, a persistent, growing swelling needs evaluation.
(Dr Arun Warrier is a senior consultant, medical oncologist, Aster Medcity)
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New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Herbal medication, food supplements can cause serotonin syndrome
Humans need to produce serotonin since it has an impact on both the body and the brain. A neurotransmitter and hormone, serotonin is crucial for blood clotting, digestion, mood management, sleep, and overall well-being. However, often we are unaware that too much serotonin causes serotonin syndrome, with symptoms that can range from mild to severe. If the condition is not identified and treated, it can be life-threatening. If it is identified, it can be easily treated and cured. "Serotonin syndrome is a condition that occurs when the serotonin levels are high in the body. It can happen following the consumption of medicines which contain serotonin, like some antidepressants, painkillers, etc. It can also happen following the consumption of some herbal medications and food supplements," said Dr Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. According to Dr TR John, senior consultant in psychiatry at Aster Medcity, Kochi, single medicines or chemicals do not usually cause serotonin syndrome unless the person is genetically vulnerable. Antidepressants, antimigraine medications, drugs of abuse, opioids, nutraceuticals, etc. can cause serotonin syndrome. Thus, the patient should communicate with the doctor if he or she is taking any other medicines," he said. The initial symptoms of serotonin syndrome include a feeling of nervousness; some abdominal discomfort, which includes nausea, diarrhoea, tremors of the body parts, vomiting, and dilated pupils. "But as the condition advances and becomes moderate, there will be a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, a subjective sense of agitation, and problems with muscles and involuntary contractions. In severe cases, muscles will also be rigid. There will be profuse sweating and shivering. There will be abnormal movements of the eyes," added Dr Arun. In severe stages, there can be disorientation, altered consciousness, and an increase in heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. "There can be fainting episodes, sudden falls, and rarely, seizures. Usually, it is a very rare condition, but it can happen in a few hours when a person is taking medicine or food supplement which contain serotonin. Usually, the reason is the consumption of more than one medicine which has serotonin content or more than one medicine which increases the serotonin levels," Dr Arun said. "Awareness about the symptoms, which usually involves nervousness, discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, and tremors, can help. If there is a history or family vulnerability, notice agitation, anxiety, and other early symptoms and seek help from a healthcare provider," Dr John said. He added that the syndrome can be caused when we change medicine, start a new medicine, change the dosage, or add a second medicine. Substance abuse, while on medications, can also cause Serotonin Syndrome. Early identification and treatment are crucial in curing the condition. "In mild cases, stop taking the drug, which is likely to produce serotonin. Usually, within one to three days, the symptoms will completely go away. In moderate cases, it is better to observe the patient at the hospital for 24 hours. In severe cases, the patient will have to be placed in the ICU. Certain medications and IV fluids are used to improve the heart rate and blood pressure," Dr Arun added. "We need to be careful about moderate and severe cases. In these cases, hospitalisation is required. In severe cases, the patient will need ICU care and can develop long-term complications if not treated aggressively. Medications, IV fluids, and supportive care should be given in such cases," added Dr John.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
In the early stage, most breast cancers are painless
Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women Fact: Postmenopausal ladies are at more risk of developing breast cancer. However, we are seeing an increase in the number of young women in their 30s and40s also developing an aggressive breast cancer variant called triple negative type. Myth: One will develop breast cancer only if there is family history Fact: Majority of breast cancer occurs in those without any family history. Risk increases in those whose first degree relatives (mother, siblings, children) develop breast cancer, particularly at a young age. Genetic predisposition like BRCA also increases risk, although it's rare, less than a percentage. Myth: Breast pain is the symptoms of breast cancer Fact: In the early stage, most breast cancers are painless. Only once they grow and invade surrounding muscles or nerves do they cause pain. Myth: Breast lumps are breast cancers Fact: In young women, hormonal changes can lead to development of fibrocystic disease, which is common and not cancerous. In such lumps they feel engorgement and pain during some days of the menstrual cycle. An ultrasound will help to differentiate these lumps from cancer. Myth: Men do not get breast cancer Fact: One per cent of all breast cancers occur in men. Unfortunately they are more aggressive than those in women, as they come at a late stage. Irrespective of gender, a persistent, growing swelling needs evaluation. (Dr Arun Warrier is a senior consultant, medical oncologist, Aster Medcity)
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Breast cancer can return years later: Oncologist shares how to spot early signs of relapse
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and like every cancer, there is a chance of breast cancer recurrence even after completion of the prescribed treatment. Hence, every woman has to undergo regular follow up as advised by the treating doctor. Can we catch breast cancer before it returns? Here's what doctors want you to know.(Image by Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anjali Kulkarni, vice president, RWE Strategy and Analytics and oncologist at 4baseCare, shared, 'Breast cancer recurrence can happen locally i.e. within the same or other breast or regionally i.e. in the axilla or neck nodes. To detect the signs of local recurrence, women can do a routine self breast examination and check overlying skin for any changes. This helps to detect local recurrence quite early. Local recurrence can be confirmed by mammography or ultrasonography.' Going to bed too soon after eating may increase the risk of breast cancer coming back, says a study.(Shutterstock) In many cases, recurrence happens at distant organs like liver, bone, lungs, brain and abdomen. Dr Kulkarni revealed, 'For distant recurrence there can be symptoms like bone pains, jaundice, severe headache, blood in cough or loss of weight. For such advanced stages, imaging is a definitive diagnostic method for recurrence. Mainly radiology tests like PETCT, bone scan, CT, MRI or ultrasound can detect recurrence. These methods usually detect cancer recurrence when the tumour or lesion size reaches at least 7-8 mm and visible on images.' A blood test could spot breast cancer relapse months before any scan Currently, there is an advanced technique ctDNA to identify recurrence even before it appears on the radiology images. Dr Kulkarni explained, 'This is called Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a type of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released by tumour cells into the bloodstream which can be used to identify cancer recurrence.' She elaborated, 'ctDNA detection can precede clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence by several months, allowing for early intervention. ctDNA levels can be done after treatment and can even help identify patients who are at higher risk of recurrence. Changes in ctDNA levels can be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment and guide treatment decisions.' Will your breast cancer come back? New blood test can predict with 100% accuracy. Here's all you need to know (Image by Freepik) Dr Kulkarni pointed out, 'Usually after completing the prescribed treatment, women are on follow up protocol every 3 months for the first year, then every 6 months for 5 years and then once a year. Few women with advanced breast cancer, the cancer may never go away completely. These women may continue to get treatments to help keep the cancer under check.' The follow up regimen will vary depending on the stage of disease and certain tumour types like Triple negative breast cancer which is known to be aggressive. Dr Kulkarni said, 'Women with BRCA gene mutations have a higher risk of developing bilateral breast cancer. Women who are presented with the early-stage breast cancer can be monitored clinically and radiological tests can be done at 6 monthly intervals. But aggressive cancer types require close monitoring. Technologies like ctDNA will be very helpful in these women for close surveillance.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
