Breast Tumour Treatment in India for Bangladeshi Patients

What is a Breast Tumour?

A breast tumour refers to an abnormal mass of tissue that forms in the breast due to uncontrolled cell growth. It can be:

• Benign (non-cancerous) - These tumours do not spread to other parts of the body and are usually not life-threatening (e.g., fibroadenomas).
  
• Malignant (cancerous) - These tumours can grow quickly or multiply, invade nearby tissues, and spread to other organs (breast cancer).

What is a lump in the breast (implied tumour)? A tumour is suggested or suspected based on symptoms or findings (like a lump) but hasn't yet been confirmed by medical tests such as imaging or biopsy. Breast tumours often present as a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, which may feel firm or irregular in shape.

Not all tumours cause visible symptoms in the early stages. Many people wrongly believe that only older women get breast tumours, but they can also occur in young women and even teenagers. This is why regular breast self-exams and screening tests like mammograms are crucial for early detection. Some breast lumps may be harmless, but it is essential to have timely treatment.

Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. Awareness about breasts and prompt medical attention is vital for anyone noticing changes in their breast health.

Why Do People Need Treatment for Breast Tumours?

Breast tumours require timely treatment because they can affect both health and quality of life. The symptoms are similar in both non-cancerous and cancerous cases, so these symptoms should never be ignored. It's important to consult a breast specialist or oncologist for the right diagnosis.

Causes of a Breast Tumour

Breast tumours can develop due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Common causes and risk factors include:

• Hormonal changes - Oestrogen and progesterone imbalances, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
  
• Genetic mutations - Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 increase cancer risk
  
• Family history - Having close relatives with breast cancer raises the chances of developing a tumour
  
• Age - Risk increases with age, though benign tumours like fibroadenomas are more common in younger women
  
• Obesity - Higher body fat can increase oestrogen levels, raising the risk
  
• Radiation exposure - Especially to the chest area at a young age
  
• Reproductive history - Early menstruation, late menopause, or having no children can increase risk
  
• Lifestyle factors - Lack of exercise, high-fat diet, alcohol use, and smoking may contribute
  

Common Symptoms of a Breast Tumour

The common symptoms of breast tumours are:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm that feels different from the surrounding tissue
  
• Change in breast size or shape
  
• Unusual pain in the breast or nipple (not linked to your menstrual cycle)
  
• Nipple discharge (especially clear or bloody fluid)
  
• Inverted or pulled-in nipple
  
• Skin changes over the breast, such as redness, dimpling, or puckering (like orange peel texture)
  
• Itching, rash, or scaling on the nipple or breast skin
  
• A lump that doesn’t move, feels hard, and grows over time

When do these Symptoms Lead to Treatment?

Symptoms of breast tumours should be addressed immediately, even if they seem minor. Early action can lead to better treatment outcomes and may prevent the tumour from growing or spreading. 

Doctors usually begin treatment after:

• Physical breast examination
  A doctor checks the lump, nipple area, and underarms for size, tenderness, or any visible changes.
  
• Mammogram or ultrasound
  These imaging tests help determine if the lump is solid or fluid-filled and how suspicious it looks.
  
• Biopsy
  A small sample of tissue is taken from the lump to confirm whether it is cancerous or benign.

How to Recognise a Breast Tumour?

Recognising a breast tumour early can make a big difference in treatment success. Many tumours, especially in the early stages, may not cause pain or major discomfort. Recognition of lumps may happen through regular self-checks and awareness of subtle changes.

Here’s how you can identify a potential breast tumour:

1. Perform Regular Self-Exams

• Stand in front of a mirror and look for changes in breast shape, size, or skin texture.
  
• Use the pads of your fingers to feel each breast and armpit, checking for any lumps, hardness, or thickened tissue.
  
• Do this once a month, ideally after your period, when breasts are less tender.
  

2. Watch for Warning Signs

• A new lump in the breast or underarm, especially one that feels hard, fixed, or irregular in shape.
  
• Skin dimpling, puckering, or redness that wasn’t there before.
  
• Nipple changes like retraction, pain, discharge, or rash.
  
• Swelling, even if no lump is felt.
  

3. Get Medical Evaluation

If you notice any unusual changes, consult a breast specialist promptly. They may recommend:

• Clinical breast exam
  
• Mammogram or ultrasound
  
• MRI or biopsy if needed

Early recognition is lifesaving. Many breast tumours are treatable when detected at the right time. Regular screening is essential for women over 40 or those with a family history of breast cancer.

What to do if there is a Breast Tumour?

If you discover a lump in your breast or are diagnosed with a tumour, it’s important not to panic. Many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but getting a proper diagnosis quickly is key to knowing what steps to take.

1. Consult a Breast Specialist Immediately

• Visit a qualified breast surgeon or oncologist for a thorough clinical examination.
  
• Your doctor may suggest tests to confirm the tumour.

2. Understand Your Diagnosis

• Benign Tumour: These may not need treatment unless they cause discomfort. Some are monitored over time.
  
• Malignant (Cancerous) Tumour: Requires a treatment plan based on the stage and type. Don’t delay treatment.

3. Follow the Treatment Plan

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment options may include:

• Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
  
• Radiation therapy
  
• Chemotherapy
  
• Hormonal therapy or targeted therapy

Your doctor will guide you through the best approach. Early and timely treatment greatly improves the chances of a full recovery.

Diagnosis Steps for a Breast Tumour

Detecting and diagnosing a breast tumour involves a step-by-step process to determine whether the lump is benign or cancerous. Here’s how doctors usually approach the diagnosis:

1. Clinical Breast Examination

A doctor will start by physically examining both breasts, underarms, and surrounding areas. They check the size, shape, and feel of any lump and look for signs such as skin changes, nipple discharge, or swelling.

2. Imaging Tests

These help get a clear picture of the lump inside the breast:

• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast, often the first imaging test used to detect tumours.
  
• Breast Ultrasound: Helps differentiate between a solid mass and a fluid-filled cyst.
  
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of breast tissue, especially useful for younger women or those with dense breasts.

3. Biopsy

If imaging suggests a suspicious lump, the doctor will take a tissue sample for lab testing:

• Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): Uses a thin needle to extract fluid or cells.
  
• Core Needle Biopsy: Removes a small piece of tissue.
  
• Surgical Biopsy: A small surgery to remove part or all of the lump.

4. Lab Testing

The biopsy sample is analysed to check:

• Whether the tumour is benign or malignant
  
• The type of breast cancer
  
• Hormone receptor status (like ER, PR, HER2) to plan treatment

Early treatment gives the best results. If you or your loved ones have any of these symptoms or breast lumps and need consultations, Bangla Health Connect connects you with experts at Apollo Hospitals. 

Why Choose India for Treatment of Breast Tumours?

India is a trusted destination for breast tumour treatment. Many women travel here for early diagnosis, advanced care, and affordable surgery options.

Key reasons Bangladeshi patients choose India:

• Expert breast cancer specialists
  Top Indian hospitals have highly experienced oncologists and breast surgeons skilled in managing both benign and cancerous breast tumours.
  
• World-class hospitals
  Hospitals like Apollo offer advanced facilities for mammograms, biopsies, and breast surgeries, including breast-conserving and reconstructive procedures.
  
• Affordable treatment options
  India provides high-quality care at lower prices than many countries, making it budget-friendly for foreign patients.
  
• Easy travel and support for Bangladeshis
  Indian medical visas are easy to obtain, and many hospitals offer Bengali-speaking staff and translation services.
  
• Fast diagnosis and surgery slots
  Patients can quickly access check-ups, scans, and timely surgeries without long delays.

India offers the ideal combination of skilled specialists, advanced medical care, and affordable treatment. Compared to the US or the UK, India delivers the same high standards of care at a much lower cost.

Contact Bangla Health Connect today to connect with top Indian hospitals or get a second opinion.