Breast cancer

Breast cancer, also known as mammary carcinoma, is a malignant tumour of the breast. It is the most common cancer in women in Switzerland. Every fourth cancer in women affects the breast. According to the Swiss Society of Senology, around 5200 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. The risk of developing the disease gradually increases with age from the age of 40. Overall, the incidence of this form of cancer has increased in Europe over the last 20 years. In very rare cases, breast cancer can also occur in men.

Symptoms of breast cancer

It is usually not possible to answer why the normal tissue degenerates in individual cases. It is assumed that various factors, biological and genetic predispositions, but also environmental parameters (lifestyle, environmental influences) interact to cause the disease. Breast cancer does not normally cause pain or other typical symptoms.

The following symptoms could be an indication of breast cancer and must therefore be investigated further:

• Newly appearing hard lumps in the breast
• Skin retractions on the breast or nipple
• New difference in the size of the breasts
• Beginning depression of the nipple
• Inflammation or reddening of the nipple in women who are not breastfeeding
• Leakage of fluid from the nipple (especially if the secretion is bloody)

Enlarged lymph glands in the armpits

Don't be alarmed if you experience one or more of these symptoms. This does not mean that you have breast cancer. But don't put off going to the doctor. Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Patients with an increased risk of breast cancer

In some families, breast cancer occurs more frequently and at an early age, sometimes paired with ovarian cancer, or there are also cases of breast cancer in male family members. If it can be proven with a genetic test that the predisposition to the disease is inherited in these families, it is referred to as genetic or hereditary breast cancer. These families are known as high-risk families. They are carriers of the disease-causing gene BRCA1 or BRCA2. In such cases, precautionary breast removal with immediate breast reconstruction is recommended. We will be happy to advise you and help you to clarify whether you are at increased risk and which measures would be beneficial in your case.

Breast cancer develops when originally normal cells of the glandular tissue, which consists of so-called glandular lobules or milk ducts, degenerate malignantly. This results in uncontrolled and rapid growth. Over time, firm, irregular lumps form on the surface, which can be palpated by hand.

The most important thing in any breast cancer treatment is always the complete removal of the tumour. If this is not possible and the breast has to be completely removed, patients should be given as clear a picture as possible of their options by seeking comprehensive advice and information. Even if action has to be taken quickly: There is enough time for a careful assessment and weighing up the pros and cons of the various treatment options. The right breast cancer treatment is the one that 1) is the most effective oncologically; 2) achieves the best cosmetic result and 3) leads to the goal, the end of treatment, as quickly as possible without detours and unnecessary operations.

Remember:

• Breast cancer is not an emergency! Do not rush into anything.
• You have enough time for a thorough investigation! Do not make any hasty decisions.
• Inform yourself thoroughly.

Does breast cancer mean that the breast has to be removed?

Whether a breast needs to be partially or completely removed depends on the size and type of tumour. In the majority of cases, breast-conserving surgery is possible, i.e. only the affected part needs to be removed. However, in the case of large or multiple tumours, complete removal of the breast is usually unavoidable. In these cases, we offer immediate reconstruction with autologous or foreign tissue in the same operation to restore the woman's physical integrity.

Breast conservation or breast removal?

Thanks to a better understanding of tumour biology, the balance in the treatment of breast cancer has shifted more and more in favour of breast-conserving therapies. Nevertheless, complete breast removal (mastectomy) is unavoidable in around a third of all patients or is preferable to the breast-conserving technique for aesthetic reasons.

Following an operation, an examination and assessment by an oncologist will take place during the post-operative wound healing period based on the detailed tissue examinations that are now available. The oncologist will assess whether additional therapy is indicated. Various chemotherapies and therapies that act on hormone receptors may be considered. Then there is the question of whether radiotherapy is indicated. In the case of breast-conserving surgery, radiotherapy is usually carried out in any case. Whether radiotherapy is also indicated for breast removal depends on the stage and any lymph node involvement. Radiotherapy is always carried out after chemotherapy has been completed.

The treatment of breast cancer is a service covered by health insurance. However, we have found that in certain cases there can be problems with the reimbursement of costs if subsequent reconstructive surgery or symmetrisation surgery on the opposite breast is rejected by the health insurance company on the grounds of purely cosmetic treatment. In these cases, our doctors will of course advocate on your behalf.

In the event of inpatient treatment at Privatklinik Bethanien, please note that it does not have a general ward and that you will therefore require private or semi-private supplementary hospital insurance if all treatment costs are to be covered by your insurance. With an upgrade, which we calculate individually, patients with general insurance can also be treated at our clinic.

Our patient administration department will be happy to provide you with information on the exact conditions and payment modalities.