Breast Carcinoma
By: Ibrahim Sami Ibrahim
Breast Carcinoma
• It isw a type of malignant tumor that arises due to
abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in
breast tissue. It usually begins in the cells lining
the milk ducts (Ductal Carcinoma) or the milk-
producing lobules (Lobular Carcinoma). Breast
cancer is one of the most common types of
cancer among women worldwide, but it can also
affect men, although at a lower rate.
Symptoms
• 1- Appearance of a lump or swelling in the
breast or under the armpit.
• 2- Changes in the shape or size of the breast.
• 3- Abnormal discharge from the nipple,
especially if it is bloody.
• 4- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as
redness or dimpling.
• 5- Pain in the breast or nipple (in some cases).
Diagnosis
• 1. Clinical Examination: The doctor examines
the breast to look for any lumps or abnormal
changes.
• 2. Imaging: Such as a Mammogram or
Ultrasound to detect any tumors.
• 3. Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample for laboratory
analysis to determine if the cells are cancerous.
Treatment
• Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer,
the size of the tumor, and the extent of its spread:
• 1. Surgery: Such as Lumpectomy (removal of the
tumor) or Mastectomy (complete removal of the
breast).
• 2. Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells or
prevent their spread.
• 3. Radiation Therapy: Targets cancer cells using
radiation.
Treatment
• 4. Hormonal Therapy: If the tumor is hormone-
dependent, medications are used to block their
effects.
• 5. Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific
characteristics of cancer cells.
Prevention
• 1- Regular breast screening, especially for
women over 40.
• 2- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising
and avoiding smoking.
• 3- Awareness of symptoms and reporting any
abnormal changes to a doctor.
Nursing intervention in breast
carcinoma
nursing intervention
• nursing intervention for patients with breast
carcinoma plays a vital role in patient care, from
diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. The
nurse's role involves providing comprehensive
care, psychological support, and education to
the patient and their family. Below are the key
aspects of nursing intervention in breast cancer
cases
Initial Assessment
1-Health History
Collect information about medical and family
history, including risk factors such as age, genetics
(e.g., BRCA mutations), and reproductive history.
• Symptoms: Assess symptoms such as a breast
lump, skin changes, nipple discharge, or pain.
• Clinical Examination: Assist the physician in the
clinical examination of the breast and axilla
Psychological And Emotional
Support
• Dealing with shock Provide psychological
support to the patient after diagnosis, as they
may experience shock, fear, or anxiety.
• Effective Communication Use
communication skills to reassure the patient and
answer their questions.
• Managing Anxiety and Depression:
• Monitor for signs of anxiety or depression and
refer the patient to a psychologist if necessary
Education And Health Awarnwss
• Explaning the Diagnosis : Clarify the nature of
the disease, its stages, and treatment options.
• Treatment Awareness: Explain treatment
procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy,
radiation, and hormone therapy.
• Self-Care Educate the patient on wound
care after surgery and managing side effects like
fatigue, nausea, and hair loss
Assistance In Treatment
Procedures
• Pre-Surgery : Prepare
- the patient
psychologically and physically for surgery and
provide necessary instructions.
• Post-Surgery : Monitor the wound, manage
pain, and prevent infection.
• Chemotherapy and Radiation Monitor side
effects and provide advice on managing them
Managing Side Effects
• Fatigue Advise the patient to take adequate rest
and engage in light physical activity.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Provide dietary advice
and anti-nausea medications.
• Hair Loss: Offer psychological support and
advice on using wigs or head coverings.
• - :Lymphedema:Teach the patient exercises
to reduce swelling and monitor for signs of
infection
Long Term Follow Up And
Supprt
• Regular Follow-Up :Emphasize the
importance of regular follow-up to detect any
recurrence.
• Social Support: Encourage the patient to join
support groups or charitable organizations.
• Self-Examination Awareness: Educate the
patient on how to perform breast self-exams for
early detection of changes
End Of Life Care
• In Advaced Cases
• Pain Management :Provide palliative care to
manage pain and other symptoms.
• Spiritual Support: Offer spiritual and
psychological support to the patient and their
family.
• Advance Planning: Discuss the patient's wishes
regarding care in the late stages of the disease
Collaboration With The Medical
Team
• Work with doctors, social workers, and
dietitians to provide comprehensive care.
• Participate in developing an individualized
treatment plan for each patient
Prevention Awareness
• Encourage regular breast screening
(mammogram) for early cancer detection.
• Raise awareness about the importance of
a healthy lifestyle in cancer prevention, such as
proper nutrition, exercise, and avoiding smoking.
Conclusion
• Nursing intervention in breast cancer cases
requires advanced skills in healthcare,
communication, and education. The nurse is not
only responsible for physical care but also for
providing psychological and emotional support to
the patient and their family, contributing to
improved quality of life and treatment outcomes
thank you