Breast Cancer

Breast cancer accounts for about one-third of all cancers in women today. If you’re living with breast cancer, trusted oncologist and hematologist Youram Nassir, MD, can help you manage every aspect of your disease at Cancer Care Institute in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. From hormone therapy to radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, you’ll get the personalized, multidisciplinary care you need to fight cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. Call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant proliferation of cells originating in the breast tissue, characterized by unchecked cellular growth that may infiltrate surrounding structures or metastasize to distant sites. It remains the most prevalent malignancy among women, constituting approximately 33% of all female cancer cases. While predominantly a female disease, breast cancer can also affect men, accounting for about 1% of all cases.

Many cases of breast cancers arise from the lobules—the milk-producing glands—or the ducts, which convey milk to the nipple. Although initially confined to the breast, cancer cells can invade regional lymph nodes and subsequently disseminate throughout the body.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Breast cancer may be asymptomatic in its nascent stages, making early detection challenging. However, several clinical signs may suggest the presence of the disease, including:

• A palpable mass or lump in the breast or axilla
• Unilateral breast swelling or unusual changes in contour
• Retraction or inversion of the nipple
• Localized breast pain or discomfort
• Non-lactational nipple discharge
• Skin dimpling
• Changes in skin appearance (redness, flaky skin, or other changes)
• Sudden alterations in breast size or shape
• Itchy breast

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate breast cancer, as benign conditions can present similarly. Nonetheless, they warrant prompt medical evaluation and consultation with a specialist to rule out malignancy.

How is breast cancer treated?

At Cancer Care Institute, Dr. Nassir employs a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to managing breast cancer. Cancer Care Institute maintains an independent affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, and Dr. Nassir works collaboratively with the foremost clinicians, researchers, and health professionals from across the oncology field to ensure that you receive the very best care.

Conventional treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, form the cornerstone of breast cancer treatment. Most patients benefit from a combination of these therapies to maximize the eradication of cancerous cells.

Emerging advancements in molecular oncology have improved the capacity for precision medicine, enabling targeted treatments like molecular therapy and immunotherapy. Hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancers may respond favorably to endocrine therapies designed to obstruct the hormonal pathways that fuel tumor growth.

Dr. Nassir meticulously evaluates each patient’s unique clinical presentation to determine their optimal treatment plan.

Cancer Care Institute also collaborates closely with insurance providers to facilitate access to essential treatments, ensuring financial concerns do not impede your access to life-saving or life-prolonging care.

At Cancer Care Institute, you can depend on their team’s commitment to excellence. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.