Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types & PET CT Role in Detection

Breast cancer occurs when the cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It typically starts in the ducts or lobules of the breast and can spread to surrounding tissues or distant organs if not detected early. While it most commonly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer. Early detection plays a key role in the successful treatment of breast cancer. Various diagnostic tools are used to detect breast cancer, including mammography, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, and PET CT. PET CT provides both functional and structural information, making it a valuable tool for staging, treatment planning, and detecting recurrence of breast cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. These cells can form lumps or masses and may eventually invade nearby tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body. Most breast cancers originate in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma). Early-stage breast cancer is often highly treatable, but outcomes depend on the type, stage, and speed of diagnosis. PET CT is highly useful in assessing the extent and spread of the disease, especially in complex or advanced cases.

What are the Different Types of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is categorized based on the origin and characteristics of the cancer cells:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Most common type; begins in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules and may spread throughout the breast.
• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive, confined to the ducts.
• Triple-negative breast cancer: A more aggressive type that doesn’t express estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors.
• HER2-positive breast cancer: Overexpresses the HER2 protein and may grow and spread quickly.
• Inflammatory breast cancer: Rare, aggressive, and characterized by swelling and redness.
• Metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer: Cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs.

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Symptoms of breast cancer may vary and can be subtle in the early stages. Common signs include:

• Lump or mass in the breast or underarm
• Change in breast size or shape
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), including blood
• Nipple retraction or inversion
• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Pain in the breast or nipple
• Swelling of all or part of the breast

What are the Causes of Breast Cancer?

The exact cause of breast cancer is not always known, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it:

• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Increasing age
• Prolonged exposure to estrogen (early menstruation or late menopause)
• Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Radiation exposure
• Obesity and lack of physical activity
• Alcohol consumption
• Never having been pregnant or having a first child after age 30

What Does PET CT Scan Detect in Breast Cancer?

A PET CT scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that plays a crucial role in evaluating breast cancer. It helps in:

• Staging of breast cancer to determine if it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs
• Detecting metastatic or recurrent disease
• Evaluating treatment response after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery
• Identifying suitable biopsy sites
• Monitoring for recurrence during follow-up
• Differentiating between scar tissue and active cancer
• Planning radiation or surgical treatment

PET CT combines metabolic information with anatomical imaging, making it especially useful for aggressive, recurrent, or difficult-to-diagnose cases of breast cancer.

What are the Different Types of Tests Used for the Detection of Breast Cancer Other Than PET CT Scan?

Besides PET CT, several diagnostic tests are commonly used to detect and evaluate breast cancer, including:

Laboratory Tests

• Hormone receptor testing (ER, PR)
• HER2/neu testing
• Tumor marker tests (CA 15-3, CA 27.29)

Imaging Tests

• Mammography (screening and diagnostic)
• Breast ultrasound
• MRI of the breast

• PET CT scan
• CT scan (chest and abdomen)
• Bone scan (to detect metastasis)

Procedures/Surgical Tests

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
• Core needle biopsy
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Surgical biopsy (incisional or excisional)
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Conclusion

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women globally. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the breast tissue. Risk factors include genetics, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. Early detection is critical to successful treatment and long-term survival. While several tools are used to diagnose and manage breast cancer, the PET CT scan stands out for its unique ability to detect cancerous changes at both the metabolic and structural levels. This makes PET CT especially valuable for staging, treatment planning, monitoring response, and detecting recurrence.