Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis & Ayurvedic Perspective: A Real Case Presentation

Introduction – Understanding Breast Cancer First

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide, with incidence increasing markedly after menopause. In elderly women, delayed presentation is common because breast lumps are often painless and ignored initially.

Breast cancer develops when cells of the breast ducts or lobules proliferate uncontrollably, forming a mass that can invade surrounding tissue and spread to lymph nodes and distant organs.

Early detection through mammography and ultrasound can dramatically improve survival and quality of life.

This article explains:

• Core concepts of breast cancer

• A real-life clinical case

• Imaging interpretation

• Ayurvedic correlation (Stana Arbuda / Granthi)

• An integrative treatment approach

1. What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer most commonly originates from:

• Ducts (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma – most common)

• Lobules (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

Common Clinical Features

• Painless breast lump

• Nipple retraction or discharge

• Skin dimpling or thickening (peau d’orange)

• Ulceration in advanced cases

• Axillary (armpit) swelling

Important fact:Up to 30% of elderly women are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to delayed evaluation—highlighting the importance of awareness and screening.

 2. Case Presentation

A 75-year-old female presented with a palpable lump in the right breast, noticed for several weeks. There was no history of trauma or infection. She was referred for mammography and ultrasound evaluation.

At this stage, the clinical suspicion was high due to:

• Advanced age

• Firm nature of lump

• Retro-areolar location

  3. Imaging Evaluation

  3.1 Mammography Findings (Right Breast)

  

  Bilateral mammography images (CC and MLO views) of a 75-year-old woman showing an irregular, high-density spiculated mass in the right breast with architectural distortion, highly suspicious for malignancy (BI-RADS 5), along with evaluation of axillary region.

Findings:

• Irregular, high-density spiculated mass

• Size: ~45 × 31 mm

• Retro-areolar location

• Architectural distortion present

• No suspicious calcifications

These features are classical for malignancy.

3.2 Ultrasound Findings

Ultrasound of the right breast showing an irregular, ill-defined hypoechoic mass at the 3–5 o’clock position, approximately 1 cm from the nipple, with posterior acoustic shadowing and heterogeneous internal echoes, features highly suspicious for malignant breast lesion.

Ultrasound showed:

• Irregular, ill-defined hypoechoic mass

• Size: 22 × 26 × 34 mm

• Location: 3–5 o’clock, 1 cm from nipple

• Internal vascularity

• Posterior acoustic shadowing

• Surrounding echogenic fat → suggesting infiltration

  3.3 Axillary Lymph Node Assessment

Ultrasound of the right axilla demonstrating enlarged lymph nodes with loss of fatty hilum, irregular margins, and central necrosis, findings suggestive of metastatic axillary lymph node involvement.

Findings:

• Multiple enlarged lymph nodes

• Largest: 25 × 27 mm

• Loss of fatty hilum

• One node with necrosis → hallmark of metastasis

  4. BI-RADS Classification

  BI-RADS 5 – Highly Suggestive of Malignancy

  ➡️ Biopsy mandatory

  Core needle biopsy (HPE) is required to determine:

  • Tumor type

  • Histological grade

  • ER / PR receptor status

  • HER2 amplification

    5. How Breast Cancer Spreads

    Breast cancer spreads through:

    • Local tissue invasion

    • Lymphatic spread → axillary nodes

    • Hematogenous spread → lungs, liver, bones

    Imaging plays a crucial role in staging and treatment planning.

    6. Ayurvedic Correlation – Stana Arbuda / Granthi

    When we analyze this case through an Ayurvedic lens, the presentation closely resembles Stana Arbuda, described in classical texts.

    📜 Sushruta Samhita – Nidana Sthana 11/12

“अर्बुदं नाम मांसपिण्डं स्थिरं मन्दवेदनायुक्तं चिरव्याधिकरं च।”

Meaning:Arbuda is a firm, deep-seated, slowly progressive mass, usually painless and chronic.

✔️ This perfectly matches:

• Painless breast lump

• Firm consistency

• Gradual progression

• Late presentation

📜 Charaka Chikitsa 12/7

“वातकफप्रकोपेन स्यात् ग्रन्थिर्दोषसमुद्भवः।”

Interpretation in this case:

• Kapha → hardness, mass formation

• Vata → irregular shape, spread, infiltration

• Pitta/Rakta (later stages) → ulceration, inflammation, pain

   7. Ayurvedic Treatment Principles (Supportive Role)

  Ayurveda does not replace oncology treatment, but works as powerful supportive care.

  Three Core Pillars:

  1️⃣ Shodhana – Detoxification (case-dependent)2️⃣ Shamana – Disease-modifying support3️⃣ Rasayana – Immunity & strength restoration

  7.1 Shamana Therapy – Conceptual Basis

  📜 Charaka Sutra 21/20

“लेखना तिक्तकषायोष्णा रूक्षाश्चोपयोजयेत्।”

Bitter, astringent, hot, and dry substances help:

• Reduce pathological tissue overgrowth

• Improve metabolism

• Control Kapha-dominant disorders like Arbuda

  7.2 Rasayana Therapy – Strength & Immunity

  📜 Charaka 1/1/8

“दीर्घमायुः स्मृतिमेधाग्निबलायुष्करं परम्।”

Rasayana supports:

• Digestion & metabolism

• Immunity

• Physical and mental strength

• Better tolerance to chemotherapy in elderly patients

  8. Pathya–Apathya (Diet & Lifestyle)

  ✅ Pathya (Recommended)

  • Warm, freshly cooked food

  • Tikta–Katu (bitter & pungent taste)

  • Gentle yoga & pranayama

  • Adequate hydration

  • Stress-free routine

  ❌ Apathya (Avoid)

  • Cold, heavy, oily foods

  • Excess sweets, curd, bakery items

  • Alcohol & smoking

  • Irregular sleep

  • Sedentary lifestyle

    9. Integrative Oncology – Best of Both Worlds

    Modern oncology + Ayurveda offers:

    • Better chemo tolerance

    • Improved digestion & immunity

    • Reduced inflammation

    • Enhanced quality of life

    • Emotional and mental balance

    This approach is especially beneficial in elderly patients.

    10. Conclusion

    Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early.

    This case highlights the importance of:

    • Mammography screening

    • Ultrasound correlation

    • Axillary node evaluation

    • Biopsy confirmation

      Ayurveda complements modern treatment by supporting Agni, Ojas, and Manas, making integrative care a complete healing approach.