Malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands rank first among cancers and causes of death in women. Due to the absence of pronounced symptoms in the early stages of the disease, cancer is most often detected at the third or fourth stage. In such cases, the survival rate is very low, which is why it is so important to recognize cancer in time and start timely treatment.
What is hormonal breast cancer?
The disease is a malignant tumor, the cells of which have specific receptors that are sensitive to estrogen and progesterone. This is the most common type of breast cancer.
What are the reasons for the disease?
There are risk factors that increase your chances of getting hormone-dependent breast cancer. It:
- elevated estrogen levels;
- violation of the production of sex hormones due to endocrine diseases or after prolonged use of hormonal drugs;
- violation of the immune system;
- predisposition (the presence of cancer in blood relatives);
- genetic abnormalities;
- exposure to ionizing radiation;
- alcohol abuse;
- any factors that stimulate the proliferation of glandular cells.
Breast cancer often causes several of the above reasons.
How does hormonal breast cancer manifest?
The disease can occur with various symptoms, which depends on the following factors:
- stage of the disease;
- the nature of tumor growth;
- location of the neoplasm;
- the presence of metastases.
At the initial stage of the disease, there may be no symptoms at all, and when the condition worsens, the following manifestations are present:
- noticeable formation in the mammary gland;
- discharge of specific smelling contents of yellow-green, black or red color from the nipple;
- discomfort, bloating, a feeling of heaviness and soreness of the breast;
- enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes on palpation;
- lemon peel syndrome;
- redness of the skin at the site of the lesion;
- sunken nipple;
- pigmentation.
In severe cases, the neoplasm ulcerates and bleeds. In this case, there is a risk of the spread of tumor cells outside the breast with the subsequent formation of secondary tumors in other organs, which are called metastases. The presence of metastases is an unfavorable factor and increases the risk of mortality.
How is hormone-dependent breast cancer diagnosed?
In order to detect cancer on time, women after forty are recommended to undergo an annual breast examination by a doctor. It is also recommended to probe the chest and armpits from time to time for lumps.
To determine cancer, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:
- blood biochemistry;
- coagulogram;
- hormonal profile;
- test for tumor markers.
At the appointment, the doctor palpates the breast and asks the patient about the symptoms. If a malignant process is suspected, the following diagnostic procedures may be prescribed:
- Breast MRI;
- X-rays of light;
- Ultrasound of the organs and structures of the small pelvis, retroperitoneal space and abdominal cavity;
- skeletal scintigraphy.
However, the detection of a tumor is not yet an unambiguous confirmation of the diagnosis. In order to identify the modified cells, the patient is prescribed a biopsy – taking the contents of the tumor. This study also allows you to determine if the formation is hormone-dependent.
Also, the determination of the expression of proteins HER2 and Ki67, influencing the treatment regimen and prognosis, is performed.
What treatment is recommended for hormonal breast cancer?
Hormone-dependent breast cancer is treated with hormonal drugs, as tumor cells are sensitive to them. The treatment regimen depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s age and the general condition of the body.
The main way to get rid of a tumor is surgery, which maximizes the elimination of the malignant process and increases the chances of survival.
If the operation cannot be performed, radiation is performed. Radiation therapy can also be performed before, after, and even directly during the removal of the tumor.
Drug therapy after removal of the neoplasm is necessary in order to reduce the risk of recurrence. As a rule, it is recommended to use chemotherapy drugs that are selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the neoplasm and the patient’s health status.
For hormone-dependent cancers, drugs are also prescribed for long-term use (over five years), such as Arimidex.
How does Arimidex work?
Arimidex is an anastrozole based drug. It is a potent, highly selective non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, an enzyme that converts androstenedione and testosterone into estrone and estradiol, respectively, in the female body. A decrease in estradiol concentration has a therapeutic effect in patients with breast cancer. In the postmenopausal state, Arimidex at a dose of 1 mg per day causes an 80% decrease in estradiol levels.
What are the features of taking Arimidex?
After oral administration, the drug is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to take Arimidex on an empty stomach as it accelerates the achievement of the maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood.
The half-life of the drug is 40-50 hours, and its metabolites are excreted from the body through the kidneys, therefore, patients who suffer from renal dysfunction should take the drug with caution.
Who should not take Arimidex?
Arimidex is not recommended for the following situations:
- high creatinine levels;
- liver dysfunction;
- concomitant use of tamoxifen;
- age up to 18 years;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- drug intolerance.
Where to buy a cheap analogue of Arimidex without a doctor’s prescription?
The duration of Arimidex therapy affects the total cost of treatment. Therefore, there is a need for high-quality analogs (generic) that have proven effectiveness, as well as a cheap price.
In our online pharmacy, you can order the generic Arimidex, which is available in the same dosage (1 mg) as the original drug. It is well priced and available over the counter.
Before you buy the drug, you need to consult a doctor.
