What is Breast Cancer?

The breast is comprised of glands that area connected to the skin through nipple by miniscule ducts. The mammary glands are surrounded by connective tissue, fat and other fibrous material. Lymph nodes, blood vessels and nerves are also a part of the breast construction. When the cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably and spread to other areas of the chest, the cancer is malignant. Breast cancer that develops in the milk ducts is called ductal carcinoma. If it develops in the glands, it is called lobular carcinoma. Cancer that begins in the breast and spreads to other areas of the body is still considered breast cancer. Spreading cancer is called metastatic.

Risk Factors

Women with a prior history of ovarian, colon or endometrial cancer is more at risk for breast cancer. A woman who has had any type of cancer has a higher chance of recurrence. Postmenopausal women are more at risk. Additionally, women with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene is 56% to 85% more at risk than without it. Two or more glasses of alcohol daily will increase the chances of breast cancer. Estrogen also increases the risk of breast cancer. Inform your physician before taking any hormone replacement therapy or taking birth control pills. Women that have lymphedema will experience abnormal swelling in the affected area after a mastectomy or a lumpectomy. The inflammatory condition may be accompanied by pain, decreased flexibility and skin tightness.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Women are encouraged to perform frequent breast exams to check the breasts for a lump or other abnormalities. Early prevention will prevent spreading to the lymph nodes and other areas of the chest. Women should start at the nipple and work in a circular motion until all parts of the breast are checked. Regular mammograms are also recommended to reduce the risk of breast cancer. A simple surgical procedure may be required to eliminate the rapidly dividing cells and also to stop any other growths.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

To diagnose breast cancer, patients are recommended to make an appointment with an oncologist. Professionals in the oncology field study the behavior of cancer. A general practitioner may provide a referral to an oncologist if necessary. Some of the most frequent tests for diagnosis include: Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, Biopsy, Breast MRI, Bone Scan, CT Scan, Chest X-Ray and Blood Tests.

Breast Cancer Testing

• Mammogram. The mammogram is a diagnostic test that uses contrast to detect abnormal cells in the breast. The mammography procedure is similar to an X-ray.
• Breast Ultrasound. This procedure uses sound waves to produce images of the breast evaluation. If there is a tumour, the physician may schedule a biopsy to determine if the mass is malignant or benign.
• Biopsy. This test is an invasive test that allows physicians to determine if the mass found is malignant or benign. The sample taken will be sent to the laboratory to be analyzed. Physicians may determine from the sentinel node biopsy if it is an aggressive stage of cancer or whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors.
• Breast MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is designed to take interior pictures of the breast. An injection of dye is input into the breast before an MRI. The MRI is most often performed after a breast biopsy confirms cancer and before any surgical procedures to confirm the extent of the cancer in the breast.

Breast Cancer Staging

After the cancer has been diagnosed, then the physician can determine the prognosis and the best treatment options. Breast cancer stages range from zero to IV. Zero indicates that the cancer is small and contained. Stage IV breast cancer indicated that the cancer may spread to other areas.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Once the patient receives a cancer diagnosis, a treatment plan will be devised. A female with Stage I cancer may require a simple lumpectomy. However, a female or male in Stage III or Stage IV may require a mastectomy with breast reconstruction. Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors and Herceptin IV(trastuzumab) are used for breast cancer treatment and breast cancer prevention. Monoclonal antibody therapy may be used for breast cancer treatment in Stage I through Stage IV.