What is Breast cancer?
Breast cancer starts in the tissues of the breast. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also appear in men
STAGES OF BREAST CANCER—-
Stage 0 Carcinoma in-situ | a. Ductal carcinoma in-situ b. Lobular carcinoma in-situ | Pre-cancerous or marker stage |
Stage I StageIA StageIB | a. Cancer <2cms,not spread to surroundings b. Small clusters<2mm of tumour found in lymph nodes with/out tumour of <2cms in breast tissues | Early stage invasive breast cancer |
Stage II Stage IIA StageIIB | IIA. a. The tumor is<2cms and has spread up to 3 auxiliary underarm lymph nodes. b. the tumor is2-5cms large and has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes. IIB. a. The tumor is 2-5cms and has spread up to 3 auxiliary underarm lymph nodes b. The tumor is>5cms and has not spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. | Early cancer |
StageIII StageIIIA StageIIIB | IIA a. The tumor is2-5cms and has spread up to 9 auxiliary underarm lymph nodes. IIB a. The cancer has spread to tissues near the breast including the skin, chest wall, ribs, muscles, or lymph nodes in the chest wall or above the collarbone. | Early cancer |
StageIV | The cancer has spread to other organs or tissues, such as the liver, lungs, brain, skeletal system, or lymph nodes near the collarbone. | Advanced and/or metastatic carcinoma |
Breast Cancer Causes —
- Genetic—
- Gender—
- Age–
- Family history —
- Race—
- Dense breast tissue
- Menstrual periods –
- DES–
- Delayed motherhood
- Infertility
- Oral contraceptives
- Long term use of HRT
- NO breast feeding
- Alcohol
- Obesity
- No physical exercises
How to know if I have Breast Cancer—
- Lumps in the breast
- usually painless,
- has irregular borders and
- is firm to hard to the touch.
- But sometimes cancers can be tender, soft and rounded.
- bloodstained or rust colored.
- greenish, yellowish or even, clear.
- may be changes in the size or shape of the breast.
- All or part of the breast may be swollen.
- The skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen.
- may have ridges or pitting
- Dimpling of the skin may be present.
- A change in the appearance
- any change in the sensation of the nipple
- nipple turns in or retracted into the breast
- sinks into the breast,
- irregular shap
- Redness
- Scaliness
- thickening of the nipple
- itch or pain
- usually firm to hard
- non-tender
- irregular in shape
- fixed to the underlying tissue.
Investigations–
- Breast Self Examination:
This help to identify any lumps, pain or other symptoms in the breast.
- Mammograms
- Ultrasound
This helps detect small breast cancers that may not be seen on a mammogram.
- Ultrasound Guided Biopsy:
In case a suspicious mass is detected
- MRI
It differentiate between recurrent tumors and scar tissues, spread of the breast cancer. It is particularly helpful in differentiating between DCIS and IDC and between LCIS and ILC.
- CT Scan
assist in evaluation of breast cancer, especially after surgery or chemotherapy.
- PET:
PET shows if the lump in the breast is benign or malignant, even without a biopsy
- Biopsy of the Skin:
For the diagnosis of Paget’s disease of the breast.
- Genetic testing.
- Blood Marker tests
Breast cancer markers are CA 15.3, TRU-QUANT, CA 27.29 and CA125
- Bone Scans:
To detect metastasis in bones
- Blood Cell tests
TREATMENT—-
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Hormonal therapy(Tamoxifen,aromatase inhibitors)
- Biologic therapy(Trastuzumab)
Complications—
These are due to the hazards of treatment specially radiation therapy
Prevention
- Tamoxifen for high risk women
- Prophylactic mastectomy
- Eat foods and portion sizes that promote a healthy weight
- Take whole grains instead of refined grain products
- Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day
- Less intake of processed and red meat
- Avoid alcohol
Radiotherapy is an effective treatment
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However, possible warning signs include: black, tarry stools, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, bloody or cloudy urine, chills, decreased urination, diarrhea, fever, joint or muscle pain, red skin lesions, often with a purple center, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, severe stomach pain, skin rash, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
Lump under my armpit – a bit painful as well, 19 year old female
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