Breast cancer
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
During the examination of the patient, the scale of the tumor (how far it has already spread, or whether it has spread) must be ascertained. Thus, the mammary region, and all the appropriate regional, axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes must be thoroughly examined. It is important to conduct a thorough examination of both breasts as well.
In addition to a clinical examination, other special examinations are performed in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Differential Diagnosis
One must keep in mind that not all nodules in the breast are breast cancer. Differential diagnosis is conducted against the following conditions:
- Fibrocystic mastopathy: the breast becomes enlarged and painful during menstruation. Following the end of menstruation, the condition improves.
- Galactocele: a cyst forming as a result of previous non-cancerous infections.
- Lipoma: the presence of a lipid based nodule in the breast which poses no risk.
- Chronic mastitis: as a result of chronic infection a nodule forms in the breast in the shape of a dangerous infiltrate.
- Tuberculosis of the mammary gland.
The performed examinations include:
- Mammography or a breast ultra sound are the basic routine examinations used in order to set a diagnosis. In cases of uncertainty, or lack of clarity, an additional MRI may be ordered. Both of these examinations consist in determining the presence or absence of a nodule in the breast, as well as other important characteristics, such as its size, content, and texture.
- Biopsy of the nodule, where tissue material is extracted from the nodule. The cells extracted are analyzed and used to determine if the nodule is cancerous. Tissue material may be extracted from the axillary nodes to check if they have been affected. In cases of serous secreting cancer, material is extracted and examined via cytology, in order to check if cancer cells can be isolated.
In certain age groups periodical mammography controls, or breast ultra sounds are recommended. For the 50 to 70 years old, these controls are recommended to be performed once a year. In even higher risk groups, they are recommended to be performed even more often.
Spreading of cancer cells
The spreading occurs in the following ways:
- Via lymphatic pathways. The lymph nodes circulate lymph, and through this circulatory pathway cancerous cells can pass from the breast into axillary, supra and intra clavicular, or sternal lymph nodes to any other place in the body.
- Hematogenous pathways. The cancer cells may travel via the blood and become implanted in various other organs, such as the lungs, liver, bones etc.
It is worth noting that in younger ages, breast cancer is manifested more aggressively that in older women. In older ages, the progress of the disease is more gradual, and can last for up to several years.
Cancers developed during pregnancy or lactation are prone to having a very malignant predisposition, usually progressing precipitously and causing a swift death. This is one of the reasons why the hormone balance is thought to heavily affect the growth of tumors.
Introduction
Breast cancer (cancer of the mammary glands) is a condition that has been known since ancient times, and exhibits itself as one of the most prevalent conditions of the modern world. This is one of the most common types of cancer, and is often one of the main causes of death for women worldwide. Cancers of the mammary gland usually affect females, and is 100 times more likely to occur in women rather than men.
Symptoms
The first symptom of breast cancer most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. Most Breast lump (90%) aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor.
Causes
Read about the causes of breast cancer, which aren't fully understood. There are some risk factors that are known to affect your likelihood of developing breast cancer, however.
Diagnosis
If you notice a lump in your breast or any change in the appearance, feel or shape of your breasts, see a doctor. If you have suspected breast cancer, either because of your symptoms or because your mammogram has shown an abnormality, you'll be referred to a specialist breast cancer clinic for further tests.
Treatment
Surgery is usually the first type of treatment for breast cancer. The type of surgery you undergo will depend on the type of breast cancer you have. Surgery is usually followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy or, in some cases, hormone or biological treatments.
Recovery and follow-up of breast cancer
Most women with breast cancer have an operation as part of their treatment. Getting back to normal after surgery can take some time. It's important to take things slowly and give yourself time to recover.
Prevention
As the causes of breast cancer aren't fully understood, it's not known if it can be prevented altogether. Some treatments are available to reduce the risk in women who have a higher risk of developing the condition than the general population.
Patient story: "I have had breast cancer twice."
This is the story of Emma Duncan who was diagnosed with breast cancer twice in four years, once in each breast. "Now I just want to stay cancer free" she says.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer (cancer of the mammary glands) is a condition that has been known since ancient times, and exhibits itself as one of the most prevalent conditions of the modern world.
How to perform self-examination of breasts?
Any woman should be able to perform regular self-examinations. It is recommended to perform this examination when you are taking a shower, or in front of the mirror, holding both arms above and behind the head in order to examine the shape and size.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
In the majority of cases, breast cancer is not accompanied by any sort of pain or obvious symptoms. At times, when touching a small nodule present some pain may be felt, which is why continuous, routine self-examinations are highly recommended, especially for age groups at risk.
What can I experience in case I have breast cancer?
In the majority of cases, the disease develops in complete absence of clinical symptoms. Since it is a mostly asymptomatic disease, it is rendered even more dangerous.
What does a cancerous nodule look like or feel like?
During palpation using the fingertips, you may feel a round mass, usually ranging from the size of a hazelnut to the size of a walnut, or even larger. The nodule can be firm or soft, with an uneven surface, separated from the tissue around it, or attached to the tissue around it and mobile.
What are the types of breast cancer?
The most common types of breast cancer include Non-invasive breast cancer and Invasive breast cancer. Less common are Morbus Paget, Erysipelas, and Occult carcinoma of the breast.
What causes breast cancer?
The causes of breast cancer remain unknown. Despite this, there are several risk factors that all patients should be aware of such as age, family history, weight, giving birth, breastfeeding, and lifestyle habits.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
It is important to conduct a thorough examination of both breasts as well. During the examination of the patient, the scale of the tumor (how far it has already spread, or whether it has spread) is ascertained.
Can I prevent breast cancer?
Since the causes of breast cancer are not known, prevention is difficult. Nevertheless, several risk factors (weight, physical activity, less alcohol) are important to note, since they can be controlled and minimized
What is the treatment for breast cancer?
Treatment of breast cancer is highly complex, and is predominantly dependent on how early the cancer is diagnosed, and at what stage it is detected.
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products