Breast Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Types And Treatment
Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in breast cells. It is also the second most common cancer among American women after skin cancer. Both men and women can suffer from this disease, although women are more likely to develop the disease.
Its diagnosis and treatment have progressed thanks to large investments in research and information campaigns. Thanks to early detection, new adaptive treatment methods and a better understanding of the disease. Its survival has increased and the number of deaths associated with the disease continues to decrease. Symptoms and causes may also vary from person to person.
What are the early symptoms?
Breast lumps, areas of thickened tissue, or areas of thickened tissue in the armpits are often early signs of this disease.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Chest or armpit pain that continues during menstruation.
- Spots on the neck or nipple
- Nipple discharge that may bleed.
- Inverted or sunken nipples
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Most breast tumors are also not cancerous. However, anyone with a breast tumor should see a specialist.
Why does breast cancer occur?
When abnormal cells grow and multiply in your breast, breast cancer develops. But scientists do not know the exact reason for the initiation of this process. Therefore, its treatment also depends on the factors involved. However, according to research, certain risk factors can increase the risk of this disease.
It consists of the following:
- Age: If you are 55 or older, your chances of getting this disease increase.
- Gender: Women have a higher risk of this disease than men.
- Family history and genetics: You are more likely to develop breast cancer at some point in your life if you have a parent, sibling, child, or other close relative who has been diagnosed with the disease. Genetic testing shows that 5% to 10% of breast cancers are caused by a faulty gene passed from parent to child.
- Smoking: Many types of cancer, including breast cancer, are linked to tobacco use.
- More variants can increase your risk of this disease. Talk to your doctor to find out if you are at risk.
Different Types
These are some of the more common types. These are:
- Cancer in Situ: This type is still present in the duct or lobe where it first appeared.
- Situ Ductal Carcinoma (DCIS) is an early stage (stage 0) ductal carcinoma. In this case, the disease is still present in the milk ducts. However, if you don’t treat this cancer, it can spread. It is usually treatable.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Found only in the breast’s milk-producing lobes. Although it is not a true cancer, it increases the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Get regular mammograms and breast exams if you have them.
- Widespread cancer: It has spread or invaded the tissues around the breast.
How to treat breast cancer?
There are many treatments available for this disease, including:
- Operation
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
The best course of action for you depends on several variables, including the size and location of the tumor, the results of your lab tests, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will tailor your treatment strategy to your specific needs. It is also not unusual to receive a combination of different treatments.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Your doctor will start diagnosing breast cancer if you notice a lump or something else that is found on your mammogram. Symptoms and causes will affect the type of treatment you receive.
You will be asked about your personal and family health history. Next, they will examine the breast and order the following tests:
- Imaging test: Your doctor will use this to learn more about your breasts.
- Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of your breasts.
- Mammogram: With this thorough X-ray, doctors can see tumors and other problems more clearly.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This body scan uses a magnet attached to a computer to take a detailed picture of the inside of your chest.
- Biopsy: During a biopsy, the doctor removes tissue or fluid from the breast. They will also examine it under a microscope to check for cancer cells and determine the type, if any.
The Bottom Line
The problems associated with breast cancer are becoming more widely known. Through breast cancer prevention efforts, people have learned the following:
- What are your risk factors?
- How can they reduce the risk?
- What symptoms should be looked for?
- What exam do they have to pass?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, see your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of breast cancer?
- In situ cancer
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
- Widespread cancer
Does breast cancer spread fast?
Breast cancer is not growing as fast as it was a few decades ago.