Breast Cancer

Overview

Breast cancer is cancer that arises in the breast tissue. Cancer is simply a group of abnormal cells that have abnormal growth patterns. Historically, especially in recent times, breast cancer is a condition that has received extensive media attention. Many groups are committed to spreading awareness about the condition in order to raise funds to find a treatment. Since the roots of breast cancer are in part, genetic, the history of the condition spans centuries. The oldest description of breast cancer dates back to 1600 BC in Egypt.

Breast Cancer Signs/Symptoms

The symptoms of breast cancer vary widely between patients and men can also be susceptible to this disease. On the whole, breast cancer is not painful and women do not usually feel ill in the early stages, however, early detection is a key factor in increasing the chance of survival.

A lump in the breast is the most well known symptom of breast cancer and most women find these through regular self examination. Some women find an area of lumpiness rather than one solid lump or notice something different about the feel of the breast tissue. In some cases the lump is visible, but in many cases the lump can only be felt and is not painful.

A change in the skin around the nipple and the breast area is another common symptom, as well as a sudden appearance of wrinkling or dimpling may draw suspicion of breast cancer. The skin may also create an indentation in the affected area. The nipple of the affected breast may also change, there may be discharge from the nipple or it may appear pulled in. A rash may form around the nipple or the nipple may become inverted suddenly. Inverted nipples are very common among women and are completely normal, but it is only the sudden inversion of a nipple which may be a symptom.

In some cases the breast may swell up rapidly and become red and inflamed and look scaly. Accompanying this particular symptom, the skin may become similar in texture to the orange skin. This is caused by a blockage of fluid from the breast. Many people find a lump in the underarm area rather than directly in the central breast tissue. This can be a sign that the cancer has spread to the lymph glands.

Different symptoms may appear in the advanced stages of breast cancer. These include:

• Breast pain or general discomfort with or without a noticeable lump
• Ulcers appearing on the skin
• Bone pain (may be a sign that the cancer has spread)
• Weight loss
• Swelling of the arm (nearest to the breast with cancer)

Types

The types of breast cancer are classified based on where the cancer has initiated. The different types of breast cancer are:

• DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
• LCIS - Lobular Carcinoma In Situ
• IDC - Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
• Less Common Subtypes of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
• ILC - Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
• Inflammatory Breast Cancer
• Male Breast Cancer
• Recurrent and Metastatic Breast Cancer

Causes/Risk factors

Family history has long been known to be a risk factor for breast cancer. Breast cancer in a male increases the risk for all his close female relatives. Having relatives with both breast and ovarian cancer also increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Tests/Diagnosis

Many changes in breast tissue occur naturally especially in women. During menstruation and pregnancy the tissue tends to thicken and become more sensitive. It is recommended that women undertake regular self examinations to get to know how their breast feel and appear normally. Any changes should be referred to a doctor for a more comprehensive examination. Most lumps found are not cancerous, but all are worthy of medical investigation.

Breast screening is still one of the most effective ways to find breast cancer in the early stages. Mammograms are essentially x-rays of the breast and are very effective at showing abnormalities in the breast. Further tests are sometimes required to identify if a lump is benign or malignant.

Women are required to attend breast screening clinics from the age of 50 to 64 as this is the most common age group to contract the disease. Breast cancer can affect men and women of all ages.

Treatment

Treatment is based on many factors, including type and stage of the cancer, whether the cancer is sensitive to certain hormones and more. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are all utilized in the treatment of breast cancer. Depending on the stage, they will be used in different combinations or sequences.