Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common and one of the most deadly malignancies for the female sex. The World Health Organization describes it as the most widespread cancer in the world.
It affects all women, in every corner of the earth, at any age after puberty, while to this day early diagnosis remains the strongest "weapon" in dealing with the disease.
What is the Breast Cancer?
The term breast cancer refers to the development of a malignant tumor in the wider area of the breast. The disease is due to the uncontrolled growth of pathological cells, which have the potential to spread to neighboring tissues.
Breast cancer is not a contagious or infectious disease like, for example, cervical cancer linked to the human warts virus (HPV).
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Types of Breast Cancer
The disease can start from different parts of the breast. One of the most common forms of breast cancer starts in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma).
Another type of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma, which starts in the lobes of the glandular tissue of the breast, the places where breast milk is produced. Most types of breast cancer start in the ducts or lobules.
Breast Cancer & Symptoms
The first symptom that women who suffer from breast cancer usually notice is a lump in the breast. In this case, they should contact their doctor immediately, as well as if they notice:
- any change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- fluid discharge from the nipple(s)
- change in the appearance of the nipple or change in the skin surrounding it
- lump or swelling in the armpits
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Risk Factors
The exact causes of breast cancer are not known. However, there are risk factors that increase the chances of developing breast cancer such as:
- Heredity.
- Age, as the chances of developing breast cancer increase with age.
- Family history, especially in first degree relatives.
- Excessive use of alcohol.
- Reproductive history (age at which menstrual cycles began and first pregnancy).
- Hormonal therapy after menopause.
Diagnosis
A key role in the treatment and progression of breast cancer is early diagnosis, which begins with the clinical examination at the doctor's office.
The most important examination for the diagnosis of breast cancer today remains the mammogram, which can be:
- Which concerns women without symptoms.
- Which concerns women who have symptoms.
Preventative
Diagnostic
Depending on the medical history and mammogram findings, the doctor may recommend additional tests such as biopsy and MRI.
In women under 40 years of age, who have not started mammography screening, experts recommend breast ultrasound, which is also an important test for women with dense breasts as a supplement to mammography.
The general surgeon of Facemed Clinic will study your medical history and guide you on when and how often you should have a mammogram
Breast Cancer Stages
In the case of a breast cancer diagnosis, the doctor's main concern is to determine the stage of the disease, i.e. how far it has progressed, which will also contribute to the choice of treatment.
Each of the 5 stages of cancer is characterized by specific factors such as size, spread to adjacent tissues, etc.
Stages 0 and 1 are characterized as early stages, where the cancer is effectively treated.
In stage 2 the cancer is limited to the breast and possibly the axillary lymph nodes.
In stage 3 breast cancer has progressed and may have affected lymph nodes and muscles.
In stage 4 the cancer is metastatic and has progressed to other organs of the body.
Treatment
When the disease is detected early, treatment can be highly effective, achieving survival rates exceeding 90% and even higher.
Treatment generally involves surgery and radiation therapy to control disease in the breast, lymph nodes, and surrounding area. At the same time, anticancer drugs (oral or intravenous) aim to limit the spread of breast cancer (metastasis).
The general surgeon of Facemed Clinic will inform you about the treatment options that exist for each case.
