Breast cancer diseases: types, causes, symptoms, treatment, and when to go to the hospital or doctor.
Information on breast cancer
Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells of the breast.
Breast cancer is recognized as the most common type of cancer among women after skin cancer. Both men and women get breast cancer, but it is more common in women.
People who are active in raising awareness about breast cancer and engaged in research have helped advance the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The death rate from breast cancer has decreased and is steadily decreasing. This is mostly due to several factors, such as early diagnosis, adoption of a new treatment approach that takes into account each patient’s circumstances as well as enhancing our understanding of the nature of this disease.
Types of breast cancer diseases
- Angiosarcoma.
- Invasive breast cancer.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
- Inflammatory breast cancer.
- Recurrent breast cancer.
- Male breast cancer.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
- Paget's disease of the breast.
Causes of breast cancer
Doctors know that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide faster than healthy cells and tend to clump together to form a mass or tumor. Cells may spread through the breast to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Breast cancer usually starts in cells in the milk-producing ducts (lactocarcinoma aggressive). Breast cancer can also start in glandular tissue called tonsils (Invasive lobular carcinoma), or in other cells or tissues in the breast.
Researchers have identified lifestyle, hormonal, and environmental factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer. However, it is unclear why some people develop cancer when they have no risk factors. Breast cancer can be caused by a complex combination of genetic makeup and the environment in which the individual lives.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Breast cancer sometimes causes the following symptoms:
- There is a lump or thickening in the breast that is different from the surrounding tissue.
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as sagging.
- Changes in breast shape, such as sagging, hardening, or the appearance of colored spots around the areola or on the skin of the breast.
- Redness or swelling of the skin of the breast, like orange peel.
Treatment of breast cancer
A diagnosis of breast cancer usually begins with an examination and a discussion of symptoms. Imaging tests may be used to examine the breast tissue for any abnormalities. A sample of breast tissue is taken to confirm the presence or absence of cancer and for examination.
Breast screening (mammography)
Mammography is an X-ray of the chest. Mammography is commonly used to screen for breast cancer. If one mammogram reveals anything of note, another mammogram should be done for a closer examination. This image is often used for detailed examination of the breasts.
The doctor determines treatment options for breast cancer based on the type, stage, level, and size of the breast cancer and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones. The physician also considers the overall health and personal preferences of the patient.
Most affected women undergo breast cancer surgery, and many receive other treatments after the surgery; such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiation therapy. Preoperative chemotherapy may also be used in selected cases.
Breast cancer has many treatment options and the patient may find it difficult to make complex decisions about her treatment; if so, the patient should get advice from a specialist or talk to another woman who has faced a similar decision.
When should one go to the hospital or doctor?
If you notice a lump or change in your breast, even if the change is normal, contact your doctor for immediate evaluation.
