Breast Cancer

Normal Abnormal

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and the second most common cause of cancer death in women (lung cancer is most common cause of cancer death).  During a woman's lifetime, the risk of breast cancer is approximately 1 in 9.  The United States has a very high rate of breast cancer relative to many other countries.  Though many factors may play a role, a clear cause, such as diet, has not been found.

Breast lump Nipple discharge Retracted nipple Red/inflamed nipple Breast enlargement Breast shrinkage Breast becomes hard Bone pain Back pain

Examination Breast Lump Nipple discharge Skin changes on breast Hardened breast Enlarged lymph glands: Above clavicles (collar bone) In armpits Sides of center bone in chest (mediastinal lymph nodes might be enlarged inside the chest, to the right and left of the midline) Imaging: Mammograms Ultrasound CT Scan/MRI to check for spread to the brain Tests: Needle aspiration Mammatome test -- special type of needle biopsy with special X-Ray techniques to localize deep lumps Open surgical biopsy -- when a lump is removed and sent to the lab for analysis Lymph node dissection -- multiple lymph nodes are removed to check for the spread of cancer Sentinel lymph node dissection -- a new technique in which only a few lymph nodes need to be biopsied

Family history of breast cancer in mother, sister, daughter, or if two or more close relatives have the disease Risk increases as women get older Previous endometrial (uterine) cancer Previous breast cancer, atypical changes, and previous breast disease Carrier of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (especially prominent in Ashkenazi Jews); however, only 5-10% of all breast cancers may be due to genetic defects or changes. Menstrual periods started before the age of 12 Menopause ended after age 50 No children Estrogen hormone replacement therapy Alcohol, high fat in diet, increased fiber diet, smoking, obesity, and having previous ovarian or Colon Cancer African-Americans and Hispanics may have a worse prognosis than whites.

Breast cancer treatment depends on three major factors: If the woman has reached menopause The extent to which the breast cancer has spread  The cell type of the breast cancer The extent of the spread of the cancer is defined accordingly: Where it is localized in the breast The rate of the cancer's spread to the lymph nodes The spread of the cancer to deep muscles in the breast  The spread of the cancer to the other breast The spread of the cancer to the other organs, i.e., bone or brain In terms of cell types, there are more aggressive and less aggressive cell types.  In addition, there are receptors on the cells themselves (for example, estrogen receptors) that make breast cancer more responsive to treatment. Lumpectomy -- removal of the lump and local tissue around it.  This may include the removal of some of the lymph nodes via radiation treatment. Segmental (partial) mastectomy with or without radiation treatment -- involves the removal of the cancer, as well as some of the tissue surrounding it.  The lining covering the muscles underneath the cancer, as well as the lymph nodes under the arm, is also removed. Total mastectomy is done by removing the entire breast and axillary (under the arms) lymph nodes. Modified radical mastectomy -- removal of breast, the muscles below it, and lymph glands in axillary armpit area Ovarian ablation -- making ovaries inactive so they do not produce hormones that enhance breast cancer growth.  This is not commonly done, but new medical literature suggests that it may be helpful in some cases. Medications Hormonal therapy -- Tamoxifen CMF (Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5-FU) and other agents of chemotherapy Bone marrow transplant Stem cell transplant Biological therapies

Breast cancer is curable when caught early, and can lead to death if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.  If you feel an abnormal breast lump or have any other symptoms that might be suggestive of breast cancer, see your physician as soon as possible.

Fibroadenoma Fibrocystic Breast Disease Breast Abscess

Breast Cancer Prevention Monthly self-breast examination Yearly breast exams by your physician Mammograms -- baseline at 35 years old, and every 1-2 years between the ages of 40 and 49, depending on the risk factors.  After 50, a mammogram should be done every year.  Mammograms may be recommended in certain high-risk younger women. Vitamin D -- there is some evidence that Vitamin D may be protective against breast cancer.  A dose of 400 I.U. per day is an appropriate preventative measure. In some studies, Tamoxifen has been shown to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women.  Tamoxifen does have side effects, including rare serious eye problems and an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Evista -- this medication is currently approved for treatment of Osteoporosis(and not breast cancer prevention).  Many studies suggest it reduces the risk of breast cancer by 50% or more.  It also seems to have much fewer side effects than Tamoxifen.  Although there is no FDA approval, many physicians prescribe Evista for breast cancer prevention based on current medical studies.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Google
• Tumblr
• Pinterest