Cancer developing in the tissues of
breast is known as breast cancer. Lump in the breast, change in the shape of
the breast, fluid coming from nipple and dimpling of the skin is signs of
breast cancer. Pain in the breast, itchy breasts, pain in upper back shoulder
and or neck, changes in shape size or appearance of breast, changes in the
appearance and sensitivity of the nipple etc are considered as early signs of
breast cancer.
Medical experts are not sure about what
causes the formation of breast cancer. It is not possible to say why one person
develops the disease and why the other one remains safe. We can only say factors
which can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. They are
discussed below.
Causes of breast cancer
1.
Increase in age: it
has been found that older women are at a higher risk of breast cancer. More than
80 % of female breast cancer occurs among women who are more than 50 years of
age or who are in the post menopause period.
2.
Genetics: Women with relatives who have breast cancer are
more likely to develop this disease. But the fact remains that the majority of
the breast cancers are not formed as a result of genetic factors. Genes BRCA1,
BRCA2, and TP53 carry more risk of genetic cancer formation.
3.
Previous history of breast cancer: A women who already had breast cancer is more
prone to the re occurrence of breast cancer.
4.
Women with breast lumps: Women who already have some breast lumps
which are benign are more likely to develop breast cancer.
5.
Denser breast tissue: Women who have
denser breast tissues are more likely to develop breast cancer.
6.
Estrogen Exposure: Women who started to
have periods at a younger age or whose menopause was delayed are also at
greater risk of breast cancer. This is because of the strong estrogen exposure
that happens at the starting and closing of menstrual periods.
7.
Obesity:
Women who have increased their
body weight as a result of post menopause experience are more likely to develop
breast cancer
8.
Height: Women who are taller than average
women have a greater risk of breast cancer.
9.
Alcohol addiction: Women who regularly
consume alcohol are at higher risks of breast cancer. Such women should not exceed
one drink per day.
10.
Exposure to radiation: CT scans and x-rays
have the potential to increase the risk of breast cancer on patients who
undergo such tests.
11.
Hormone replacement therapy: HRT therapies of both types i.e. combined or
estrogen-only may increase the risk of breast cancer.
12.
Certain type of jobs: Researchers have found
that women working under certain conditions are more likely to develop breast
cancer. Women working in night ship
prior to first conception and women who bring human body in contact with carcinogens and endocrine disruptors are also more prone to breast cancer.
Diagnosing
breast cancer
The following tests are usually conducted
to diagnose breast cancer
1.
Breast exam: Doctor will examine both your breasts and
lymph nodes found in the armpit and try to feel any lumps or abnormalities.
2.
Mammogram: X-ray of breast is known as mammogram. By studying the mammograms
your doctor will be able to detect abnormalities, if any and further
investigation may be suggested by your doctor.
3.
Ultrasound: Ultra sound Scan will be able to confirm whether the new found
lump is only a fluid
filled cyst or a solid mass.
4.
Biopsy: By biopsy we mean taking
a sample of the lump and sending it for medical examination. The experts in the
biopsy lab will be able to determine whether a lump is actually cancerous or
not. Biopsy results also reveal the
grade of the cancer, the existence of hormone receptors or other receptors in
the sample etc which can influence the course of treatments suggested by the
doctors.
5.
Breast magnetic resonance: This is an MRI test used
for taking clear picture of the breast’s interior. Before the photograph is
taken a dye injected to increase the visibility of the internal parts of the breast.
Staging of breast cancer
After diagnosing the existence
of breast cancer, the next step of your doctor will be to find out the present
stage of the cancer. Understanding the stage helps him in determining the mode
of treatment to be carried out. Tests
conducted to understand the present stage of your cancer may include the
following tests.
·
Complete
blood count tests
·
Mammogram
of both the breasts
·
Breast
MRI
·
CT
scan
·
Born
scan
·
Positron
emission tomography
Not all women will
need all of these tests and procedures. Your doctor selects the appropriate
tests based on your specific circumstances and taking into account the symptoms
you may be experiencing.
Like other cancers,
breast cancer also has four stages. The stages of the breast cancer are
indicative of how far they have spread into nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
Stage 1V breast cancer is known as metastatic breast cancer and it indicates
that the cancer has spread to other organs as well as other lymph nodes.
No comments:
Post a Comment