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Breast cancer occurs when the cells in breasts show abnormal growth and multiplication. These cells divide more rapidly than normal cells and form a lump by accumulation. Metastasis process i.e. spreading of cells to lymph nodes or other body organs is also possible. The cause of this disease is unclear. The tumor also known as invasive ductal carcinoma often begins with cells in mammary glands. Another type called as invasive lobular carcinoma begins in glandular tissue namely lobules or in other cells. There are five stages of breast cancer from 0 to 4. 0 indicates small and noninvasive cancer while stage 4 indicates metastatic cancer that is dangerous and has spread to other organs. Symptoms:- 1. Change in size or shape of the breast 2. Occurrence of a lump on the breast 3. Thickening of breast part different than surrounding area 4. Discharge of blood or pus from the nipple 5. Inverted nipple 6. Redness of nipples or breast like the orange peel 7. Pitting, peeling, flaking or scaling of breast surface. Risk factor:-It is believed that this disease is triggered by complex interaction of genetic makeup and environment. Inheritance: - According to doctors only 5% to 10% of occurrences of this disease. The common mutations are caused in gene 1 (BRCA1) and gene 2 (BRCA2). These mutations are associated with increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Blood tests to determine these mutations along with genetic counseling will also help to assess the risk. However, not all persons who have risk factors develop breast cancer. Similarly, some women develop this disorder in the absence of condition. Diagnosis:- 1. Physical exam- to check for abnormalities or lumps. 2. Mammogram: - Screening mammogram is used to detect presence of abnormality in the cells. For further evaluation, diagnostic mammogram can be recommended. 3. Breast ultrasound: - It is mostly used to distinguish between a tumor and fluid filled cyst. 4. Biopsy:- To determine whether the abnormal growth is cancerous 5. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):- To create pictures of underlying structures of the breast. 6. Sentinel node biopsy: - to check whether the tumor has spread to lymph nodes. Surgery options:- 1. Lumpectomy:-In this procedure the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed. It is performed when tumor is smaller in size. 2. Mastectomy: - In this surgery, entire breast tissue including areola and nipple is removed. 3. Axillary lymph node dissection: - To remove additional lymph nodes in armpits affected by tumor. 4. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy:- This procedure involves removing healthy breast along with affected breast if the risk of cancer is very high. All of the surgeries may have complications like bleeding and infection. Reconstruction of breasts can be possible with plastic surgery.
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Breast cancer, Abnormal growth, Multiplication, Noninvasive cancer, Dopharmacy,
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