What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is when the cells in a woman's body begin to grow and reproduce out of control, which creates a collection of tissue called a tumor.If the cells that are growing out of control are normal cells, the tumor is not cancerous.Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. Like other cancers, breast cancer can infect and grow into the tissue surrounding the breast. It can also pass through to other parts of the body and form new tumors.
Signs and Symptoms
Lump or thickening in, near the breast, or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle.
A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a seed.
A change in the size, shape or contour of the breast.
A bloodstained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.
A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed).
Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple.
An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.
A marble-like hardened area under the skin.
The Type of Treatment
The type of treatment recommended will depend on the size and location of the tumor in the breast, the results of lab tests done on the cancer cells and the stage or extent of the disease. Your doctor usually considers your age and general health as well as your feelings about the treatment options.
Breast Cancer Treatments
1. Local Treatments
Local treatments are used to remove, destroy or control the cancer cells in a specific area, such as the breast. Surgery and radiation treatment are local treatments.
2. Systemic Treatments
Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells all over the body. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy such as tamoxifen, and biologic therapies like Herceptin, are systemic treatments. A patient may have just one form of treatment or a combination, depending on her needs.
Breast cancer is when the cells in a woman's body begin to grow and reproduce out of control, which creates a collection of tissue called a tumor.If the cells that are growing out of control are normal cells, the tumor is not cancerous.Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. Like other cancers, breast cancer can infect and grow into the tissue surrounding the breast. It can also pass through to other parts of the body and form new tumors.
Signs and Symptoms
Lump or thickening in, near the breast, or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle.
A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a seed.
A change in the size, shape or contour of the breast.
A bloodstained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.
A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed).
Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple.
An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.
A marble-like hardened area under the skin.
The Type of Treatment
The type of treatment recommended will depend on the size and location of the tumor in the breast, the results of lab tests done on the cancer cells and the stage or extent of the disease. Your doctor usually considers your age and general health as well as your feelings about the treatment options.
Breast Cancer Treatments
1. Local Treatments
Local treatments are used to remove, destroy or control the cancer cells in a specific area, such as the breast. Surgery and radiation treatment are local treatments.
2. Systemic Treatments
Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells all over the body. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy such as tamoxifen, and biologic therapies like Herceptin, are systemic treatments. A patient may have just one form of treatment or a combination, depending on her needs.
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