There are two types of breast cancer staging: clinical and pathological. Clinical staging is based on tests that were performed before surgery. Examples of these tests include a mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI scan. Pathological staging is based on the tumor’s size and the results of any treatments. Both types offer important information, but TNM is the most widely used. It uses a letter or number (0-4) to describe the size of a tumor, and is based on the size in centimeters. A standard pen width is approximately one centimeter.
A breast cancer diagnosis should prompt an individual to seek treatment. First, they need to identify the type of cancer that they have. The grade of cancer determines how likely it is to grow and spread. Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer, though many people receive additional treatments. A lumpectomy removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue. A mastectomy removes the entire breast or both. Another treatment option is a radiation treatment. For a double mastectomy, a doctor removes both breasts.
Stages of cancer include invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts and spreads throughout the fatty tissue of the breast. Eighty percent of invasive breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinoma. Adenosquamous carcinoma is another type of metaplastic cancer that has similar characteristics to salivary gland cells. These cancers are slow-growing and can look like a medulla. For women who are experiencing early signs of the disease, treatment is necessary to control the tumor.
In addition to hormonal changes, environmental and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of breast cancer. Although no one factor has been proven to cause breast cancer, genetic and environmental factors play an important role in developing the disease. Studies show that five to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations that are passed through families. If you’re worried that you may develop a breast cancer, consult with a doctor to learn more about treatment options. The sooner you start preventing or treating it, the better the chances of curing the disease.
Surgical procedures are one of the primary ways to treat the disease. Lumpectomy is a common surgical procedure used to remove a tumor and rim of healthy breast tissue. It’s sometimes combined with axillary clearance to remove a breast segment. During this procedure, your doctor may also remove fatty tissue from your chest wall and sentinel lymph nodes. The surgeon will also take tissue samples from your lymph nodes and chest wall.
Diagnostic tests include ultrasounds and mammograms. Mammograms are detailed X-rays of your breast. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses a magnet linked to a computer to create detailed images of your breast. The results from these tests will determine whether you have a cancerous mass. A biopsy can also give you an idea about the type of cancer and your outlook. When a lump is found, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it.
