Breast cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the milk ducts and lobules in the breast. The cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes. Doctors determine the stage of the cancer by its size and whether or not it has spread to lymph nodes. The most advanced cases of the disease are invasive. Here’s how you can get diagnosed with breast cancer and prevent it from spreading.
There are two main surgical options for treating breast cancer. A lumpectomy, or partial mastectomy, removes the affected breast and a small margin of healthy tissue. A simple mastectomy involves removing a lobule, fatty tissue, nipple, and some skin. Another type of mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast. The nipple-sparing surgery allows the cancer to be removed while preserving the dark skin around it. In addition to removing the affected breast tissue, some women choose to have immediate reconstruction of the breast.
Inflammatory breast cancer is another type of breast cancer. This type causes the breast to look red and swollen. This type of breast cancer accounts for one to five percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States. Most of these cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas, which develop from the cells that line the milk ducts. They tend to spread quickly. To prevent this type of breast cancer, it is important to see a doctor as soon as you notice any changes in the appearance of your breast.
A diagnosis of breast cancer is often based on the type of disease and its stage. This can make it difficult to navigate the treatment options that are best for you. Taking advantage of the resources that are available to you is an essential step in navigating the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment process. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider about the most effective treatment plan to ensure you feel confident about your prognosis. Becoming a member of a local breast cancer support group can also help alleviate any feelings of loneliness or isolation.
In 80% of cases of breast cancer, a woman’s fingers find a lump that is the first sign of disease. However, other symptoms can be triggered by the tumor. When the cancerous cells spread beyond the breast, they can affect other organs. For instance, they can spread to the bones, lungs, liver, brain, or even the bone. Hence, the symptoms of breast cancer can also appear at other locations.
Some women carry high penetrance gene mutations, which greatly increase their risk of developing breast cancer. These mutations are in genes called BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB-2. For these women, risk reduction strategies may include breast removal surgery. But women who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer should carefully consider all their treatment options. They should not rush to decide on surgical removal. It is best to be safe than sorry. This can be a long-term option for women with the risk of developing breast cancer.
