The answer to that question is, “Yes,” but what do the symptoms really mean? A doctor can assess your symptoms and examine the affected breast, and if the signs persist, they may recommend further studies, such as a mammogram or ultrasound. Your doctor will also order blood work. A breast lump may also be different in size and shape than a normal breast lump, and the doctor will help you determine whether it is indeed a cancer.
The process of programmed cell death is controlled by signal transduction pathways. When these pathways become damaged, cancer can develop. The interactions between external factors and cells cause the disease. In general, normal cells attach to other cells and stay in their tissues, whereas cancerous ones lose the ability to attach to other cells and die at the appropriate time. During the course of treatment, this can lead to the formation of multiple tumors, or more than one tumor.
In addition to a tumor’s genetic makeup, a tumor’s HER2/neu status may indicate whether it is hormone-receptor-positive or negative. Triple-positive breast cancer cells express more than one of the hormones, estrogen, progesterone, or both. In these cases, drugs are prescribed to block the estrogen or progesterone receptors. Drugs that target the HER2 protein can be given to the patient.
Some women who have breast cancer may benefit from hormone-therapy, which reduces the levels of certain hormones in their blood. This therapy can help stop breast cancer from spreading by suppressing the production of estrogen. However, some women may not respond to hormone therapy and they may require surgery. To reduce hormone levels, doctors may use chemotherapy drugs. Patients who do not respond to this type of treatment can still opt for complementary therapies. This therapy can help control symptoms and minimize side effects.
During treatment, your doctor may perform several tests, including a biopsy. The biopsy will allow the doctor to examine the cancer tissues and cells under a microscope. A pathologist will use this information to decide which treatments will be most effective for your condition. During this test, your doctor will also look for signs of estrogen or progesterone receptors. If your cancer has these receptors, it will grow faster and respond better to hormone therapy.
Typically, stage 0 cancer is not invasive. Stage 0 cancer may not need treatment. A doctor may decide that it is a noninvasive condition or that it has spread to nearby tissues. If a stage 0 cancer has spread to nearby tissue, the doctor may recommend surgery. If you are unsure, you may want to consider a second opinion. You can also change doctors during treatment, if necessary. If you do not have cancer yet, it is still possible to make it better by avoiding surgery.
If your breast cancer has recurred, your chances of a second case are slim. But if your cancer has spread to another area of the body, it will most likely recur. If this occurs, it is called secondary breast cancer. The first stage of treatment is the most effective. The second stage is often the hardest to treat, and it is important to report any changes to your healthcare team and GP. If you’ve had surgery or radiation to the breast, your doctor may suggest different treatment options.
