However, treatment will vary based on the type of cancer and its symptoms. If the disease is early enough, a healthy, active patient will likely have the best chances of survival. There are several types of breast cancer, including hormone-positive breast cancer (HR-BC) and invasive lobular carcinoma. Generally, the most common types are hormone-negative (HR-+) and hormone-negative (HR-negative) cancers.
To diagnose breast cancer, a doctor will perform a mammogram, a test that uses high-energy sound waves and a computer to produce pictures of breast tissue. A biopsy, meanwhile, removes tissue or fluid from the affected area. The cancer cells are examined to see if they are invading nearby tissues. Further tests may be required to determine the type, grade, and receptor status of the cancer. If the cancer cells have spread throughout the body, treatment may depend on the location and size of the tumour.
Mammary glands are located in the breast and are composed of fatty tissue, connective tissue, and lymph vessels. Almost all types of breast cancer begin in the cells that line the ducts and lobules. Occasionally, a small percentage of cancers begin in other tissue, including the lining of the ducts. Although breast cancer is most commonly found in women, men can also develop it. Often, breast lumps are harmless, and they are caused by fibrocystic changes. However, breast lumps may be indicative of breast cancer.
After the initial diagnosis, breast cancer cells can spread to lymph nodes, fatty tissues, the armpit, and other parts of the body. A biopsy may involve taking small bits of tissue from the affected area. These samples are then sent to a lab for analysis. Results usually come back within a week. Other tests may be necessary to determine the stage of the disease. Stage is a measure of the cancer’s progress and affects treatment options.
The stages of breast cancer also determine how advanced it is. If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, a cancer doctor may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine whether the cancer has spread. Treatment options for high-risk women may include medications to lower their risk and a mastectomy. These treatments will vary in the type and severity of symptoms associated with breast cancer. If the disease is advanced, a woman may undergo chemotherapy to control it and avoid its recurrence.
Symptoms of breast cancer are usually mild and can be treated with a variety of treatments. Surgery, for example, can remove the cancer tissue. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, uses special medicines given through an IV. Hormone therapy blocks hormones that help cancer cells grow. Biological therapy, on the other hand, works with the body’s immune system and can control some of the side effects of other cancer treatments.
