Most types of breast cancer start in the lining of the breast and appear as a tumor. In this stage, the tumor is considered “in situ,” or contained within the breast duct or lobule, and can often be removed by surgery. More aggressive forms of the disease are known as “invasive” breast cancer. Once a cancerous lesion has spread to the surrounding tissue, it cannot be removed with surgery.
Treatment for breast cancer can involve a combination of surgeries and medications. Treatments can include chemotherapy and radiation. In addition, breast cancer surgery can be combined with HER2-directed therapy. These therapies are given through a tube into the bloodstream or taken as pills. While these treatments are extremely effective, they do have side effects. Some women report fatigue, hair loss, and weakness. A lab test can reveal that some breast cancer cells are over-producing the HER2 protein. Targeted therapies are designed to block the activity of extra HER2 protein.
Many women find it difficult to cope with the emotional and physical side effects of undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Luckily, these effects do not recur. Talking about your feelings with a specialist nurse can help in the early days. Discussing how you’re feeling with the nurse can help you deal with your new situation. The support you need during this difficult time is invaluable. The American Cancer Society has support groups available for women who have breast cancer.
Genetics can also play a role in breast cancer. Breast cancer is hereditary in approximately five to 10 percent of cases. Genetic changes in the BRCA1 gene can cause the cancer in some women. However, most women with this disease have no family history. Other factors that affect breast cancer risk include your lifestyle and environment. Often, doctors do not have an explanation for why a person may have a higher risk of developing the disease. Being a woman is one of the biggest risk factors. Age and the onset of menopause may trigger the development of cancer cells.
The American Joint Committee on Cancer defines the stages of breast cancer. Stages are determined by the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread to nearby organs and distant organs. While breast cancer has multiple stages, it is categorized as early-stage, locally advanced, or metastatic. If it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, the cancer has reached a more advanced stage. It is known as metastatic breast cancer and is often treated with surgery or chemotherapy.
While there is no known cure for breast cancer, it is possible to detect a suspicious lump. Often, a breast lump is detected through a biopsy, a test that involves removing bits of tissue from the breast for examination. This test is usually done with a hollow needle. The results of the biopsy take about a week, but the doctor may also order additional tests to further evaluate the cancer. These tests can help the doctor determine the stage of the cancer, which is an important factor in the decision of treatment.
