When this type of cancer spreads, it may spread to nearby tissues and organs and is known as invasive ductal carcinoma. A doctor can tell you if you have invasive breast cancer by the size of the tumor and its spread to the lymph nodes.
Certain genes that increase the risk of developing the cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. These genes are known as the BRCA1 or BRCA2. The normal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene makes proteins that prevent the growth of abnormal cells. People with mutated BRCA genes have a high risk of developing breast cancer. Women who experience early menstruation are also at higher risk of developing breast cancer. If you or your child have a BRCA1 gene mutation, you should consult with your physician as soon as possible.
The symptoms of breast cancer vary, and the best way to determine the type is to undergo a complete medical exam. Continuing abnormalities, such as soreness, or the appearance of ulcers, should be diagnosed with imaging or tissue sampling. Occasionally, cancers may have no symptoms and may erode the skin to cause an ulcer. The symptoms of this type of cancer may also be present in other locations, including the bones. In some cases, a doctor may recommend treatment for the condition based on the symptoms that the patient presents.
Treatment for breast cancer is highly effective when detected in an early stage. Treatment usually consists of surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and medication. The medication helps treat the cancer that has spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes, but has not yet reached distant organs. This type of cancer may also spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes. The symptoms of breast cancer depend on its stage, and the doctor can use medication to control the cancer’s spread.
Surgery to remove the cancer is often performed with a biopsy of the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes were removed during the cancer surgery to avoid the spread of the disease. The sentinel node biopsy is a smaller procedure with fewer risks. A sentinel node biopsy involves using a dye or radioactive tracer to find if there’s any spread. This technique is also effective at detecting cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.
If your cancer has spread or is ER+, your doctor may recommend a hormone therapy. This treatment uses drugs that kill cancer cells and is sometimes combined with radiation therapy. In addition to chemotherapy, your doctor may recommend hormonal therapy before surgery. This treatment may be necessary for some women whose cancer is hormonally sensitive. It may also be the only treatment option if you don’t have the appropriate hormones or are unable to have surgery.
