Sometimes, the disease will be in remission or active for years, depending on the type of cancer and its spread. Doctors may prescribe a break from treatment once the disease has been brought under control. Other times, they will recommend a course of chemotherapy or radiation, but this is rare.
After receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, a woman will have to see an oncologist and other health care providers for regular checkups. The health care team will look for any changes in her condition, including a lump or growth. They will also check for any changes in her breast size and shape. Depending on the type of cancer, a woman will have to get annual mammograms. Women will also need to get annual mammograms, particularly if they had bilateral mastectomy.
Once the tumor has spread, it is referred to as stage IV. Stage IV is more advanced than stage I. It may have spread to nearby organs, including the lungs, brain, and liver. Breast cancer treatment varies widely depending on the type of tumor. If the cancer has spread outside the breast, however, treatment options will be more difficult. The best course of action will depend on the type of cancer that has spread. A stage two tumor is atypical for metastatic breast cancer.
A MRI is an imaging test that combines multiple images of the breast. This test is often recommended after an ultrasound or mammogram, and may be used to screen people with increased risk of breast cancer. Biopsy: A sample of tissue from the affected breast is sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test is used to identify whether the cancer is hormone-sensitive or not. It also provides a diagnosis and outlook. A lumpectomy involves the surgical removal of the affected breast.
Other breast cancer signs are a breast lump or mass, changes in size or shape, or nipple abnormalities. Treatment for breast cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Advances in nanotechnology and gene therapy are improving the chances of a cure for this disease. With early detection, breast cancer can be detected and treated early. Even if it is detected late, the disease can still spread and cause significant discomfort.
A doctor will evaluate whether your breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes. The more positive lymph nodes, the higher your chances of the disease recurring. A second breast cancer prognosis depends on the size of the tumour. A tumour that is five centimetres in diameter has the highest risk of recurrence. Conversely, a tumour that is a single centimetre in diameter has the lowest risk of recurrence.
There are several types of breast cancer. The two most common forms are lobular and ductal. The latter type begins in the milk glands and can spread to other parts of the body. Doctors determine the stage of cancer by the size of the tumor and its spread to the lymph nodes. A doctor may also use tests to monitor the growth of cancer cells in the breast. If cancer is detected, treatment options can be decided by considering all these factors.
