If you have ever wondered how to tell if you have breast cancer, read this. In this article, we’ll explain the stages of the disease, which include the first stage, the second stage, and the advanced stage. You may be at risk of breast cancer if you have an abnormal cell growth in the breast, which is called atypical hyperplasia. This abnormal cell growth is highly likely to be cancerous. Here are some symptoms to watch for.
First, breast cancer usually starts in the milk-producing glands and ducts, which account for more than 80% of cases. Other types of cancer develop in the lobules and cytoplasm, where they migrate to other parts of the body. Ultimately, these cells begin to spread through the body, called metastatic breast cancer. This spread is a result of a combination of several external and internal factors. But it is possible for a cancer to occur in any type of breast tissue, including fatty and fibrous connective tissue.
There are several early symptoms of breast cancer in men. During a physical exam, a doctor will determine if the tissue contains tumors. To rule out other illnesses, a doctor may perform mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, needle biopsies, or biopsy. If the cancer is detected early enough, treatment is possible. But if you have any symptoms of the disease, it’s time to visit your doctor.
The most common type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the ducts and spreads throughout the breast. Invasive lobular cancer is more aggressive and may spread throughout the body. One out of every three women develops this type of cancer, and one in every five will have both breasts affected. This type of breast cancer is difficult to detect on mammograms, so if you have any symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Your healthcare provider will recommend several tests to confirm your diagnosis. A mammogram can reveal any lumps or abnormalities in the breast and may prompt further testing. Ultrasound is another diagnostic method that uses sound waves to differentiate a solid mass from a fluid-filled cyst. Once you’ve had a mammogram, your doctor may recommend more tests, including a lumpectomy. The doctor may recommend surgery if the symptoms do not improve.
Treatment options for breast cancer will depend on the stage and age of the cancer. More advanced cancers are more likely to require aggressive treatment, including surgery. During this procedure, the tumor is removed, along with some surrounding tissue. The lymph nodes may be removed as well. If cancer has spread to lymph nodes, a sentinel node biopsy may be performed. The results of this procedure can be used to determine whether the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
In addition to surgery, medical treatments can also include hormone replacement therapy. Postmenopausal hormone therapy can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. While these treatments are increasingly common, they are not suitable for all women, especially those who have had their uterus removed. The goal of hormone therapy is symptom relief, not the cure. In some cases, the only treatment for breast cancer is to reduce the size of the tumor. If that doesn’t work, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy.
