Having breast cancer? Do you know that you might be suffering from metastatic disease? If you do, you may be wondering what makes metastatic cancer different from other types. This type of cancer starts in a different part of your body and spreads through the blood and lymphatic system. If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in your breast, it is considered a regional recurrence. In this case, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
The genetic changes that lead to the development of breast cancer may be inherited from your parents, or they may be accumulated throughout your lifetime. Although no one knows for sure what causes breast cancer, researchers agree that a combination of genetics and environmental factors may play a role. In fact, five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are linked to gene mutations passed down through families. In addition, lifestyle and environmental factors play a role.
Although most women with triple-negative breast cancer will not need hormone treatments, they may need adjuvant therapies after surgery. These treatments are used if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or spread beyond the breast. The cancer may be located in the nipple or skin, and calcium deposits can form. Although hormonal treatments are not recommended for this type of cancer, they are often used in conjunction with chemo. Although most people with this type of cancer will not need surgery, some may need to undergo immunotherapy as well.
However, despite its name, breast cancer is a dangerous disease. It can spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications. The good news is that you can still receive treatment for it if detected early. Often, breast cancer can be detected through mammograms. There are two types of breast cancer: invasive and noninvasive. Once your doctor identifies the type of cancer, he will treat it as needed.
While breast cancer has several common symptoms, many women do not have any. However, women who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing the disease. Exercise also helps to keep your weight in check. You should also eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Lastly, limit your alcohol intake. Although moderate drinking is beneficial for older adults, it may increase your risk of breast cancer. There are many other risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Luckily, there are treatment options for HER2-positive breast cancer. A pathologist can examine the biopsied tissue under a microscope and determine whether or not the cells are normal, precancerous, or cancerous. The best treatment option for you depends on your individual genetics. A pathologist will also determine whether the cancer is hormone-receptor negative or HER2-positive. They will use the results of the tests to develop a treatment plan for you.
While chemotherapy may be a good option for metastatic breast cancer, some women are not candidates for it. This is because it has a very high risk of spreading to other parts of the body. In these cases, it may be a good idea to take hormone treatment along with the drug. This combination will make your survival rate much higher than with either treatment alone. This is because the cancer cells need to pass through certain traffic signs in order to spread.