Fortunately, treatment for breast cancer has advanced to the point that ninety percent of women are still alive after receiving it. Treatment consists of surgery, radiation therapy, and locoregional control, in addition to systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy or targeted biologic therapies. In addition to surgery, patients are often given hormone therapy and anti-cancer medicines. Some women will undergo both types of treatment. But which treatment is right for you? Read on to learn more.
The first step in treating breast cancer is to determine the stage. When cancer spreads outside the breast, it is called metastasized. The type of cancer that spreads to other parts of the body is called invasive ductal carcinoma. Invasive ductal carcinoma starts inside the ducts and grows outside them. It can then spread to nearby tissues, including the lymph nodes. The other two types of breast cancer are invasive lobular carcinoma and medullary cancer.
Stage 0 is the most common type of breast cancer. It is usually two to three centimeters in diameter and has spread to lymph nodes in the chest wall. Stage 2 and 3 cancers can invade lymph nodes on either side of the breast. Stage 4 tumors have spread to lymph nodes in the chest wall and distant organs. In stage four, the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters in diameter and has spread to nearby lymph nodes and distant organs.
The latest research is reported each year at scientific meetings, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in San Antonio. Other professional societies hold conferences, such as the St. Gallen Oncology Conference in Switzerland. The results of these conferences are reviewed by professional societies, and then formulated into recommendations for treatment groups or risk categories. But while there is no single treatment for breast cancer, the best way to get the most up-to-date information is to ask your doctor about the options available.
While breast cancer is not always painful, it may have other symptoms. Cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. If a breast lump is painful, it may be a sign of an invasive disease. Further, other parts of the body may show symptoms, such as the bones. It’s vital to seek treatment as soon as possible if you notice any abnormalities in these areas.
A person’s genetic makeup and family history increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The BRCA genes, for example, are passed down from their parents. Having a family member with the same gene mutation is helpful in reducing the chances of breast cancer, but this does not guarantee the development of the disease. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking or drinking alcohol, increase the risk of developing breast cancer. And obesity also increases the risk of the disease.
Many types of breast cancer have no specific symptoms, though symptoms can be indicative of an underlying medical condition. Breast lumps are often the first sign of the disease in males. Luckily, most lumps in the breast are benign and therefore painless, though some are painful. Pain is generally the first sign that a breast cancer has formed, but it may also be a sign of another health issue. In any case, you should schedule a breast exam as soon as you suspect a breast lump.
