Breast cancer cells have specific receptors in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the cells. These receptors allow chemical messengers such as hormones to bind to the cells. The presence of the receptors determines whether the cancer has a high probability of spreading and growing rapidly. A doctor may decide to treat your cancer with a drug that targets HER2 or another protein.
The symptoms of breast cancer depend on the type of tumor that has affected the breast. Some types of breast cancer are slow-growing while others are more aggressive. Aggressiveness of a tumor depends on its biological makeup, size, and stage. Most aggressive forms of the disease are angiosarcoma, inflammatory, and phyllodes. Breast cancer signs are different in women and men, but they share a number of common symptoms.
Inflammatory breast cancer forms in the ducts or lobules of the breast. It often spreads to other parts of the body. Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for one to five percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the United States. Inflammatory breast cancer is frequently misdiagnosed as a breast infection. It can spread rapidly and may not be diagnosed until it spreads to other parts of the body. The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer vary widely, but all are related to the presence of an inflammatory breast.
A tumor that is smaller than 20 millimeters in diameter is a stage II breast cancer. The tumor has spread to the lymph nodes under the armpit. It may have spread to the lymph nodes of the armpit or other parts of the body. It has not spread to other parts of the body, but it has met all the criteria of stage III breast cancer. A tumor of this size is likely to spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Treatment of the disease will depend on the type of cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The drugs are delivered into the bloodstream where they can kill the cancer cells or stop their growth. A treatment may require several weeks for complete eradication. Hormone therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is another option. This treatment involves affecting the hormones in the body, such as estrogen. It is typically used for women with breast cancer, although it can be effective for men as well. Hormone therapy may come in pills or injections.
Having breast cancer is frightening and stressful, but there are many options to help you deal with the condition. Visiting your healthcare provider is a good place to start. Ask questions, get a second opinion, and find a treatment that you feel is right for you. Lastly, joining a breast cancer support group in your area can help you overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness. The support group will provide you with a safe and comfortable place to talk about your situation.
