Breast Cancer
It is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of uncontrolled growth of breast cells. It has many varieties and can originate from different regions. The breast consists of three parts. Lobules where breast milk is formed , ducts carrying breast milk, and supporting tissue consisting of fat or fibrous tissues. Breast cancer mostly originates from the ducts and lobules . Being 50 years old and over, being a woman, having a family history of breast cancer, smoking, obesity, getting radiation to the breast area, taking hormonal treatments are risk factors. White women have a greater risk compared to other races.
What Are the Types of Breast Cancer?
Invasive ductal carcinoma: In this type of cancer, which originates from the duct tissues that carry breast milk, the tumor can spread to the entire breast with the ducts. This type accounts for around 80% of all breast cancers.
Ductal carcinoma in situ : Ductal carcinoma in situ , also called stage 0 breast cancer, is considered "pre-cancerous" by some because the cells have not spread beyond the milk ducts. This situation is very favorable for treatment. However, prompt action is essential to prevent the cancer from becoming invasive and spreading to other tissues.
Invasive lobular carcinoma: This cancer forms in the breast lobules (where breast milk production takes place) and has spread to the surrounding breast tissue. It constitutes 10-15% of breast cancers.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ : A precancerous condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast . It is not a true cancer, but this condition can then indicate the potential for breast cancer. Therefore, in situ It is important for women with lobular carcinoma to have regular clinical breast examinations and mammograms.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Triple negative breast cancer, accounting for approximately 15% of all cases, is one of the most difficult breast cancers to treat. It is called triple negative; because it does not contain three markers associated with other types of breast cancer. This complicates prognosis and treatment.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This rare and aggressive type of cancer resembles an infection. People with inflammatory breast cancer; usually notices redness, swelling, pitting and pitting on the breast skin. It is caused by obstructive cancer cells in the lymphatic vessels of their skin.
Paget `s Disease of the Breast: This cancer affects the skin of the nipple and areola (skin around the nipple).
Angiosarcoma : This rare type of cancer begins in cells that line the lining of blood or lymph vessels.
Phyllodes Tumors: Phyllodes tumors originating from the connective tissue are rare. They are usually benign (not cancer), but in some cases they can be malignant (cancerous).
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer ?
Breast cancer symptoms can differ from person to person. Some people have no signs of breast cancer at all. That`s why routine mammography is so important. The most common symptoms are:
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Some changes in breast size, shape or contour
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A mass or tuber-like growths that may feel as small as a pea
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A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the armpit that persists throughout the menstrual cycle
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A change in the appearance or feel of breast or nipple skin (conditions that are pitted, wrinkled, scaly, or inflamed)
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An area that is markedly different from other areas in both breasts
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A hardened area like a marble under the skin
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A bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Physical examination is one of the most important diagnostic methods. In addition, the following tests are also effective in diagnosing breast cancer: Mammography, Ultrasonography, Positron Emission Tomography, Magnetic Resonance and Biopsy”
What are the Stages of Breast Cancer?
Staging helps define the extent of cancer in the body. It is determined based on several factors, such as the size and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The main stages of breast cancer are:
Stage 0: The disease is non -invasive. This means that it does not come out of the breast canals.
Stage I: Cancer cells have spread to nearby breast tissue.
Stage II: The tumor is either smaller than 2 centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, or it is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. Tumors at this stage can measure anywhere from 2 to 5 centimeters and may or may not affect nearby lymph nodes.
Stage III: At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond its origin. It may have invaded nearby tissue and lymph nodes, but has not spread to distant organs. Stage III is often referred to as "locally advanced breast cancer."
Stage IV: Cancer has also affected “distant organs” such as bones, lungs, liver, brain. This stage is called “metastatic breast cancer”.
Breast Cancer How is the treatment done?
are several breast cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy , and targeted drug therapy. Proper treatment depends on many factors, including the location and size of the tumor, the results of laboratory tests, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, there is no single treatment option. Sometimes singular and sometimes combined treatments are used.
