By Obiadi Christen
Breast cancer is a malignant lesion of unknown etiology. It is one of the most commonest cancer in women.
Types: It is generally classified into the non-invasive and invasive type.
1. Non-Invasive breast cancer: in this type of cancer, the malignant cells are confined to the ducts or lobules(inner parts of the breast) with no evidence of penetration into the guarding cells(basement mambrane). This type can be considered as less malignant because since the cells can't penetrate the basement membrane they are not able to spread to other structures. Examples include lobular carcinoma in situ and ducal carcinoma in situ.
2. Invasive breast cancer: here the malignant cells penetrate the basement membrane and metastasize to surrounding tissues and organs and thereby causing systemic problems. Examples include infiltrating ducal cancer, infiltrating lobular cancer, tubular cancer e.t.c
Symptoms: These are individualized and dependent on the type of cancer and extent of metastasis. Metastasis is the spread of malignant cells to other parts of the body either directly, through blood or through lymphatic drainage. Some of classical symptoms include:
1. Weight loss
2. Bloody nipple discharge.
3. Pain and tenderness on the breast.
4. Redness or discoloration of the breast.
5. Breast enlargement or swelling.
6. Peau d orange.
(It should be noted that even in the presence of any or all of these signs, a histological test must be done to confirm diagnosis.)
Diagnosis:
1. Self examination
2. Mammography and breast ultrasound.
3. Biopsy.
Causes: There has been no proven cause of breast cancer but several risk factors have been identified and they include:
1. Genetic mutations.
2. Family history.
3. Obesity and high fat diet.
4. Extensive use of contraceptives.
5. Early menarche.
6. Late menopause(>55years)
7. Advanced age of first full term pregnancy.
8. Nulliparous women.
9. Extensive radiation.
10. Previous history of benign tumor.
Treatment: Care is individualized based on the type of tumor. Standard treatment is excision of the tumor, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Now you know all about breast cancer, it would amaze you to know that therapy has greatly improved and breast cancer is no longer a death sentence.
Breast Cancer
With the increasing prevalence of breast cancer in Africa, it is crucial for us to be vigilant and monitor our breasts religiously. It was formerly believed that only females suffered from breast cancer but statistics now shows that 1% of breast cancers are suffered by men. Breast cancer is a topic which can never be exhausted or overemphasized. Here's a brief study on the topic.Breast cancer is a malignant lesion of unknown etiology. It is one of the most commonest cancer in women.
Types: It is generally classified into the non-invasive and invasive type.
1. Non-Invasive breast cancer: in this type of cancer, the malignant cells are confined to the ducts or lobules(inner parts of the breast) with no evidence of penetration into the guarding cells(basement mambrane). This type can be considered as less malignant because since the cells can't penetrate the basement membrane they are not able to spread to other structures. Examples include lobular carcinoma in situ and ducal carcinoma in situ.
2. Invasive breast cancer: here the malignant cells penetrate the basement membrane and metastasize to surrounding tissues and organs and thereby causing systemic problems. Examples include infiltrating ducal cancer, infiltrating lobular cancer, tubular cancer e.t.c
Symptoms: These are individualized and dependent on the type of cancer and extent of metastasis. Metastasis is the spread of malignant cells to other parts of the body either directly, through blood or through lymphatic drainage. Some of classical symptoms include:
1. Weight loss
2. Bloody nipple discharge.
3. Pain and tenderness on the breast.
4. Redness or discoloration of the breast.
5. Breast enlargement or swelling.
6. Peau d orange.
(It should be noted that even in the presence of any or all of these signs, a histological test must be done to confirm diagnosis.)
Diagnosis:
1. Self examination
2. Mammography and breast ultrasound.
3. Biopsy.
Causes: There has been no proven cause of breast cancer but several risk factors have been identified and they include:
1. Genetic mutations.
2. Family history.
3. Obesity and high fat diet.
4. Extensive use of contraceptives.
5. Early menarche.
6. Late menopause(>55years)
7. Advanced age of first full term pregnancy.
8. Nulliparous women.
9. Extensive radiation.
10. Previous history of benign tumor.
Treatment: Care is individualized based on the type of tumor. Standard treatment is excision of the tumor, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Now you know all about breast cancer, it would amaze you to know that therapy has greatly improved and breast cancer is no longer a death sentence.
