breast+cancer



Breast Cancer is caused by mutations of the DNA. DNA changes that are inherited increase the risk for developing breast cancer. Breast cancer usually occurs in single breast cells, as woman get older. Breast cancer is not usually inherited. There are many risk factors for breast cancer, but they just dont fully understand yet. Genes control when cells grow, die, and divide. When genes speed up cell division they call it oncogenes. When you slow down cell division they call that tumor suppressor genes. [] []



Ancient Egyptians first noted and recorded the disease as tumors, or ulcers, of the breasts, concluded that there was no real cure and that the only form of treatment was cauterization with a tool called the "fire drill". Worldwide breast cancer accounts for almost 1% of all deaths, is the fifth most common form of cancer and the most common form found in women. Although breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women in the United States, it is only the second most common cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). U.S. women have a one in eight lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and an almost 3% chance of breast cancer causing their death. It is possible for men to get breast cancer but its not very common. []

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) Treatment. DCIS is a pre-cancerous tumor of the breast that should be surgically removed before it develops into outright cancer. The two primary surgical options are lumpectomy or mastectomy. There are many studies that have followed patients for decades, which show that regardless of the technique used (lumpectomy or mastectomy) there is no difference in patient survival either technique is equally effective. In addition to surgical treatment, a combination of treatments may also be required. These include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other adjuvant therapies.

Invasive Cancer Treatment. Invasive Cancer is classified from stage I to stage IV based on the position and spread of the disease. Complete staging cannot be accomplished until after surgical removal of both the tumor and related lymph nodes (axillary nodes), because the nodes require microscopic evaluation to rule out spread of the disease. Traditionally, surgeons would remove the majority of lymph nodes in what is called an axillary lymph node dissection. However, in many leading-edge centers such as ours, this has been largely replaced by sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Mammosite Treatment Option. Over a year ago, The Lacks Cancer Center began a groundbreaking breast treatment program called Mammosite. With this procedure, our surgeons are able to implant a balloon into in the breast, temporarily. The balloon is then used to guide a radioactive source to the center of the area where the tumor originated delivering high doses of radiation directly to the affected tissue. For ideal candidates, Mammosite is typically administered twice daily for one week. []

The earliest stages of breast cancer usually have no symptoms because the small groups of cancer cells are usually to tiny to be felt. Your suppose to get an annual mammogram screening because it detects cancer before you can ever feel or see the lumps. Some of the symptoms for breast cancer in the early stages is swelling in the breast or armbit. You will also want to look for lumps in your breast. Also your nipple will have pain, and or have discharge. The discharge can either be clear or bloody. If you have breast cancer, you will have unusual breast pain or discomfort. In the later stages of breast cancer you can have more severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms are headaches, weakness, weight loss, loss in apetite, bone pain, and you will have shortness of breath. []