Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in breast tissue. It happens when cells in the breast change and grow out of control. The cells usually form a tumor.Sometimes the cancer does not spread any further. This is called "in situ." If the cancer spreads outside the breast, the cancer is called "invasive." It may just spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes. Or the cancer may metastasize (spread to other parts of the body) through the lymph system or the blood.

The types of breast cancer :

• Ductal carcinoma
• Lobular carcinoma
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Paget's disease of the breast

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A new lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the armpit
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A dimple or puckering in the skin of the breast. It may look like the skin of an orange.
• A nipple turned inward into the breast
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk. The discharge might happen suddenly, be bloody, or happen in only one breast.
• Scaly, red, or swollen skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Your health care provider may use many tools to diagnose breast cancer and figure out which type you have:

• A physical exam, including a clinical breast exam (CBE). This involves checking for any lumps or anything else that seems unusual with the breasts and armpits.
• Imaging tests, such as a mammogram, an ultrasound, or an MRI.
• Breast biopsy
• Blood chemistry tests, which measure different substances in the blood, including electrolytes, fats, proteins, glucose (sugar), and enzymes. Some of the specific blood chemistry tests include a basic metabolic panel (BMP), a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and an electrolyte panel.

What are the treatments for breast cancer?

Treatments for breast cancer include:

• Mastectomy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy