Breast Cancer

Breast, including lymph nodes, lobules and ducts

Breast Anatomy Open the pop-up dialog box

Breast anatomy

Breast cancer comes after skin cancer in that it is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. Breast cancer may affect both men and women, but it is more common in women.

Significant support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has made progress in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Survival rates for breast cancer patients increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease decreased regularly, due in large part to a number of factors, such as early detection, the use of a new treatment method that takes into account the individual condition, and a better understanding of the nature of this disease.

.Species

.Vascular sarcoma

.Invasive lobular carcinoma

.Local lobular carcinoma (LCIS)

.Inflammatory breast cancer

.Recurrent breast cancer

.Male breast cancer

.Localized Channel Cancer (DCIS)

.Paget's disease in the breast

.Symptoms

.Nipple changes

.Nipple changes Open the pop-up dialog

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

A lump or thickening of the breast that differs from the surrounding tissues

A change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast

A change in the skin on the breast, such as a stud

The newly inverted nipple

Peeling, tingling, stiffness or flaking of the pigmented area of   skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

Breast redness or stippling, such as the skin of an orange

When do you visit the doctor?

If you find a lump or other change in your breast - even if your mammogram is normal - make an appointment with your doctor for immediate evaluation.

.Doctors know that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow in an abnormal way. These cells divide more quickly than healthy cells and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or tumor. The cells may spread (spread) through the breast to the lymph nodes, or to other parts of your body.

.Breast cancer usually begins with the cells in the milk-producing ducts (violent milk cancer). Breast cancer can also start in glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma), or in other cells or tissues within the breast.

.Researchers have identified lifestyle factors, hormonal and environmental factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer. But it is not clear why some people develop cancer despite not having any risk factors surrounding them, while other people who are at risk are not infected. Breast cancer is likely due to the complex interaction of genetic makeup and the environment in which it lives.

.Hereditary breast cancer

Doctors estimate that 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer is linked to genetic mutations that are passed down through family generations.

.Identify a number of inherited mutation genes that can increase the risk of breast cancer. The most common of these genes is BRCA1 and Breast Cancer 2 (BRCA2), both of which increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

.If your family has a strong history of breast cancer or other types of cancer, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in the BRCA gene or other genes that travel through the family.

.Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a gene counselor who can review your family's health history. A gene counselor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing. To help you make a joint decision.

Risk factors

.Breast cancer risk factor is any factor that makes women more likely to develop breast cancer. However, having one or more breast cancer risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop breast cancer. Many women with breast cancer do not have any known risk factors other than being women.

.Being a female your risk of developing breast cancer increases with age.

There is a medical history of breast problems. If lobular topical cancer is found in breast biopsy (LCIS) or atypical breast hyperplasia, you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Having a history of breast cancer. If you have breast cancer in one of the breasts, you have a higher risk of developing cancer in the other breast.

A family history of breast cancer. If your mother, sister or daughter is diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age, your risk of breast cancer increases. However, the majority of people with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

Inherited genes that increase the risk of cancer. Some genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing breast cancer can be passed from parents to children. The most well-known genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes can greatly increase the risk of developing breast and other cancers, but they do not make cancer an imperative.

Radiation exposure. If you have had radiation therapy to the chest in childhood or youth, your risk of developing breast cancer increases.

Obesity. Being overweight or obese raises the risk of breast cancer.

You start your menstrual cycle at an early age. Beginning your period before twelfth increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

.The menopause begins at an advanced age. If you started menopause at an older age, you are more likely to develop breast cancer.

Having a first child at a later age. Women who give birth to their first child after the age of 30 may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

You have never been pregnant. Women who have never conceived are more likely to develop breast cancer than women who have had one or more pregnancies.

Use of hormonal therapy after menopause. Women who take hormone therapy drugs that combine estrogen and progesterone to treat menopause signs and symptoms have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. 

Drink alcoho, Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer.