Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

The breast is a gland designed to make milk. The lobules in the breast make the milk, which then drains through the ducts to the nipple. Anatomically, the breast is composed of the nipple, areola, lactating sinuses, ducts and the lobular units.

The cells in breasts usually grow and rest in cycles. The periods of growth and rest in each cell are controlled by genes in the cell's nucleus. When genes develop an abnormality, they sometimes lose their ability to control the cycle of cell growth and rest. Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of breast cells.

Breast cancer can be caused by either hormonal or genetic factors.

There are several types of breast cancer depending on the site of origin and microscopic features: ductal, lobular, medullary, papillary and colloid carcinoma.

Early symptoms of breast cancer may be undetectable. However, as the cancer grows it can cause changes that women should watch for:

·  A lump or thickening in or near the breast or the underarm area.

·  A change in the size or shape of the breast.

·  Discharge from the nipple.

·  A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly).

Breast cancer can spread locally through the Lymphatic system to the draining lymph nodes nearby and distally through blood to the brain, lung, bone and liver.

Breast cancer can be diagnosed by self examination of the breast, mammography, and biopsy.

Breast cancer can be treated by surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or some combination of these treatments.