|
 About Breasts
Benign Breast
Conditions
Fibrocystic Breasts
Breast Cancer
Mammograms
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.
Today, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in
women.
A biopsy of the breast is the only concrete way to determine
if a breast lump is
cancerous. A biopsy will often be performed after the breast
lump is found and
examined by a doctor, or after it has been detected in a
mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and other
imaging tests may be performed prior to a biopsy.
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer undergo some form of
treatment. Many different treatment options are available.
What treatment is undergone depends on several factors, for
example the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the
breast tumor and results of many associated tests.
Types of Breast Cancer
-
Recurrent or Metastatic
Breast Cancer
This refers to breast cancer that has either recurred, or
breast cancer that has been caused by the metastasis of
cancerous cells from another part of the body to the breast.
-
Inflammatory breast cancer
This is an uncommon type of breast cancer (under 4% of
breast cancer cases) that also involves the skin of the
breast.
-
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
This is the type of breast cancer where the earliest
possible clinical diagnosis of breast cancer is achieved,
often using screening mammography. Most patients with this
early form of breast cancer are unaware they have it and have
exhibited few, if any, symptoms. It is considered a
noninvasive breast cancer, and it usually takes between
5-8 years to develop invasive breast cancer from ductal
carcinoma in situ.
-
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma
This is the most common type of invasive breast cancer. It
accounts for over 70 percent of all breast cancer cases. It is
characterized by a hard lump that has irregular borders and
appears set in surrounding breast tissue.
-
Infiltrating lobular
carcinoma
This type of breast cancer accounts for less than 5
percent of all invasive breast cancer cases. It occurs most
frequently between the ages of 45-55, and often does not show
up in mammograms. Thirty percent of the time, this cancer will
also be found in the other breast.
The types and stages of breast
cancers varies widely and have a strong impact on breast
cancer survival rates. Excellent websites are available on the
Internet
offering information, support and treatment information for
all types of breast
cancer.
The Y-Me National Breast Cancer
Organization offers excellent resources for those dealing with
the disease, a diagnosis of the disease or a family member
with breast
cancer. The National Cancer Institute provides
outstanding online sources for
breast
cancer information and support services. |
