General Information About Breast Cancer
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
These are malignant tumors that start in the milk ducts (ductal) or milk glands (lobular) of the breast, carrying the potential to grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) via the axillary lymph nodes.
Being female (it is rarely seen in men as well) and aging are the most significant factors. Those with a family history (mother, sister) of breast cancer (carriers of BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations) are at high risk. Having never given birth or having given birth after the age of 30, early onset of menstruation and late menopause (prolonged exposure to estrogen), obesity, alcohol, and tobacco use increase the risk.
The most common symptom is a hard mass with irregular borders that is usually painless and immobile, palpable in the breast or armpit. Asymmetric changes in the shape/size of the breast, sudden retraction of the nipple, bloody or clear discharge from the nipple, an orange peel appearance on the breast skin, redness, and thickening are significant danger signs.
No. Eighty percent of the masses women notice in their breasts are completely benign, harmless structures such as fibrocystic changes, simple fluid-filled cysts, or fibroadenomas. However, every palpable mass must be evaluated by a General Surgeon immediately.
After the age of 20, every woman should perform a Breast Self-Examination every month, 3-4 days after the end of menstruation. The only way to detect non-palpable, millimetric cancer cells is to undergo a Mammography (Breast X-ray). After the age of 40, every woman should have a Mammography and Breast Ultrasound once a year.
Diagnosis is established by obtaining a 'Core Needle (Tru-Cut) Biopsy' from the suspicious mass.
The entire breast is not surgically removed in every cancer as it was in the past. In early stages, Breast-Conserving Surgery (removal of only the tumor and a few lymph nodes in the armpit) is the standard. If a total mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) is required, a new breast is created (Reconstruction) by plastic surgeons using abdominal fat or silicone implants during the same session. To reinforce the success of surgery and halt the spread, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy (Radiation), and Smart Drugs/Hormone Therapies are administered.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
