Article Word Count: 723[View Summary]Comments (0)Breast cancer is among the three most common types of cancers. It is the most common kind of cancer in women, even though it can develop in men as well. Another important fact to take into account is that this is the second most lethal type of cancer in women, after lung cancer. Given all these facts, it is worth learning more about this condition, its characteristics, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
The breast consists of milk producing glands. They are connected to the opening of the skin in the nipple by ducts. This gland and duct structure is connected by tissue consisting of fat and fibrous tissue. There are also blood vessels, lymph nodes and nerves in this part of the human body, just like in any other part.
Most commonly breast cancer occurs in the milk ducts and in the milk glands. It is characterized by changes in the cells that make them abnormal. These abnormal cells grow rapidly and uncontrollably to form carcinomas. The tumors in the ducts are called ductal carcinomas, while the ones in the glands are called lobular carcinomas.
There are different stages of the development of the cancer in the breast. It starts as a small lump, a confined tumor, or with calcium deposits. If these remain unnoticed, the cancer starts to spread to the rest of the breast. When the tumor reaches the lymph nodes, its abnormal cells can travel to other tissues and organs through the blood stream. In turn, patients with advanced breast cancer have can have abnormal growths in the lungs, liver or bones.
The exact causes of breast cancer are unknown. However, researchers have identified the main risk factors that increase a woman's chances of getting the condition. Women who have had benign tumors in the breast are more likely to develop the condition. Those who have first-degree relatives with the condition are at two to three times more likely to develop breast cancer. The presence of the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 also increases the risk. Recent research shows that women exposed to higher level of estrogen are at greater risk as well. Smoking, alcohol consumption, weight gain and obesity and lack of exercise are also considered risk factors, even though they are less significant.
Most breast cancer symptoms are not present in the early stages of the development of the tumor. The first warning sign is usually a lump that can be felt in the breast or in the underarm area. The lump is not painful, but it is persistent even after menstruation. At later stages, the lump can become painful. Swelling in the armpit is another common symptom. In general, any flattening or denting of the breast is a warning sign. This is also applicable to changes in the texture and skin as well as the temperature of the breast. Any notable changes in the nipple and discharge from the nipple are also common symptoms of this condition.
Breast cancer is diagnosed with mammography. This is a special x-ray designed to identify any changes in the breast tissue and abnormal growths, in particular. Before such a test is done, the physician examines the breast to determine whether mammography is necessary or not.
The first type of breast cancer treatment is surgery. It can be either mastectomy or lumpectomy. The surgeon removes the tumor and any surrounding tissue and lymph nodes that may be affected. The surgery is usually followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, so that any abnormal cells remaining in the body can be eliminated. Hormonal therapy and biological therapy are also part of traditional breast cancer treatment.
Breast cancer treatment has a high success rate. Every 9 of 10 women, who have undergone treatment for breast cancer, survive at least five years after this. This is considered curing. In addition, 5 of every 10 female patients go on to love for 10 years or longer. Despite this, it is not uncommon for this condition to reoccur.
The best method for breast cancer prevention is regular screening. Women are advised to have regular clinical breast exams after the age of 20 and regular mammograms after the age of 40. Frequent self-examination is equally important. In general, the balanced diet, the reduced consumption of alcohol, nonsmoking and exercising regularly can reduce your risk of getting the condition.
James has been writing articles about health issues for over 5 years. Please visit his latest website about cancer at the Cancer Information Center, with help relating to the Breast Cancer Facts, with straight talk for anyone affected by this disease.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_TurnerCloseMLA Style Citation:Turner, James".".1 Feb. 2011EzineArticles.com.6 Feb. 2011
Turner, J. (2011, February 1). . Retrieved February 6, 2011, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Breast-Cancer-Facts---Learn-the-Real-Truth-About-This-Disease&id=5834933Chicago Style Citation:
Turner, James "." EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?Breast-Cancer-Facts---Learn-the-Real-Truth-About-This-Disease&id=5834933CloseRecommend This ArticleFrom:To:Message:
Send
Most Recent EzineArticles from the Cancer:Breast-Cancer Category:
Excess Belly Fat Can Increase Breast Cancer RisksLow Vitamin D Levels Identified As Breast Cancer Risk FactorNaturopathic Methods of Treating Breast CancerClarifying the Stages of Breast CancerBreast Cancer Risks and Prevention - Know the Facts and Save Your LifeCalcium and Vitamin Supplementation Reduce the Risk of Breast CancerBreast Cancer in MenBreast Cancer Self-AwarenessRecovery From Breast Cancer SurgeryCare Before and After Radiation TherapyCare of Women Undergoing ChemotherapyBreast Self ExaminationBreast Cancer: An Overview Part IIThe Effect of Body PH on Breast CancerHow the Professionals Diagnose Breast CancerMore...More Related EzineArticles:
Advanced Breast Cancer DiagnosisBreast Cancer Awareness Month: A Whole Lot of HooplaBreast Cancer And Possible TreatmentsBreast Cancer Screening Facts - The Truth About Getting a MammogramHow Breast Cancer Will Affect YouThermography - An Alternative Way to Detect Breast CancerAdvanced Diagnostic Imaging For Digital MammographyEight Years That Could Save a Life!Most Viewed EzineArticles in the Cancer:Breast-Cancer Category (100 days)
How To Prevent Breast Cancer NaturallyThe Symptoms of Breast CancerWarning Signs of Breast Cancer in Young WomenI Found a Lump in My Breast - Now What?Stage 4 Breast Cancer Survival RateBreast Cancer And The Root Canal: What Your Dentist May Not Know About The Root CanalThe Inflammatory and the Metastatic Breast CancerStage 3 Breast Cancer Survival RatesBreast Cancer Diagnosis Vs Prognosis - Why It's Important to Understand The DifferenceBreast Cancer Treatment - Cause and CureMore...Most Published EzineArticles in the Cancer:Breast-Cancer Category (60 days)
Treatment of Advanced Breast CancerCare of Women Undergoing ChemotherapyBreast Self ExaminationHow the Professionals Diagnose Breast CancerBreast Cancer FoundationBreast Cancer - More Than Just a DiseaseSick and Poor in AmericaClarifying the Stages of Breast CancerArtemisin Breast CancerThe Effect of Body PH on Breast CancerMore...This article has been viewed 9 time(s).
Article Submitted On: February 01, 2011
© EzineArticles.com - All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
0 comments:
Post a Comment