About breast cancer

Breast cancer is a condition that terrifies women. Once their mammograms have tested positive, fear for the worst grips them. Breasts define a woman and imagining their loss to surgery elicits many fears. There is also fear of loosing ones sexuality and even death. The fact about breast cancer is that it is the most common type of cancer in women. It comes second in the worlds leading causes of death. Mammography is encouraged among women to ensure detection of any abnormalities early enough. It is therefore important for women to know the facts about breast cancer to be able to face the condition with confidence.

Abnormal multiplication of the breast tissue causes breast cancer. Normally, the body regulates cell growth by replacing them when they wear out. This process is orderly but there are times when abnormal changes occur in the system. This gene mutation leads to an uncontrollable cell division which results into a tumor known as a cancer. These tumors can be either malignant or benign. Malignant tumors are cancerous and therefore a risk to a persons health. They have the potential to spread rapidly to various parts of the body. On the other hand, benign tumors are less risky and may not be necessarily cancerous. They take time to develop and they do not spread to other cells in the body. It affects the inner lining of the lobules and the ducts. These cancers are referred to as lobular carcinomas and ductal carcinomas respectively.

It is important to learn about breast cancer and its causes, which vary from genetics to hormonal factors. The symptoms of breast cancer vary with the stage of the disease. In its initial stages, nothing much is detected. The first sign is a lump that can occur either on the armpit or in the breast. The breast can also take an abnormal shape or size. A dimple or a depression may occur on the breast surface. Inverted nipples, which tend to turn inwards also, signify the disease.

An abnormal discharge from the nipple is also a cause for alarm. Other symptoms that may manifest themselves include swollen skin around the breast as well as ridges all over the breast. It is advisable to seek medical attention for further tests to affirm if it is breast cancer or another ailment. Some of the tests that are performed to establish breast cancer are mammograms, biopsy, ultrasound, and MRI. It is important to know about breast cancer treatment options. These options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy. To remove or destroy the cancer, a patient may opt to have radiation therapy or undergo surgery.

Systematic therapy may be an option for some people. This will involve chemo and hormonal therapies. In this treatment, drugs are used to destroy the cancerous cells. Treating cancer lies on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor as well as its history. It is important to comprehend fully the side effects of these breast cancer treatments.