Breast Cancer

Symptoms and treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, usually affecting women over 50. While more people are being afflicted by it, fatalities have been reduced in recent years due to advances in breast cancer treatment options. Now, it is estimated that only about 20 percent of breast cancer cases become fatal. Early detection is also a factor in reducing the mortality rate. The sooner a tumor is discovered, the better the chances are for a full recovery.

Doctors generally recommend mammograms every two years for women over 40 and annually after the age of 50. This increases the chance for successful breast cancer treatment because tumors can be caught before they spread to other organs. If left unchecked, breast cancer tumors can spread to the lymph nodes, brain, lung, bones or liver.

The latest breast cancer information still does not explain the exact cause, but certain risk factors have been discovered. Women who had their first menstrual period before age 11 or those who went through a late menopause have shown a higher incidence of breast cancer, implying that higher levels of estrogen may be involved. Other risk factors for breast cancer include family history, exposure to radiation, high-fat diets, excessive alcohol consumption, estrogen replacement therapy and use of oral contraceptives. Women who had their first pregnancy after the age of 30 have also shown greater instances of breast cancer, but no causal link has been established.

Symptoms

The most noticeable breast cancer symptom is a lump in the breast or underarm area. The lump is generally painless, but should be checked by a doctor immediately in case it is malignant. Other symptoms of breast cancer may include blood coming from the nipples, inverted nipples or changes in the skin of the breast. Some types of cancer can make the skin of the breast rough, similar to that of an orange peel.

Treatment

The typical breast cancer treatment is surgery to remove the lump and affected tissues. If the tumor is caught early, a lumpectomy may be enough to eradicate the cancer. This usually entails removal of the lump, along with the lymph node on that side of the body. It is often followed up with radiation therapy of the breast to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. If the tumor has spread, a partial or radical mastectomy must be performed to remove the some or all of the breast. After surgery, medication is often required to keep breast cancer from recurring. Usually, a pill such as tamoxifen is sufficient to prevent a relapse, but more severe cases may require ongoing chemotherapy or hormone injections.