Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It occurs when cells in the breast tissue grow abnormally and form a tumor. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, though it can also occur in men, albeit much less frequently. Early detection through screening tests such as mammograms, along with advances in treatment options, has significantly improved survival rates for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.

Types of Breast cancer:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS):

DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast ducts. It's considered an early-stage breast cancer and has not spread outside the ducts into nearby breast tissue.

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC):

This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. IDC begins in the milk ducts of the breast and then invades surrounding breast tissue. It can potentially spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC):

: ILC starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and can spread to nearby breast tissue. It's the second most common type of invasive breast cancer.

• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC):

TNBC is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein expression. It tends to grow and spread more aggressively than other types and typically requires different treatment approaches.

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC):

IBC is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast. It often does not present as a distinct lump and can be challenging to diagnose.

Symptoms:

• Lump or Mass:

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast or underarm area. It may feel firm, hard, or irregular in shape. Not all lumps are cancerous, but any new lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

• Changes in Breast Appearance:

Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast, such as swelling, dimpling, or distortion, may indicate breast cancer. Skin changes, such as redness, scaliness, or thickening, can also occur..

• Nipple Changes:

Changes in the nipple or nipple area can be a sign of breast cancer. This may include nipple retraction (turning inward), nipple discharge (other than breast milk), or changes in nipple texture (such as scaling or crusting).

• Breast or Nipple Pain:

While breast cancer is not usually associated with pain, some individuals may experience breast or nipple pain, tenderness, or discomfort.

• Changes in Breast Sensation:

Some individuals with breast cancer may notice changes in sensation, such as itching, tingling, or numbness in the breast or nipple area.

Causes of Breast Cancer:

• Genetic Factors:

Inherited mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. These mutations can be passed down through generations and are associated with a higher likelihood of developing both breast and ovarian cancer.

• Age and Gender:

The risk of breast cancer increases with age, and women are much more likely to develop breast cancer than men. While men can also get breast cancer, it's relatively rare compared to women.

• Hormonal Factors:

Hormonal influences play a significant role in breast cancer risk. Factors such as early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), never giving birth or having the first child after age 30, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase the risk.

• Environmental Factors:

Exposure to certain environmental factors may also contribute to breast cancer risk, although the evidence is less clear. These factors may include exposure to ionizing radiation (such as radiation therapy for other cancers), environmental pollutants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Stages of Breast Cancer:

1. Stage 1 (Carcinoma in Situ):

• In this stage, abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct or invaded surrounding tissue. It is considered non-invasive breast cancer.
• Examples include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

2. Stage 2:

• The tumor is small and confined to the breast, with no lymph node involvement or distant metastasis.
• Tumor size is up to 2 centimeters (cm) and hasn't spread to lymph nodes.

3. Stage 3:

• The tumor is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but has not yet metastasized to distant organs.
• Tumor size is between 2-5 cm and has spread to 1-3 nearby lymph nodes or the tumor is larger than 5 cm but has not spread to lymph nodes.

4. Stage 4:

• The tumor is larger than 5 cm and has spread to 4-9 nearby lymph nodes, or the tumor has invaded nearby tissues, such as the chest wall or skin.
• The tumor may be any size and has spread to nearby tissues, such as the chest wall or skin, and may involve up to 9 lymph nodes.

5. Stage 5 (Metastatic Breast Cancer):

• Cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain.
• breast cancer is considered advanced and is generally not curable, but treatment can help control symptoms and prolong life.

Treatments of Breast Cancer:

The treatment of breast cancer depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the individual's overall health and preferences, and other considerations. Treatment often involves a combination of different approaches aimed at removing or destroying cancer cells, preventing recurrence, and preserving quality of life. Here are some common treatment options for breast cancer:

1. Surgery:

• Lumpectomy:

Also known as breast-conserving surgery, a lumpectomy involves removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue while preserving the breast.

• Mastectomy:

In a mastectomy, the entire breast is surgically removed. Types of mastectomy include simple mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue), modified radical mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue and some lymph nodes), and radical mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue, chest muscles, and lymph nodes).

• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy:

This procedure involves removing and examining a few lymph nodes to determine if cancer has spread beyond the breast.

2. Radiation Therapy:

• Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in the breast, chest wall, or lymph nodes.

3. Chemotherapy:

• Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be administered before or after surgery, depending on the type and stage of breast cancer. Chemotherapy may also be used to treat metastatic breast cancer.

4. Hormone Therapy:

• Hormone therapy is used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, which grow in response to estrogen or progesterone hormones. It works by blocking the effects of these hormones or reducing their production in the body.

5. Targeted Therapy:

• Targeted therapy drugs specifically target certain molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth and progression. Examples include drugs that target HER2 (such as trastuzumab) or CDK4/6 inhibitors (such as palbociclib) for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

6. Immunotherapy:

• Immunotherapy drugs help the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. While not yet widely used for breast cancer, immunotherapy may be an option for certain types of metastatic breast cancer.