Article Advise

submitted: Sep 7th 2008 | by: Swewezen | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 484 | |

Breast cancer has recently become a major issue in today's society. But what exactly is breast cancer? It can best be described as a collection of cells that are growing and dividing in various parts of the breast and breast tissue. It usually starts in either the mammary ducts or the lobules. Its growth rate is very slow and it can take up to 10 years before a lump is actually detectable by a self examination. However just because you have a lump does not necessarily mean you have invasive cancer. In addition to invasive cancer, a lump could also be a type of carcinoma in situ, it is very important to understand the difference between these lump causing diseases.

Carcinoma in situ is an abnormal cell growth/development inside either the milk ducts or the lobules without spreading to surrounding tissue, hence the term "in situ" which means "in place". As long as the abnormal cells remain in the milk ducts or lobules the condition is classified as carcinoma in situ. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) are the two primary sub-categories that we will examine.

DCIS is a disease where abnormal cells begin growing in the hollow areas of the mammary ducts. These abnormal cells carry a strong resemblance to those of invasive cancer - DCIS can actually become invasive cancer if left untreated. It is because of this reason that it is very important to frequently perform self examinations.

Invasive cancer is when these abnormal cells that form inside the mammary ducts or lobules spread into the surrounding breast tissue. Invasive cancer doesn?t necessarily mean that the disease has spread beyond the breast. If invasive cancer is detected early - when a tumor is still relatively small, it can be successfully treated. However, when the cancer is more advanced, and the tumor is larger, the chance of a successful outcome is reduced. This advanced stage has poorer outcomes because the larger tumor can spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones.

Upon discovering a lump (by feeling or mammogram), most women suspect it to be breast cancer. This is not usually the case, but the only way to know for sure is to have follow-up tests and/or a biopsy. Follow-up tests provide additional information about the suspicious area by using advanced imaging techniques such as mammograms or ultrasound. A biopsy consists of removing cells from the abnormal area and examining them under a microscope to determine an accurate prognosis.

When a woman finds a lump it is very important to have it checked out; the odds of that lump being invasive cancer is about 20%. She will either need a mammogram or a biopsy. The mammogram will be able to provide more information about the suspicious area. A biopsy will give you and the physician definitive results as to what is causing the lump and whether it is dangerous.

About the Author

In this article, Breast Cancer Symptoms and ways of identifying them are mentioned. The Emory Breast Center is a valuable option for those experiencing breast cancer symptoms.

Comments

No comments posted.

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.