Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant disease that occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Less frequently breast cancer can also occur in men.

Normally, cells in the breast that are old or damaged will stop dividing and die before they can become cancerous. These cells replaced by healthy young cells. Breast cancer occurs when a genetic mutation causes old or damaged cells to continue to divide and multiply uncontrollably. This results in the development of a malignant tumor in the breast.

Left untreated, breast cancer cells can continue to multiply, spread to other parts of the body, and interfere with more of the body’s vital processes. Breast cancer can be fatal, especially if untreated, and is one of the leading cancer killers in women. However, if diagnosed and treated in an early stage of development, breast cancer is curable in many cases.

Breast cancer is more common in Caucasian women than in African-American women. Risk factors for breast cancer include being over 50 years of age and having a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer. Other risk factors include taking drugs that contain the hormone estrogen, beginning menstruation before age 12, going through menopause after age 55, and having a first child after age 30. Women with certain genetic changes in the genes called BRACA1 and BRCA2 are also at a higher risk for developing breast cancer. In addition, if the breasts are exposed to high doses of radiation, such as during radiation therapy, there is an increased risk of breast cancer.

Symptoms of breast cancer include a breast lump. However, a breast lump may be so small that it is not felt in early stages of the diseases. For additional symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of breast cancer.

Diagnosing breast cancer begins with taking a medical and sexual history and completing a physical and breast examination.

Screening tests include imaging tests, such as a mammogram, a special X-ray of the breasts. An ultrasound using sound wave technology may also be done to help determine if a breast lump is or a hard solid mass, which may indicate a cancerous tumor.

Diagnostic tests also include a biopsy of the breast lump. A biopsy involves taking a sample of the breast lump to examine under a microscope for breast cancer cells.

If a breast lump is found to be cancerous, further testing is generally performed. Imaging tests may include MRI and PET scan, which can help to show if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as to the lymph nodes. A lymph node biopsy is generally done if metastasis to the lymphatic system is suspected. Other diagnostic tests performed for breast cancer include hormone tests.

A diagnosis of breast cancer can easily be delayed or missed because a breast lump may be too small to feel or see on a mammogram, may not be painful, and might be ignored, and for other reasons. In addition, some symptoms of breast cancer can resemble symptoms of other diseases and conditions. For more information on misdiagnosis and diseases and conditions that can mimic breast cancer, refer to misdiagnosis of breast cancer.

Treatment of breast cancer varies, depending on the individual case and the type and stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. For more information on treatments, refer to treatment of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the second leading malpractice-related condition with most lawsuits arising out of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. One problem is that a mammogram may be negative, even for women with a breast lump, but a negative mammogram does not definitively rule out breast cancer. Further tests are necessary. Another problem is that women under 50 can get breast cancer, but many doctors will assume a diagnosis of breast fibrocystic disease because of their age.

 

Breast Cancer: Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of breast cancer is a breast lump. However, malignant breast lumps may be small or hard to detect at an early stage of breast cancer. A breast lump that is malignant is often not painful, but pain can occur in some cases.

There are also other less serious causes of breast lumps, but any breast lump should be quickly evaluated medically.

Breast Cancer: Treatments

There is no way to prevent breast cancer. However, there are ways to increase the chances that it will be caught at an early stage when it is most curable. This includes performing monthly breast self-examination to check for breast lumps. It is also important to seek regular medical care even when there are no symptoms and to have regular screening mammograms, especially after age 40. It …more »

Breast Cancer: Misdiagnosis

Diagnosing a breast lump and breast cancer may be delayed or missed because in some cases, a breast lump may not be painful or large enough for a person to become concerned and seek medical care. In addition, small breast lumps may not be felt by self-examination or a breast examination for long periods of time. Some breast lumps may not be easily seen on a screening mammogram.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

  • No early symptoms
  • Breast lump
  • Breast thickening
  • Lump near breast
  • Hard painless breast lump

 

Treatments for Breast Cancer

  • Local therapy
  • Systemic therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Tamoxifen – used to interfere with estrogen for tumors that require estrogen.
  • Radiation therapy