Breast Cancer - Medical Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth in the breast that can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and bones. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. This article takes a brief yet concise look at the medical symptoms, causes and treatments for cancer of the breast.

Breast Cancer Symptoms And Causes

In the early stages of the cancer, symptoms usually do not appear. As the cancer grows, symptoms can include: a lump in the breast that may or may not be tender and/or an enlarged lymph nodes under the arm that may feel hard and have uneven edges but typically does not hurt.

A woman may also notice changes in the size, shape or feel of the breast such as an indentation of the nipple or a fluid discharge from the nipple; or redness or dimpling of the skin.

Men can get breast cancer yet women are 100% more likely to get cancer of the breast than men. In a man, symptoms will likely present as a breast lump, pain and tenderness.

The cause of cancer in the breast is unknown but the risk increases with a family history of this type of cancer, in women who have not had children; or in women who reached their menstrual cycle before age 12 or went through menopause after age 55.

Some cancers of the breast are sensitive to the hormone estrogen, that means estrogen causes tumors of the breast to grow. These estrogen sensitive cancers are called 'estrogen receptor positive cancer' or 'ER positive cancer'.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

Monthly self-exams of the breasts should be performed to detect any changes early. A baseline mammogram is recommended by age 35, then follow-ups every 2 years up to age 49, then every year after age 50. If a lesion is detected, a biopsy (tissue sample) may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Other tests that may be performed to formulate a proper diagnosis include an MRI, CT Scan, Breast Ultrasound or PET Scan.

Treatment is based on many factors including the type of cancer and the stage the cancer is in (stages range from (0 to IV). Surgery to remove the lump (lumpectomy) or to remove all or part of the breast and possibly nearby structures such as lymph nodes and muscle tissue (mastectomy) is the recommended treatment. Other treatment options include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

The experimental drug, tamoxifen, is currently being studied to determine if it can prevent cancer of the breast. This drug blocks the effects of estrogen which can promote the growth of cancer cells in women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. A newer class of medicines called aromatase inhibitors, have shown good results in post-menopausal women with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer - How You Can Return To Your Sexual Life After Breast Cancer Treatment

There are some changes in sexual life which a breast cancer victim has to face after undergoing breast cancer treatment. Continue reading this article if you want to discover how a breast cancer survivor can return to normal sex and intimacy.

It is very difficult for a women to return to their normal sex life after going under breast cancer treatment. The most important thing what a woman needs after the treatment of breast cancer is a sexual health program.

It is a difficult task to have sex after the regular side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, such as vaginal dryness. This is due to premature menopause which causes pain during sex. Usually it takes a longer time to get aroused and the touch of your partner is not as pleasurable as before.

The steps of treatment of breast cancer like radiotherapy and chemotherapy makes the breast more sensitive to touch and if a women has gotten a mastectomy it is great shock for the patient as well as for her partner.

It is very important to regularly visit your gynecologist during and after the treatment of breast cancer. The women who suffer from cancer of the breast are at greater risk of cervical cancer and atrophy of the vagina.

But there is some good news. The side effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment do not last for a long time. About six months later the woman who as gone under the treatment of cancer are ready for to resume having sex again. But these six months are full of stress and anxiety and some special techniques and ideas should be followed to return to normal sex life.

Signs of breast cancer rare in adolescents

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. This type is common in women over 40 years, although there are few men who have it. Also "known to occur in adolescents, although not as common. One of the worst kinds of inflammatory breast cancer is usually no signs or symptoms. Y ', then one of the most difficult to diagnose, especially young people who may be sensitive to changes in theirbodies. However, if signs and symptoms are present, the breast appears swollen, tender and often itchy. Other symptoms are bruises on the chest and nipples and the formation of lymph nodes in the armpits.

When a teen is called the mass, should be immediately taken to hospital for an adequate investigation. However, not all tumors are cancerous, and only a qualified physician can determine this. In most cases, the bumps are caused by changes in the breast duringthe menstrual cycle. These tumors are usually fluid-filled cysts. The nodules are benign and are usually soft and move easily in the breast tissue. Most of these tumors do not need to be removed unless they are causing serious nuisance or cause significant changes in the shape of the breast.

A lump that seems to grow in size and remains, even when handled with the fingers can be an indicator that is benign and not a sign of breast cancer. This type ofpackages must be taken immediately for further tests. Teens should be encouraged to conduct self-examination, and report any changes to his parents. They should be looking for symptoms such as changes in shape and size of the breast. One breast may appear larger or smaller. Also, ask for changes in the texture of the breast. This includes the hardening and thickening of the breast.

In some cases, breast cancer in adolescentscharacterized by pain. Teenagers complain of pain that comes and goes frequently in the chest. In some cases it may be constant and lasts longer than a day before it stops. You should also check for color change in some parts of the breast. If these color changes do not disappear in a short time, then it must be cause for concern. Adolescents are faced with this disease need lots of help from family and support groups. This is particularly important because I thinkthat do not fit with their peers and are unlikely to find survivors among their peers.

Signs of breast cancer rare in adolescents

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. This is common in women over 40 years, although there are few men who have it. Also "known to occur in adolescents, although not as common. One of the worst is inflammatory breast cancer, which usually has no signs or symptoms. Y ', then one of the most difficult to diagnose, especially on young people who may not be sensitive to changes inbodies. However, if signs and symptoms are present, the breast is swollen, tender and often itchy. Other symptoms are bruises on my chest and nipples and the formation of lymph nodes in the armpits.

When a teen is called the mass, which must be taken to a hospital for an adequate investigation. However, not all nodules are cancerous, and only a qualified doctor can determine this. In most cases, the lumps are caused by changes in the breast duringmenstrual cycle. These tumors tend to be fluid-filled cysts. The nodules are benign and are usually mild, and move easily into the breast tissue. Most of these tumors can not be removed unless they are causing serious nuisance or cause significant changes in the shape of the breast.

A lump that seems to grow in size and remains, even when handled with the fingers, could be an indicator that is not benign and a sign of breast cancer. This type ofPackages must be taken immediately for analysis. Teens should be encouraged to perform self-examination, and report any changes to their parents. They should be looking for symptoms such as changes in shape and size of the breast. A chest may appear larger or smaller. Also, ask for changes in breast tissue. This includes the hardening and thickening of the breast.

In some cases, breast cancer in adolescents ischaracterized by pain. The teenagers complain of pain that comes and goes often in the chest. In some cases it may be constant and will last longer than a day before it stops. You should also check for color change in some parts of the breast. If these color changes do not disappear in a short period of time, then it should be cause for concern. Adolescents are faced with this disease need much help from family and support groups. This is particularly important because they feel thatnot in tune with their peers and are unlikely to find survivors among their peers.

Signs of breast cancer rare in adolescents

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. This is common in women over 40 years, although there are few men who have it. Also "known to occur in adolescents, although not as common. One of the worst is inflammatory breast cancer, which usually has no signs or symptoms. Y ', then one of the most difficult to diagnose, especially on young people who may not be sensitive to changes inbodies. However, if signs and symptoms are present, the breast is swollen, tender and often itchy. Other symptoms are bruises on my chest and nipples and the formation of lymph nodes in the armpits.

When a teen is called the mass, which must be taken to a hospital for an adequate investigation. However, not all nodules are cancerous, and only a qualified doctor can determine this. In most cases, the lumps are caused by changes in the breast duringmenstrual cycle. These tumors tend to be fluid-filled cysts. The nodules are benign and are usually mild, and move easily into the breast tissue. Most of these tumors can not be removed unless they are causing serious nuisance or cause significant changes in the shape of the breast.

A lump that seems to grow in size and remains, even when handled with the fingers, could be an indicator that is not benign and a sign of breast cancer. This type ofPackages must be taken immediately for analysis. Teens should be encouraged to perform self-examination, and report any changes to their parents. They should be looking for symptoms such as changes in shape and size of the breast. A chest may appear larger or smaller. Also, ask for changes in breast tissue. This includes the hardening and thickening of the breast.

In some cases, breast cancer in adolescents ischaracterized by pain. The teenagers complain of pain that comes and goes often in the chest. In some cases it may be constant and will last longer than a day before it stops. You should also check for color change in some parts of the breast. If these color changes do not disappear in a short period of time, then it should be cause for concern. Adolescents are faced with this disease need much help from family and support groups. This is particularly important because they feel thatnot in tune with their peers and are unlikely to find survivors among their peers.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

The first symptom you may have breast cancer is to find a node in one of her breasts. Usually, the mass will end up being kind, it's a great relief because it means that there is breast cancer.

Sometimes not even have to be fixed, can be a change in the nipple, the shape of the breast and nipple, resulting in a kind of nipple discharge is blood on a rash does not disappear or swelling under the armpit. As anyThis does not mean you have breast cancer, but it's definitely something you should not wait until there has been a doctor as soon as possible.

Breast cancers are the typical symptoms depending on its type. If the breasts become very red, more painful and difficult, and sometimes "illegal" as if there are small hives around the inflamed area is inflammatory breast cancer. If the breast is very itchy, skin rash can be easily developed red and wrong, as usual for eczema is Pagent's disease. There is no doubt there was.

A cyst is a harmless bag of fluid. Sometimes, cysts are all that lumps. These cysts can be removed easily and quickly by inserting a needle in them and remove all the accumulated fluid in the cyst. If, in this case, the liquid does not come out, the needle may be used to extract a small sample of breast tissue to be tested> Cancer. This is called a biopsy.

Sometimes, breast tumors can be anything from a type of cyst, which is only one type of bag that is filled with liquid. That is easy to treat and can be done quickly and painlessly, simply by inserting a needle into it and remove fluid that accumulates in it. If no fluid can use the needle to remove a small tissue sample to test for cancer, which is called a biopsy.

All inHowever, cancer is not a laughing matter. Make sure you know about the causes and symptoms of breast cancer. If you start with symptoms alone, please do not delay, contact your doctor. Breast cancer is a disease increases risk of his daughter. Brushing with a shrug of the shoulders is not an option. The doctor tends to the rest.

Ovarian Cancer: More Deadly Than Breast Cancer

A few years ago I was asked if I knew what the most deadly gynecologic cancer was and I answered "Well, breast cancer of course." Oh, how I was wrong. The American Cancer Society estimates that the average five year survival rate of breast cancer at any stage to actually be 89 percent. While no cancer is good that's a pretty good rate. The correct answer to the question is ovarian cancer, and its five year survival rate (estimated by the American cancer society) is only 46 percent. We need to find out why this cancer is so deadly.

Cancer is a dangerous and mysterious thing to people that don't know much about it. Well, everyone is made up of cells, cells are what make up tissue and tissue is what makes up our organs. Normally when a cell gets old and tired it dies just like we do and a new cell takes its place. Our body produces these new cells by growing and dividing healthy cells. Sometimes our body overproduces cells and this is when tumors (mass of tissue) are formed. These tumors aren't always cancer; when they are not they are called benign tumors. When they are cancer they are call malignant; these are the ones that can be life-threatening. Both types of tumors can be removed but the cancerous ones are more likely to grow back and only they also can spread to different parts of your body. When this happens the cancer cells are breaking away from the original tumor and entering the blood stream to use it like a highway to travel around your body. When the cancer cells spread like this it's called metastasis and the cancer can start to go new tumors. If these cells reach any of your organs and start to go new tumors and this is when damage can be done.

They call it ovarian cancer because the tumor first starts at the ovaries and is made up of over productive ovarian cells. The ovaries are part of the women's reproductive system and are attached to the uterus by the fallopian tubes. When a malignant tumor starts to grow these areas can also be affected because of their close proximity to the ovaries. When this tumor starts to shed cancer cells the cells typically go to the abdomen first because it's closest to where the reproductive system is located. Then as I said before the cancerous cells can start to affect your lymph nodes and enter your blood stream to travel to different organs.

Ovarian cancer is so deadly because it's very hard to detect. Every year more than 14,600 women die from ovarian cancer in the United States. This may not seem like a lot when you think of all the billion people that live here but when about 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year that number seems like a lot. So this means that on average 7 out of 10 women will die from this disease and this is all because it is so hard to detect. In order to detect it you have to know what the symptoms are. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs because of where the cancer is located in your body. You can also have a swollen or bloated abdomen because it can fill up with fluids. You will also feel very tired all the time and would have some nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation, or even diarrhea. Some less common symptoms would be shortness of breath, the urge to urinate often, and unusual vaginal bleeding. Now these are pretty general symptoms and many other disease or illnesses can cause them and that's why it's so hard to detect because ovarian cancer is not typical the very first thing we think of when we have one or more of these symptoms.

Most women would think if there was a problem that it would show up on their Pap test which is a once yearly screening that women get from their doctor. However, a Pap test is only screening for cervical cancer and it cannot be used to diagnose ovarian cancer. When women do go in to your doctor for the Pap test he or she should be doing a pelvic exam as well, during this they will feel your ovaries and organs in close proximity for any lumps or changes in shape and/or size. More often than not the doctors will not be able to feel a tumor until they are a substantial size. This is why we look to other testing as well as the pelvic exam to diagnose this cancer. If women who have abdominal bloating or pain and would go to the doctor, they may check your abdomen for fluid buildup. If they some find some a sample can be taken to test for ovarian cancer cells as part of the diagnoses. There is also blood testing where your doctor would check your CA-125 level to see if it is high. The CA-125 is a substance that is found on the surface of the ovarian cancer cells but also on some normal tissue, this is why a high level might indicate cancer. Unfortunately this test cannot be used as the only test for diagnosing ovarian cancer. It is mainly used for monitoring a woman that has already been diagnosed and is going through treatment or as an early detection for the return of cancer after treatment has been completed. The next way to get diagnosed is by having an ultrasound done. There are two different types of ultrasounds that can be done; the first is the less invasive of the two. This is where they take the ultrasound device and press it up against your abdomen and the sound waves that it produces bounce off the organs to produce a picture for us to see. By using this they would be able to get a picture of the ovaries to see if there was a tumor or any abnormalities. The second type of ultrasound they can do is a transvaginal ultrasound and it does the same things as the regular one however this device is inserted into the vagina for a much better view of the ovaries. The last test to help diagnose this cancer is a biopsy. They will only do a biopsy if blood test and one of the ultrasounds have indicated that there may be a tumor. A biopsy is when they take a sample of tissue or fluid to look for cancer cells. Once they biopsy has been done a pathologist will look as the sample under a microscope for any cancer cells. If there are some found then they will be described as either grade 1, 2, or 3 and this is based off of how abnormal the cells look.

Once the doctors have determined that there are cancer cells present they have to determine what stage the disease is in before they can start any treatment. In order to find out what stage the cancer is in the doctor must know grade the tumor is which we discussed earlier and they also may need to run a series of more test such as a CT scan or a chest x-ray. The CT scan is where they would give you some contrast material and the machine would then take several pictures to get a clearer picture of your pelvis and abdomen to see any tumors or abdominal fluid. The chest x-ray is used to see if the cancer has spread to your lungs and if there is any fluid buildup there as well.

There are four stages of ovarian cancer; the first stage is called stage 1. Stage 1 is where cancer cells can be found on one or both ovaries or in abdominal fluid. Only 15 percent of the total women diagnosed have stage 1 and they have a 5 year survival rate of 93.8 percent (statistics). Stage 2 is where the cancer has spread to other reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes and the uterus. It can also be found in abdominal fluid as well as other tissue in the pelvis area. The 5 year survival rate for stage 2 is 72.8 percent and only 17 percent of women diagnosed have this stage. Stage 3 is where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and can be also found on the outside of the liver. This is the most common stage that women are diagnosed (62 percent) with only a 28.2 percent survival rate or 5 years (statistics). The last stage is stage 4 and this is when the cancer can be found in the lungs or in any other organs. So, at this point it has traveled out of both the pelvic and abdominal areas. This has the lowest survival rate of 27.3 percent and the lowest percent of women diagnosed at 7 percent (statistics).

Once the doctor has determined what stage you are in you can start treatment accordingly. Most women will have surgery to remove cancer cells and also both ovaries and fallopian tubes, your uterus, any nearby lymph nodes, as well as the omentum which is a thin fat pad that covers the intestines. If you only have stage 1 sometimes the doctors will leave the uterus intact and only take one ovary and fallopian tube but this depends on your age and whether or not you would like to become pregnant and have children. If the cancer is one of the other stages (2, 3 or 4) then they might have to go in further and remove as much cancer as they possibly can. They can also do chemotherapy as a form of treatment. This is when "anticancer" drugs are given to kill the cancerous cell. The drugs can be given by either inserting them into the vein (IV), intraperitoneal (IP) which is given directly into the abdomen through a very thin tube, or by mouth via pill form (ovarian cancer 13). The side effects to the chemotherapy can be hair loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is because the drugs also harm normal cells, so it can damage your hair cells (hair loss) and the cells that line your digestive tract (vomiting and diarrhea) but it can also damage your blood cells and make your body bruise easier and you would be more susceptible to get infections because your blood cells are what help fight infections off.

As of right now we cannot explain why one women may develop this cancer and another will not but there are some women that are at higher risk. If you have any women in your family that has had ovarian cancer, specifically your mother, daughter, or sister you or a family member are at a higher risk. But, also if you or any other family members have had uterus, colon, rectum, or breast cancer you or a family member will be at a higher risk. Most women that are diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 55 and have never been pregnant. If you or a family member is at an increase risk you want to talk to your family member to make sure they are aware of these risks. Then I would encourage those at risk people to consult your doctor and see if anything can be done to make sure if you would so some signs of cancer, it could be detected early.

They may recommend genetic testing to see if you have a certain mutation of the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene which has been linked to ovarian cancer and breast cancer. If you go and have this testing done you will have to provide a detailed family history and also give a blood sample. They will test they blood for mutations in your DNA, specifically looking at your BRCA 1 and 2 genes. When you get the results back they will let you know if they found a mutation and if they did you know that you for sure are at an increase risk. If they don't find a mutation they will still put you into an at risk category based on your family history. This testing has been very important in determining the links between certain mutations and ovarian cancer. The more data we can collect the better off we are on finding a connection.

The most important thing to remember is that this is the most deadly gynecologic cancer with very nonspecific symptoms, 15,000 women die from this cancer every year. If you or anyone you know are having any of these symptoms you should talk to them and encourage them to contact their doctor in hopes of early detection. The earlier the detection the better chances you or a family member has of not becoming one of the 15,000.