PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

BREAST CANCER
Predisposing Factors: Age Genes Hormones Precipitating Factors: Family History Lifestyle Obesity Exposure to Radiation

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation causes inability of the cells to stop dividing. Neoplasia occurs as a result of non-stop cell division.

PTEN protein (phosphatase and tensin homolog protein) acts as tumor suppressor gene to correct errors in cell division

Mutation of PTEN protein causes absence of APOPTOSIS

Manifestations:
Bloody discharge from nipples Peeling of nipples Redness of skin around the breast(s)

Primary tumor formation

invasion of other organ systems

Tumor becomes invasive

invasion of regional lymph nodes

Primary cancer spreads

IF TREATED: *surgery *radiotherapy *chemotherapy *interstitial laser thermotherapy

IF NOT TREATED: *Cancer cells metastasis to major organs

Removal of affected breast tissue

DEATH

Cancer cells destroyed