BREAST CANCER

By Jorge Rosado

What is Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too.

Types of Breast Cancer

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Triple negative breast cancer Inflammatory breast cancer Metastatic breast cancer

Causes

Most DNA mutations related to breast cancer occur in single breast cells during a woman's life rather than having been inherited. These acquired mutations of oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes may result from other factors, like radiation or cancer-causing chemicals. But so far, the causes of most acquired mutations that could lead to breast cancer are still unknown. Most breast cancers have several acquired gene mutations.

Symptoms
New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).

Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

Irritation or dimpling of breast skin. Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast. Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. Any change in the size or the shape of the breast. Pain in any area of the breast.

Treatments
Surgery

Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy Hormone Therapy Targeted Therapy

Current Research
Researchers have found that in many women with breast cancer, cells may break away from the tumor and enter the blood. These circulating tumor cells can be detected with sensitive lab tests. Although these tests can help predict which patients may go on to have their cancer come back, it isnt clear that the use of these tests will help patients live longer. They potentially may be useful in patients with advanced breast cancer to help tell if treatments are working.

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6XWCpbmHtw http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/11/nipple-tattooingartist-vinnie-myers-helps-breast-cancer-survivors-96904.html

Sources
www.breastcancer.org www.cancercenter.com www.medicinenet.com

www.onhealth.com
www.rightdiagnosis.com www.cdc.gov