Breast Cancer Awareness Color
Published on Jun 27 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, Related topics, stages, symptoms
Breast cancer has turned in the last years in a world wide phenomenon. Unfortunately, more and more women are affected by this form of cancer. It is no longer a local or national problem; it has become an international disturbing situation. Without being too pessimistic the truth is that the numbers grow every year and, despite awareness campaigns and events there are still many women who have no idea how important it is to fight the disease from early beginnings. Breast cancer found in an early stage is highly treatable. The change is on the patient's side.
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Good hearted people have created international structures in order to draw attention. Symbols and logos and specific, let’s call them street movements have the purpose to make a statement. More and more patients and survivors get involved in all this. Their success is measured in lives saved and survivor to tell their stories. Organizations, corporations, famous or simple people joined this common ideal. They have built together symbols, gave them identities and a color. The official color is pink and the official symbol is a ribbon. Great combination.
The pink ribbon is no doubt the most important symbol of the fight against this cancer. Millions and millions of people wear it as their way of saying: let’s fight this and win! Stories of survivors back up their initiatives and spread the word around. The story of the ribbon goes back in
In October, the breast cancer awareness day among the events there is one event called Global Illumination. Guilty for this initiative is Estee Lauder Corporation. From them came the idea to illuminate in pink light different land marks all over the world. More than a dozen buildings, important structures from different countries were pink for a little while.
The Harbour Bridge in Sydney, City Hall Square in Seoul, Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, The Angel of Peace in Munich, The Majestic Hotel in Cannes, Niagara Falls in Ontario or Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv are some of the landmarks wearing the breast cancer awareness color. The intention was to underline the importance that mammography screening have in an early diagnosis. Another point on the agenda was to remind the world hoe important research is in finding better treatment, prevention treatment and possible cures for breast cancer.
October also hosts pink days. During these days people organize charitable events, parties with a pink theme. For example, the employees of a company must wear pink clothing or accessories when they go to work. All the money raised goes to research or support centers for breast cancer patients.
Breast cancer awareness color starts to really make a difference all around the world. More and more pink becomes synonym with breast cancer fight. A fight each and every one of us should join. Think pink!
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Good hearted people have created international structures in order to draw attention. Symbols and logos and specific, let’s call them street movements have the purpose to make a statement. More and more patients and survivors get involved in all this. Their success is measured in lives saved and survivor to tell their stories. Organizations, corporations, famous or simple people joined this common ideal. They have built together symbols, gave them identities and a color. The official color is pink and the official symbol is a ribbon. Great combination.
The pink ribbon is no doubt the most important symbol of the fight against this cancer. Millions and millions of people wear it as their way of saying: let’s fight this and win! Stories of survivors back up their initiatives and spread the word around. The story of the ribbon goes back in
In October, the breast cancer awareness day among the events there is one event called Global Illumination. Guilty for this initiative is Estee Lauder Corporation. From them came the idea to illuminate in pink light different land marks all over the world. More than a dozen buildings, important structures from different countries were pink for a little while.
The Harbour Bridge in Sydney, City Hall Square in Seoul, Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, The Angel of Peace in Munich, The Majestic Hotel in Cannes, Niagara Falls in Ontario or Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv are some of the landmarks wearing the breast cancer awareness color. The intention was to underline the importance that mammography screening have in an early diagnosis. Another point on the agenda was to remind the world hoe important research is in finding better treatment, prevention treatment and possible cures for breast cancer.
October also hosts pink days. During these days people organize charitable events, parties with a pink theme. For example, the employees of a company must wear pink clothing or accessories when they go to work. All the money raised goes to research or support centers for breast cancer patients.
Breast cancer awareness color starts to really make a difference all around the world. More and more pink becomes synonym with breast cancer fight. A fight each and every one of us should join. Think pink!
Last Stages Of Breast Cancer
Published on Jun 10 2010, in the categories: stages
Breast cancer is the second most deadliest form of cancer in women in the US. Men too can develop this condition but this is highly uncommon. Breast cancer consists of normal cells being disrupted in their balance and beginning to grow and divide out of control until they form solid masses known as tumors. These tumors can gradually expand and become more invasive until surrounding tissue is affected or secondary tumors appear in other parts of the body. Breast cancer can be prevented easily by monitoring the condition of your breasts. The simplest regular breast self exam can give you greater chances of detecting the cancer in its early stages of development. Early diagnosis is vital and can even offer the patient the option of a single surgical intervention to completely eliminate the tumor. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also be administered to make sure there's no trace of the tumor and to minimize risks of relapse.
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The stage of the cancer is the most important element in deciding what the best treatment plan is and in making an accurate prognosis on you chances for survival. The larger and more advanced the tumor the bleaker the life expectancy prognosis. In its last stages the tumor can grow to be bigger than 5 centimeters and it can begin to spread to axillary lymph nodes and later on to the chest wall and the skin. Finally it can metastize to other organs in the body like the lungs, the brain or the liver and virtually throughout the body.
Advanced or last stages of breast cancer include the second half of stage 3 and stage 4. Up to stage 4 breast cancer can usually be controlled and even cured. Being its last stage, stage 4 offers very little options for treatment and little to no chances of survival. Breast cancer that has spread past the lymph nodes can however benefit to a certain extent from chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. This alleviates side-effects and symptoms but usually can't do more than prolong the life of the patients.
However there are many clinical trials that might just come up with a cure for your condition but this sounds hundreds of times easier than it is. Breakthrough progress isn't reached overnight but there are still many oncologists that give patients with metastatic breast cancer reasonable chances for survival.
For example, at the Cancer Treatment Centers of Americs (CTCA) unique and powerfully individualized treatment is being administered for metastatic breast cancer. With their revolutionary philosophy called Patient Empowerment Medicine, the specialists at CTCA give patients a lot of reasons to remain optimistic. They approach the cancer by treating the whole person, not just the tumor. Even though by this stage the tumor is already inoperable there still remains the option of targeted therapies or the standard chemotherapy and there have been cases reported of women overcoming breast cancer in its last stages.
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The stage of the cancer is the most important element in deciding what the best treatment plan is and in making an accurate prognosis on you chances for survival. The larger and more advanced the tumor the bleaker the life expectancy prognosis. In its last stages the tumor can grow to be bigger than 5 centimeters and it can begin to spread to axillary lymph nodes and later on to the chest wall and the skin. Finally it can metastize to other organs in the body like the lungs, the brain or the liver and virtually throughout the body.
Advanced or last stages of breast cancer include the second half of stage 3 and stage 4. Up to stage 4 breast cancer can usually be controlled and even cured. Being its last stage, stage 4 offers very little options for treatment and little to no chances of survival. Breast cancer that has spread past the lymph nodes can however benefit to a certain extent from chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. This alleviates side-effects and symptoms but usually can't do more than prolong the life of the patients.
However there are many clinical trials that might just come up with a cure for your condition but this sounds hundreds of times easier than it is. Breakthrough progress isn't reached overnight but there are still many oncologists that give patients with metastatic breast cancer reasonable chances for survival.
For example, at the Cancer Treatment Centers of Americs (CTCA) unique and powerfully individualized treatment is being administered for metastatic breast cancer. With their revolutionary philosophy called Patient Empowerment Medicine, the specialists at CTCA give patients a lot of reasons to remain optimistic. They approach the cancer by treating the whole person, not just the tumor. Even though by this stage the tumor is already inoperable there still remains the option of targeted therapies or the standard chemotherapy and there have been cases reported of women overcoming breast cancer in its last stages.
Breast Cancer Stage 3
Published on Apr 01 2010, in the categories: stages
Beside the other facts that everyone knows about breast cancer, there are many important others that I believe your should know.
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Other known risks - Reproductive history and menstruation:
- Women who give birth to an older age are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- A woman who’s their menstruation began before they had 12 years, or they get into menopause at over 55 years old, they are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- Women who never had children.
- Women who undergone hormone therapy for more than 5 years after menopause, have also an increased risk.
- Women who had breast nodules before 30 years
- Women, who have a dense breast when they are old, are prone to develop breast cancer.
- Obese women are at high risk, after menstruation.
- Alcoholic women also present an increased risk, etc.
Any women can reduce risk factors if she takes some early measures, until the disease appearance. She has to cooperate with her doctor, asking what she has to do. The most important things that you must do, are:
The mammograms. Every women, especially those with high risk factors, must do a mammogram every 2 years, even before 40 years old if they have family history or personal history of breast cancer. If there will be anything abnormal, she has to make a biopsy immediately. Mammogram is the doctor’s best tool but still:
- it often does not detect breast cancer
- they also can show certain deformations that are not cancer
- some “fast” cancers spread to others parts of the body before they are detected by x-rays
- like any x-ray examination, the mammogram made frequently is harmful.
Self-examination. Each woman is right if she examines herself and if she sees anything abnormal she has to follow a clinical examination which will be very simple and will take only 10 minutes.
Symptoms. Breast cancer causes different changes that any woman should consider:
- changes in how the breast and the nipple feels
- you can feel a small ball in the breast or armpit
- the softness of the nipple changes
- changes in the appearance of the breast and nipple
- changes in the breast size and shape
- the nipple may be turned to the inside
- breast skin changes color, it may have creases or it can look like cellulite
- the nipple may secret certain substances
Diagnosis. According to the investigation method, the doctor will set the diagnosis. The healing will depend on the stage of the disease.
- stage 0 – is a precancerous stage where cancer cells did not invade yet any neighboring tissues. (treatment is required fast so the cancer cells will not invade others tissues)
- stage 1 – the tumor is bigger then 2 cm and it invaded other tissues;
- stage 2 – where the tumor is between 2 -5 cm and it could spread or it could not spread to lymph nodes;
- stage 3 – present a larger tumor but it did not spread. This is called locally advanced breast cancer. Breast cancer stage 3 can have three subdivisions.
- stage 4 – breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body and it is called metastasis.
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Other known risks - Reproductive history and menstruation:
- Women who give birth to an older age are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- A woman who’s their menstruation began before they had 12 years, or they get into menopause at over 55 years old, they are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- Women who never had children.
- Women who undergone hormone therapy for more than 5 years after menopause, have also an increased risk.
- Women who had breast nodules before 30 years
- Women, who have a dense breast when they are old, are prone to develop breast cancer.
- Obese women are at high risk, after menstruation.
- Alcoholic women also present an increased risk, etc.
Any women can reduce risk factors if she takes some early measures, until the disease appearance. She has to cooperate with her doctor, asking what she has to do. The most important things that you must do, are:
The mammograms. Every women, especially those with high risk factors, must do a mammogram every 2 years, even before 40 years old if they have family history or personal history of breast cancer. If there will be anything abnormal, she has to make a biopsy immediately. Mammogram is the doctor’s best tool but still:
- it often does not detect breast cancer
- they also can show certain deformations that are not cancer
- some “fast” cancers spread to others parts of the body before they are detected by x-rays
- like any x-ray examination, the mammogram made frequently is harmful.
Self-examination. Each woman is right if she examines herself and if she sees anything abnormal she has to follow a clinical examination which will be very simple and will take only 10 minutes.
Symptoms. Breast cancer causes different changes that any woman should consider:
- changes in how the breast and the nipple feels
- you can feel a small ball in the breast or armpit
- the softness of the nipple changes
- changes in the appearance of the breast and nipple
- changes in the breast size and shape
- the nipple may be turned to the inside
- breast skin changes color, it may have creases or it can look like cellulite
- the nipple may secret certain substances
Diagnosis. According to the investigation method, the doctor will set the diagnosis. The healing will depend on the stage of the disease.
- stage 0 – is a precancerous stage where cancer cells did not invade yet any neighboring tissues. (treatment is required fast so the cancer cells will not invade others tissues)
- stage 1 – the tumor is bigger then 2 cm and it invaded other tissues;
- stage 2 – where the tumor is between 2 -5 cm and it could spread or it could not spread to lymph nodes;
- stage 3 – present a larger tumor but it did not spread. This is called locally advanced breast cancer. Breast cancer stage 3 can have three subdivisions.
- stage 4 – breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body and it is called metastasis.
Breast Cancer Reminders
Published on Mar 20 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, stages
I am sure that everyone has heard about breast cancer disease but certainly not so many knows how frequent this disease appears. In most of the cases, breast cancer is fatal but not because the lack of detection methods or of an efficient treatment but because many women says that it can not happen to them or that they think they are not so unlucky. That is the biggest problem, because women are avoiding examination. Probably it is believed to be a shameful problem, a thing that must be avoided. The women really have to give up on these “thoughts” and must think seriously about themselves because this disease is more than reality.
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But still, what is breast cancer? We know it is an “ugly” disease but medically it is known that the body is made of many cells and when the cells of the breast begin to grow fast and multiply chaotic will destroy the place where they are and then will take over other regions of the body too; the process which is called metastasis. Finally, when all the body is captivated, undoubtedly, death will come.
Symptoms
The metastasis or recurrent cancer symptoms depend on the location and stretching. There may be specific physical symptoms, such as a tumor in the breast or chest wall, bone pain or an interrupted breathing (shorted). They also may be no symptoms at all. Sometimes, the recurrent or metastasis cancer is discovered before the symptoms to appear either on a chest x-rays or to laboratory tests which are made for staging or for tracking.
The locally recurrent cancer can cause many symptoms as:
- Tumor is larger on the chest wall after mastectomy
- A lump that grows in size, located in the breast or axilla (armpit) of the breast after conservative surgery;
- The breast is changing its size or shape;
- Changes in the skin, such as a pit or a folded skin of the breast;
- Secretion or bleeding from the nipple (spontaneous secretion);
- The nipple retraction or inversion;
- Nipple covered with scabs;
- Changes in color or how it felt the skin on the breast or the darker area around the breast (areola), after breast conservative surgery and radiotherapy;
- Changes to the chest wall after mastectomy
The stage of breast cancer depends on the tumor size and also of the migration possibility of the cancer cells. The most advanced stage is when there is the largest tumor and cancer cells have migrated already. In stages I and II, the tumor does not have, in generally, more then 2 cm. In stages III and IV, the tumor is larger then 5 cm. So, it is better to make periodic examinations because if the cancer is found in an early stage, the treatment could even least only for 6 weeks.
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But still, what is breast cancer? We know it is an “ugly” disease but medically it is known that the body is made of many cells and when the cells of the breast begin to grow fast and multiply chaotic will destroy the place where they are and then will take over other regions of the body too; the process which is called metastasis. Finally, when all the body is captivated, undoubtedly, death will come.
Symptoms
The metastasis or recurrent cancer symptoms depend on the location and stretching. There may be specific physical symptoms, such as a tumor in the breast or chest wall, bone pain or an interrupted breathing (shorted). They also may be no symptoms at all. Sometimes, the recurrent or metastasis cancer is discovered before the symptoms to appear either on a chest x-rays or to laboratory tests which are made for staging or for tracking.
The locally recurrent cancer can cause many symptoms as:
- Tumor is larger on the chest wall after mastectomy
- A lump that grows in size, located in the breast or axilla (armpit) of the breast after conservative surgery;
- The breast is changing its size or shape;
- Changes in the skin, such as a pit or a folded skin of the breast;
- Secretion or bleeding from the nipple (spontaneous secretion);
- The nipple retraction or inversion;
- Nipple covered with scabs;
- Changes in color or how it felt the skin on the breast or the darker area around the breast (areola), after breast conservative surgery and radiotherapy;
- Changes to the chest wall after mastectomy
The stage of breast cancer depends on the tumor size and also of the migration possibility of the cancer cells. The most advanced stage is when there is the largest tumor and cancer cells have migrated already. In stages I and II, the tumor does not have, in generally, more then 2 cm. In stages III and IV, the tumor is larger then 5 cm. So, it is better to make periodic examinations because if the cancer is found in an early stage, the treatment could even least only for 6 weeks.
Breast Cancer Stages Treatment
Published on Mar 09 2010, in the categories: stages, treatment, Useful Info
The stages of breast cancer and the corresponding treatments - The breast cancer is a disease of aggressive multifactorial etiology, which untreated can kill the patient; if it is diagnosed early, the disease can be treated and cured. That is why it is so important to know what stage is your cancer. You will find below information about each stage separately and the treatment options.
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Through cancer stages I-IV is understanding what is the tumor size (from T1 to T4) and if there exists axillary nodes, mobile or fixed. According to the international classification of the tumors UICC, in breast cancer can be distinguished:
Stage I
At this stage, the breast cancer is less or equal than 2 cm, without the axillary lymph loss and without remote release.
Stage II
At this stage the tumor may be higher–about 5 cm. The nodes can be palpable, mobile or fixed, and also without being spread throughout the body.
Stage III
At this stage tumors exceed 5 cm (T3). Sometimes it may be seen a wound at the skin, an ulcer or mercy (T4). The tumor has spread to the axial lymph nodes that are fixed (N2) without remote release (Mo).
Stage IV
At this stage the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and bone metastases, lung, liver or brain may be present (any T, any N, any M1).
Depending on these stages, the doctors will determine the treatment that must be followed. According to specialists, the breast cancer therapy, depends of others factors such as: the general health of the patient; age; premenopausal or postmenopausal status; hematology parameters; histopathology test or biopsy of T, N, or M; associated diseases, renal or liver.
Treatment of breast cancer depending on stage
According to specialists, in stage I, when the disease is localized, the surgery is performed; the surgical therapy is followed by radiotherapy and immunohistochemical examination: the presence or absence of hormone receptors (ER = estrogen receptor, PGR = progesterone receptor, HER2, PCNA, etc).
The hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy may be recommended in certain situations in stage I, according to laboratory tests results. Chemotherapy is recommended if the tumor had invaded the axillary nodes.
The hormone therapy is recommended when is determined that the tumor has estrogen receptors and/or progesteron positive, and it involves: to the premenopausal patients–ovarian inhibition (radiation or medical surgery, with LHRH analysis) and treatment with tamoxifen for 5 years; to the postmenopausal patients–treatment with tamoxifen and/or aromatized inhibitors.
In stage II surgery is present and it may be made a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. This not only reduces the chance of disease recurrence but it may increase the possibility of healing. Chemotherapy may be recommended if the disease has spread to lymph nodes. In unresectable stage III it begins with 3 to 4 series of chemotherapy sessions. If the answer to this is positive, it is 1 year postoperative then surgery followed by radiotherapy.
According to experts, in metastasis stage IV, the treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormones with receptors treatment. The hormonal treatment is different not only depending on stage of disease but also of the cycle. Female hormones may affect the cancer growth cells and anti-estrogen hormonal treatment is to prevent this.
In premenopausal women it is performed ovarian inhibition (stop the ovarian function). This is achieved either surgically or by irradiation sessions or by drugs. The medical ovarian inhibition is 20-40% reversible when treatment stops. The hormone receptors are detected by immunohistochemical examination and they are present in over 80% of cases.
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Through cancer stages I-IV is understanding what is the tumor size (from T1 to T4) and if there exists axillary nodes, mobile or fixed. According to the international classification of the tumors UICC, in breast cancer can be distinguished:
Stage I
At this stage, the breast cancer is less or equal than 2 cm, without the axillary lymph loss and without remote release.
Stage II
At this stage the tumor may be higher–about 5 cm. The nodes can be palpable, mobile or fixed, and also without being spread throughout the body.
Stage III
At this stage tumors exceed 5 cm (T3). Sometimes it may be seen a wound at the skin, an ulcer or mercy (T4). The tumor has spread to the axial lymph nodes that are fixed (N2) without remote release (Mo).
Stage IV
At this stage the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and bone metastases, lung, liver or brain may be present (any T, any N, any M1).
Depending on these stages, the doctors will determine the treatment that must be followed. According to specialists, the breast cancer therapy, depends of others factors such as: the general health of the patient; age; premenopausal or postmenopausal status; hematology parameters; histopathology test or biopsy of T, N, or M; associated diseases, renal or liver.
Treatment of breast cancer depending on stage
According to specialists, in stage I, when the disease is localized, the surgery is performed; the surgical therapy is followed by radiotherapy and immunohistochemical examination: the presence or absence of hormone receptors (ER = estrogen receptor, PGR = progesterone receptor, HER2, PCNA, etc).
The hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy may be recommended in certain situations in stage I, according to laboratory tests results. Chemotherapy is recommended if the tumor had invaded the axillary nodes.
The hormone therapy is recommended when is determined that the tumor has estrogen receptors and/or progesteron positive, and it involves: to the premenopausal patients–ovarian inhibition (radiation or medical surgery, with LHRH analysis) and treatment with tamoxifen for 5 years; to the postmenopausal patients–treatment with tamoxifen and/or aromatized inhibitors.
In stage II surgery is present and it may be made a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. This not only reduces the chance of disease recurrence but it may increase the possibility of healing. Chemotherapy may be recommended if the disease has spread to lymph nodes. In unresectable stage III it begins with 3 to 4 series of chemotherapy sessions. If the answer to this is positive, it is 1 year postoperative then surgery followed by radiotherapy.
According to experts, in metastasis stage IV, the treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormones with receptors treatment. The hormonal treatment is different not only depending on stage of disease but also of the cycle. Female hormones may affect the cancer growth cells and anti-estrogen hormonal treatment is to prevent this.
In premenopausal women it is performed ovarian inhibition (stop the ovarian function). This is achieved either surgically or by irradiation sessions or by drugs. The medical ovarian inhibition is 20-40% reversible when treatment stops. The hormone receptors are detected by immunohistochemical examination and they are present in over 80% of cases.
Breast Cancer And The Causes
Published on Mar 08 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, Causes, stages, symptoms, Useful Info
The breast cancer is a disease in which breast cells begin to grow rapidly in an uncontrolled rate. The breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, while lung cancer remains the most common cause of death in both, men and women. Approximately 1% of all the breast cancers occur in adult men.
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Metastatic breast cancer - Metastasis is the movement of the cancer cells, either trough the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Metastatic breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells move from breast to other parts of the body and continue to grow in the new location. The metastasis near the breast areas, for example in the axilla (under arm), is called regional metastasis. In other areas of the body, such as in bone, liver or lung, is called metastasis from a distance. Metastatic cancer may be present when initial diagnosed or it may occur few months later or even years.
Recurrent breast cancer - Recurrent breast cancer is that type of cancer that recurs after treatment was finished. The breast cancer recurs in 20% to 30% from all cases after the initial diagnosis. Recurrence rate is higher in the first 5 years after treatment, but may occur in up to 30 years after initial diagnosis. The locally recurrent indicate that the disease reappeared in the breast, after tumor excision and radiotherapy, or in the skin of the chest wall, after mastectomy. The local recurrence of the breast cancer is not considered metastases.
The regional recurring significance, usually, as a disease reappeared near lymph nodes, as an example armpit (axillary lymph nodes) or in the neck (lymph nodes and over clavicle). The recurrent distance refers to the breast cancer which appeared in other parts of the body, such as in live, lung, bones or brain.
Causes - The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. The female hormones and the increase in age, play a role. The breast cancer is a common disease in women over 50 years. The probability that a woman will develop breast cancer at the age of 30 years is 1 in 250. The risk of a woman to develop breast cancer at the age of 40 is 1 in 70. The women with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, most of recurrences appear between 5 to 10 years from the initial diagnosis.
Symptoms - The metastatic or recurrent cancer symptoms depend on the location and stretching. There may be specific physical symptoms, such as a tumor in the breast or chest wall, bone pain or an interrupted breathing (shorted). They also may be no symptoms at all. Sometimes, the recurrent or metastatic cancer is discovered before the symptoms to appear either on a chest x-rays or to laboratory tests which are made for staging or for tracking.
Diagnosis - The metastatic and recurrent breast cancer is diagnosed using physical examination, mammograms, blood tests, chest radiography, bone, ultrasound and CT scan or MRI. The diagnosis of the breast cancer should be confirmed by a biopsy of the suspected region.
The breast cancer is the increase of the abnormal cells which are found (lining) between ducts and breast lobules. The breast cancer is classified according to the microscopic appearance of the cancer cells. Stages indicate how far cancer cells have moved. The doctor who treats breast cancer, determine the stage by picking up the results after tests, as biopsy of lymph nodes, blood tests, bone radiography. The cancer staging is one of the most important factors in choosing the right treatment.
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Metastatic breast cancer - Metastasis is the movement of the cancer cells, either trough the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Metastatic breast cancer occurs when the cancer cells move from breast to other parts of the body and continue to grow in the new location. The metastasis near the breast areas, for example in the axilla (under arm), is called regional metastasis. In other areas of the body, such as in bone, liver or lung, is called metastasis from a distance. Metastatic cancer may be present when initial diagnosed or it may occur few months later or even years.
Recurrent breast cancer - Recurrent breast cancer is that type of cancer that recurs after treatment was finished. The breast cancer recurs in 20% to 30% from all cases after the initial diagnosis. Recurrence rate is higher in the first 5 years after treatment, but may occur in up to 30 years after initial diagnosis. The locally recurrent indicate that the disease reappeared in the breast, after tumor excision and radiotherapy, or in the skin of the chest wall, after mastectomy. The local recurrence of the breast cancer is not considered metastases.
The regional recurring significance, usually, as a disease reappeared near lymph nodes, as an example armpit (axillary lymph nodes) or in the neck (lymph nodes and over clavicle). The recurrent distance refers to the breast cancer which appeared in other parts of the body, such as in live, lung, bones or brain.
Causes - The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. The female hormones and the increase in age, play a role. The breast cancer is a common disease in women over 50 years. The probability that a woman will develop breast cancer at the age of 30 years is 1 in 250. The risk of a woman to develop breast cancer at the age of 40 is 1 in 70. The women with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, most of recurrences appear between 5 to 10 years from the initial diagnosis.
Symptoms - The metastatic or recurrent cancer symptoms depend on the location and stretching. There may be specific physical symptoms, such as a tumor in the breast or chest wall, bone pain or an interrupted breathing (shorted). They also may be no symptoms at all. Sometimes, the recurrent or metastatic cancer is discovered before the symptoms to appear either on a chest x-rays or to laboratory tests which are made for staging or for tracking.
Diagnosis - The metastatic and recurrent breast cancer is diagnosed using physical examination, mammograms, blood tests, chest radiography, bone, ultrasound and CT scan or MRI. The diagnosis of the breast cancer should be confirmed by a biopsy of the suspected region.
The breast cancer is the increase of the abnormal cells which are found (lining) between ducts and breast lobules. The breast cancer is classified according to the microscopic appearance of the cancer cells. Stages indicate how far cancer cells have moved. The doctor who treats breast cancer, determine the stage by picking up the results after tests, as biopsy of lymph nodes, blood tests, bone radiography. The cancer staging is one of the most important factors in choosing the right treatment.
Types Of Breast Cancer Treatments
Published on Mar 08 2010, in the categories: stages, treatment, Useful Info
The treatment of breast cancer depends of the location where it appeared and of how much it has spread. The treatment may include: chemotherapy; hormone therapy, as tamoxifen or aromatic inhibitors; biological therapy with monoclonal antibodies that block the HER-2 protein; radiotherapy; surgical removal of the tumor
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The decisions over the recurrent or metastatic breast cancer treatment are based on a combination of factors, which includes specific information about cancer, patient decision and overall health. Although, the most recurrent or metastatic cancer, can’t be cured and the treatment can only improve the quality of life and increase the survival time.
The type of treatment applied depends on the patient’s overall health and how well they cope with daily activities (performance status).
Initial treatment - Treatment depends on the symptoms, the interest area from the body and the possibility of the cancer if it has been extended. The treatment may include: hormone therapy with drugs like tamoxifien or an aromatic inhibitor; chemotherapy with drugs as doxorubicin, taxol and cyclophosphamide; bisphosphonates to reduce bone pain, fractures and compression of the spinal cord caused by spinal metastases;radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells; intervention for locally recurrent; corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling (swelling) caused by metastatic disease which is interested in the brain and spinal cord.
Home treatment - During the treatment for metastatic or recurrent breast cancer, you can choose on home treatment. This kind of treatment will help the patient to face the secondary effects that often accompany the treatment or the breast cancer. Home treatment may be all that is necessary to deal these common problems. In general, healthy habits such as: a balanced diet, enough sleep and gym, can help to control the symptoms. If the specialist recommends a specific medication and specific instructions to treat these symptoms, they should be respected.
The treatment with drugs - Metastatic or recurrent breast cancer is treated with a variety of drugs including systemic chemotherapy and hormones therapy. The treatment schedule proposed by the doctor depends on the symptoms, characteristics of cancer, location, stretching grade and of the first treatment followed.
Surgery - The surgery in generally is used to treat metastatic breast cancer. The mastectomy may be used to treat cancer that has relapsed in the breast (locally recurrent ), followed by conservative surgery and radiotherapy.
Other treatments - The metastatic breast cancer often affects the bones or brain. Radiation therapy may be a good choice for brain metastases, to remove bone pain and to control the cancer spreading. The type or duration of the treatment depends on the extension of the breast cancer radiotherapy, of the affected area, the overall health and other symptoms that the patient might have. There are some clinical trials to test other treatments for the metastatic or recurrent breast cancer. The diagnosed patients can discuss with the medical staff about the possibility of participating in clinical trials.
Psychological support: Many people with breast cancer face also emotional problems as a result of disease or treatment. The center where you follow the breast cancer treatment, can provide psychological support.
Steps that can be followed by a patient to overcome his emotions reaction on hearing the diagnosis of metastatic or recurrent breast cancer, are: the discussion with family and friends; spending some free time alone; contacting a local organization that helps him find a support group; talking with others who may have similar feelings may be very helpful.
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The decisions over the recurrent or metastatic breast cancer treatment are based on a combination of factors, which includes specific information about cancer, patient decision and overall health. Although, the most recurrent or metastatic cancer, can’t be cured and the treatment can only improve the quality of life and increase the survival time.
The type of treatment applied depends on the patient’s overall health and how well they cope with daily activities (performance status).
Initial treatment - Treatment depends on the symptoms, the interest area from the body and the possibility of the cancer if it has been extended. The treatment may include: hormone therapy with drugs like tamoxifien or an aromatic inhibitor; chemotherapy with drugs as doxorubicin, taxol and cyclophosphamide; bisphosphonates to reduce bone pain, fractures and compression of the spinal cord caused by spinal metastases;radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells; intervention for locally recurrent; corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling (swelling) caused by metastatic disease which is interested in the brain and spinal cord.
Home treatment - During the treatment for metastatic or recurrent breast cancer, you can choose on home treatment. This kind of treatment will help the patient to face the secondary effects that often accompany the treatment or the breast cancer. Home treatment may be all that is necessary to deal these common problems. In general, healthy habits such as: a balanced diet, enough sleep and gym, can help to control the symptoms. If the specialist recommends a specific medication and specific instructions to treat these symptoms, they should be respected.
The treatment with drugs - Metastatic or recurrent breast cancer is treated with a variety of drugs including systemic chemotherapy and hormones therapy. The treatment schedule proposed by the doctor depends on the symptoms, characteristics of cancer, location, stretching grade and of the first treatment followed.
Surgery - The surgery in generally is used to treat metastatic breast cancer. The mastectomy may be used to treat cancer that has relapsed in the breast (locally recurrent ), followed by conservative surgery and radiotherapy.
Other treatments - The metastatic breast cancer often affects the bones or brain. Radiation therapy may be a good choice for brain metastases, to remove bone pain and to control the cancer spreading. The type or duration of the treatment depends on the extension of the breast cancer radiotherapy, of the affected area, the overall health and other symptoms that the patient might have. There are some clinical trials to test other treatments for the metastatic or recurrent breast cancer. The diagnosed patients can discuss with the medical staff about the possibility of participating in clinical trials.
Psychological support: Many people with breast cancer face also emotional problems as a result of disease or treatment. The center where you follow the breast cancer treatment, can provide psychological support.
Steps that can be followed by a patient to overcome his emotions reaction on hearing the diagnosis of metastatic or recurrent breast cancer, are: the discussion with family and friends; spending some free time alone; contacting a local organization that helps him find a support group; talking with others who may have similar feelings may be very helpful.
Stages Of Breast Cancer
Published on Mar 04 2010, in the categories: stages
After breast cancer diagnosis, are made some investigations to detect if cancer cells have spread inside the mammary gland or in the other parts of the body. The process which detect if the tumor has spread inside the mammary gland or other parts of the body is called staging. Information obtained following completion of the staging process, determine the stage of disease.
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Stages of breast cancer:
Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ)
There are 2 types of carcinoma in situ:
- ductile carcinoma in situ which is a non-invasive tumor, a precancerous stage in which the proliferation of modified cells lining superficial layer that are lining the mammary gland ducts. These modified cells are confined to the ducts, not spreading in the other tissues of the breast. Although currently there are no known factors that predispose to ductile carcinoma in situ transformation into an invasive tumor, but in some instances, ductile carcinoma in situ may become an invasive tumor and may spread to other tissues.
- lobular carcinoma in situ it is the tumor stage in which changed cells have as a starting point lobules of the mammary gland. In rare cases, lobular carcinoma in situ may become an invasive tumor.
Stage I
In this stage, the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller, and it does not spread outside the breast.
Stage II
Stage IIA
In this stage:
- the tumor is not detected in the mammary gland, but is detected in the auxiliary lymph nodes. (lymph nodes from armpits)
- the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and it spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
- the tumor is greater than 2 centimeters but no more than 5 centimeters, and it did not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage IIB
In stage IIB, mammary gland tumor can be:
- more than 2 centimeters but no more than 5 centimeters, and it spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
- more than 5 centimeters but it did not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA
- the tumor is not found in breast but in the axillary lymph nodes, which is a conglomerate mass, attached to each other or to other structures.
- the tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller and it spread to the lymph nodes
- the tumor is greater than 5 centimeters and it spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage IIIB
In stage IIIB, the tumor can be any size and:
- has spread to near the breast tissues (to skin or chest wall, including the ribs and muscle tissue of the chest).
- it can spread to the lymph nodes within the breast or armpits.
Stage IIIC
In stage IIIC, the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes under the clavicle and in the lymph nodes near the neck. Breast cancer in stage IIIC is classified as: a cancer that can be treated thru surgery and one that can’t be treat thru surgery.
Stage IV
In stage IV, the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, more often in bones, lung, liver or brain.
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Stages of breast cancer:
Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ)
There are 2 types of carcinoma in situ:
- ductile carcinoma in situ which is a non-invasive tumor, a precancerous stage in which the proliferation of modified cells lining superficial layer that are lining the mammary gland ducts. These modified cells are confined to the ducts, not spreading in the other tissues of the breast. Although currently there are no known factors that predispose to ductile carcinoma in situ transformation into an invasive tumor, but in some instances, ductile carcinoma in situ may become an invasive tumor and may spread to other tissues.
- lobular carcinoma in situ it is the tumor stage in which changed cells have as a starting point lobules of the mammary gland. In rare cases, lobular carcinoma in situ may become an invasive tumor.
Stage I
In this stage, the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller, and it does not spread outside the breast.
Stage II
Stage IIA
In this stage:
- the tumor is not detected in the mammary gland, but is detected in the auxiliary lymph nodes. (lymph nodes from armpits)
- the tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller and it spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
- the tumor is greater than 2 centimeters but no more than 5 centimeters, and it did not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage IIB
In stage IIB, mammary gland tumor can be:
- more than 2 centimeters but no more than 5 centimeters, and it spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
- more than 5 centimeters but it did not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage IIIA
- the tumor is not found in breast but in the axillary lymph nodes, which is a conglomerate mass, attached to each other or to other structures.
- the tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller and it spread to the lymph nodes
- the tumor is greater than 5 centimeters and it spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage IIIB
In stage IIIB, the tumor can be any size and:
- has spread to near the breast tissues (to skin or chest wall, including the ribs and muscle tissue of the chest).
- it can spread to the lymph nodes within the breast or armpits.
Stage IIIC
In stage IIIC, the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes under the clavicle and in the lymph nodes near the neck. Breast cancer in stage IIIC is classified as: a cancer that can be treated thru surgery and one that can’t be treat thru surgery.
Stage IV
In stage IV, the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, more often in bones, lung, liver or brain.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Published on Mar 01 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, Related topics, stages
As you know, breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast start to grow rapidly at an uncontrollable rate. This disease is considered the most common type of cancer that occurs in women, while lung cancer remains the most common cause of death in both men and women.
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Learning about metastatic breast cancer should start with understanding that metastasis is the movement of cancer cells, either through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells move from breast to other parts of the body and continue to grow in the new location. Metastasis in areas near the breast, for example under the arm, is called regional metastasis.
Metastasis can also occur in other areas of the body, such as in bone, liver or lung. Metastatic cancer may be present when the initial diagnosis is made or it may develop months or years later, following treatment for stage I, stage II or stage III. Metastatic cancer is down to 5% of women at the moment of the diagnosis.
The exact causes of breast cancer are not known very well, but there are a few risk factors that should be taken into consideration. Breast cancer is a disease common in women over 45 or 50 years. The probability that a woman developed breast cancer at the age of 30 years is 1 in 250. The risk of a woman developing breast cancer at the age of 40 years is 1 in 70. Women with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing recurrent or metastatic cancer.
Symptoms of cancer depend on the location of metastatic or recurrent cancer and stretching. There may be specific physical symptoms, such as a tumor in the breast or chest wall, bone or interrupted breathing (short), but unfortunately the disease may in some cases present no symptoms.
Metastatic breast cancer is usually discovered due to the symptoms which can vary depending on the location and extension of metastases. Back pain, hips, or sternum may occur due to bone metastases. Shortness of breath or extreme fatigue may occur due to lung metastases. Lack of appetite, extreme fatigue and yellowing of skin or itching may occur due to liver metastases. Confusion, memory loss, headache (headache) and visual problems may occur due to brain metastases (brain).
Metastatic and recurrent breast cancer are diagnosed using physical examination, mammograms, blood tests, chest radiography, bone, ultrasound and CT scan or MRI and the treatment of recurrent and metastatic breast cancer depends on the stage and “personality” of the disease. The treatment may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy with monoclonal antibodies, radiotherapy and surgical removal of the tumor.
Unfortunately metastatic breast cancer is usually a progressive disease. This means that the survival after diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is 2 to 3 years. However, with new treatment techniques, a small number of women have lived 10 years or more. The patient may wish to discuss all the care issues and other legal issues which arise near death with the family. This will help the patient and encourage him to express his decisions in writing. Also the sufferer will need to thoroughly think about all his treatment options and what solution is the best for him. The patient may want to choose an agent to take care and express decisions if he becomes unable to speak for himself.
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Learning about metastatic breast cancer should start with understanding that metastasis is the movement of cancer cells, either through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells move from breast to other parts of the body and continue to grow in the new location. Metastasis in areas near the breast, for example under the arm, is called regional metastasis.
Metastasis can also occur in other areas of the body, such as in bone, liver or lung. Metastatic cancer may be present when the initial diagnosis is made or it may develop months or years later, following treatment for stage I, stage II or stage III. Metastatic cancer is down to 5% of women at the moment of the diagnosis.
The exact causes of breast cancer are not known very well, but there are a few risk factors that should be taken into consideration. Breast cancer is a disease common in women over 45 or 50 years. The probability that a woman developed breast cancer at the age of 30 years is 1 in 250. The risk of a woman developing breast cancer at the age of 40 years is 1 in 70. Women with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of developing recurrent or metastatic cancer.
Symptoms of cancer depend on the location of metastatic or recurrent cancer and stretching. There may be specific physical symptoms, such as a tumor in the breast or chest wall, bone or interrupted breathing (short), but unfortunately the disease may in some cases present no symptoms.
Metastatic breast cancer is usually discovered due to the symptoms which can vary depending on the location and extension of metastases. Back pain, hips, or sternum may occur due to bone metastases. Shortness of breath or extreme fatigue may occur due to lung metastases. Lack of appetite, extreme fatigue and yellowing of skin or itching may occur due to liver metastases. Confusion, memory loss, headache (headache) and visual problems may occur due to brain metastases (brain).
Metastatic and recurrent breast cancer are diagnosed using physical examination, mammograms, blood tests, chest radiography, bone, ultrasound and CT scan or MRI and the treatment of recurrent and metastatic breast cancer depends on the stage and “personality” of the disease. The treatment may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy with monoclonal antibodies, radiotherapy and surgical removal of the tumor.
Unfortunately metastatic breast cancer is usually a progressive disease. This means that the survival after diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is 2 to 3 years. However, with new treatment techniques, a small number of women have lived 10 years or more. The patient may wish to discuss all the care issues and other legal issues which arise near death with the family. This will help the patient and encourage him to express his decisions in writing. Also the sufferer will need to thoroughly think about all his treatment options and what solution is the best for him. The patient may want to choose an agent to take care and express decisions if he becomes unable to speak for himself.
Breast Cancer Staging
Published on Feb 23 2010, in the categories: Related topics, stages, Useful Info
After diagnosing breast cancer you should expect a series of investigations to detect if cancer cells have spread within the mammary gland or in other parts of the body. The process which determines if the tumor has spread within the mammary gland or in other parts of the body is called breast cancer staging.
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The information obtained following completion of the process will determine the stage of the disease. Knowing the stage of your condition is very important so that you will be able to institute appropriate therapy. This is why we will present a few of the characteristics of every stage.
The first stage is Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ). There are two types of carcinoma in situ ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ. Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive tumor, a precancerous stage in which the proliferation of modified cells lining the superficial layer of the mammary gland.
These modified cells will not spread to the other tissues of the breast. Lobular carcinoma in situ is the stage of the tumor in which cells begin to change in the mammary gland. In rare cases, lobular carcinoma in situ may become an invasive tumor. Stage I is the stage in which the tumor is about 2 centimeters or smaller and does not spread outside the breast. In Stage IIA a tumor is detected in the mammary gland or in the axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes under the arm).
The tumor can be 2 centimeters or smaller and already spread to the axillary lymph nodes or greater than 2 centimeters but not more than 5 centimeters which has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. In stage IIB, mammary gland tumor can be more than 2 inches but not longer than 5 centimeters or more than 5 centimeters and in both cases the tumor has spread to the axillary lymph nodes. In stage IIIA the tumor is found in breast, it is detected in the axillary lymph nodes as conglomerate masses, attached to each other or are attached to other structures.
The tumor can also be 5 centimeters or smaller and has probably spread to the lymph nodes are a conglomerate mass. In a more advanced stage, stage IIIB, the tumor can be any size and in this stage the cancer has already spread to the tissues near the breast (skin or chest wall including the ribs and muscle tissue of the chest). It can also spread to the lymph nodes within the breast or under arm. In stage IIIC, the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes near the neck and it can also spread to the lymph nodes within the mammary gland or in the armpit.
In operable stage IIIC, the tumor can be found in the lymph nodes near or in the breasts, while in inoperable stage IIIC, is detected within the lymph nodes and around the neck on the same side as the affected breast. Obviously the last stage is the most serious and dangerous - in stage IV, the tumor spreads to other parts of the body, most often bone, lung, liver or brain. The disease in this stage cannot be treated.
As you know, breast cancer is a complex dangerous disease which untreated can lead to the aggressive death of the patient. If detected in time, it can be treated and cured. Therefore it is important to know the breast cancer staging and how advanced your cancer is. Information about each stage separately and appropriate treatment options is essentially for choosing the right course of action for you.
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The information obtained following completion of the process will determine the stage of the disease. Knowing the stage of your condition is very important so that you will be able to institute appropriate therapy. This is why we will present a few of the characteristics of every stage.
The first stage is Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ). There are two types of carcinoma in situ ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ. Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive tumor, a precancerous stage in which the proliferation of modified cells lining the superficial layer of the mammary gland.
These modified cells will not spread to the other tissues of the breast. Lobular carcinoma in situ is the stage of the tumor in which cells begin to change in the mammary gland. In rare cases, lobular carcinoma in situ may become an invasive tumor. Stage I is the stage in which the tumor is about 2 centimeters or smaller and does not spread outside the breast. In Stage IIA a tumor is detected in the mammary gland or in the axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes under the arm).
The tumor can be 2 centimeters or smaller and already spread to the axillary lymph nodes or greater than 2 centimeters but not more than 5 centimeters which has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. In stage IIB, mammary gland tumor can be more than 2 inches but not longer than 5 centimeters or more than 5 centimeters and in both cases the tumor has spread to the axillary lymph nodes. In stage IIIA the tumor is found in breast, it is detected in the axillary lymph nodes as conglomerate masses, attached to each other or are attached to other structures.
The tumor can also be 5 centimeters or smaller and has probably spread to the lymph nodes are a conglomerate mass. In a more advanced stage, stage IIIB, the tumor can be any size and in this stage the cancer has already spread to the tissues near the breast (skin or chest wall including the ribs and muscle tissue of the chest). It can also spread to the lymph nodes within the breast or under arm. In stage IIIC, the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes near the neck and it can also spread to the lymph nodes within the mammary gland or in the armpit.
In operable stage IIIC, the tumor can be found in the lymph nodes near or in the breasts, while in inoperable stage IIIC, is detected within the lymph nodes and around the neck on the same side as the affected breast. Obviously the last stage is the most serious and dangerous - in stage IV, the tumor spreads to other parts of the body, most often bone, lung, liver or brain. The disease in this stage cannot be treated.
As you know, breast cancer is a complex dangerous disease which untreated can lead to the aggressive death of the patient. If detected in time, it can be treated and cured. Therefore it is important to know the breast cancer staging and how advanced your cancer is. Information about each stage separately and appropriate treatment options is essentially for choosing the right course of action for you.