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!
Breast Cancer First Sign
Published on Jun 12 2010, in the categories: symptoms, Useful Info
Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women in USA. This type of cancer represent one of the biggest fears for all women as it as constantly been portrayed as something to which all women are vulnerable and as something that even if cured can leave you with a bruised up self confidence. Constant monitoring of the state of our breast is essential and highly effective in diagnosing the cancer at an early stage of development. This implies much higher chances for survival and regular self-exams can even help detect even a precancerous abnormality. In conclusion we also have the power to prevent the disease not just to treat it.
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The first sign for breast cancer we should look for is a lump in the breast. However we must be aware that inflammatory breast cancer manifest itself through other symptoms not necessarily that of a lump in the breast. We should react to any abnormality or thickness in the skin with an immediate appointment to a doctor or a mammogram. A doctor's exam and a mammogram can confirm diagnosis or rule out breast cancer. If diagnosed as cancer you can undergo further tests and come up with a suitable treatment plan. Once the plan is established you should be on your way with the treatment as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, most often the lump is not visible of palpable in the early stages of cancer so only a mammogram can detect it. It would then be wise to add regular mammograms to your periodical self-examinations. This is especially recommended if you know that risk factors for breast cancer are present in your lifestyle. Such risk factors can include: being older than 45 and before menopause, not having a baby before 30 and a family history of breast cancer. All these make you more susceptible to developing breast cancer and should stimulate you to always be on the look out for the slightest sign, though you should be careful not to cross the thin line between prevention and paranoia.
As stated above, other signs besides lumps in the breast, which is the most common first sign, can indicate breast cancer in the absence of a lump. Regular self exams help you become so familiar with your breast that you'll immediately notice any change in its texture and shape. Other symptoms that indicate the presence of cancer are: swelling, aching in the breast, one breast looking different than the other, dimpled or pitted skin, unusual discharge from the nipple, a nipple that looks like it has been pushed inward and bone or back pain and difficulty breasting can also occur once the cancer spreads. However, the last symptoms are sure not to be the first sign you'll see indicating you have breast cancer.
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The first sign for breast cancer we should look for is a lump in the breast. However we must be aware that inflammatory breast cancer manifest itself through other symptoms not necessarily that of a lump in the breast. We should react to any abnormality or thickness in the skin with an immediate appointment to a doctor or a mammogram. A doctor's exam and a mammogram can confirm diagnosis or rule out breast cancer. If diagnosed as cancer you can undergo further tests and come up with a suitable treatment plan. Once the plan is established you should be on your way with the treatment as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, most often the lump is not visible of palpable in the early stages of cancer so only a mammogram can detect it. It would then be wise to add regular mammograms to your periodical self-examinations. This is especially recommended if you know that risk factors for breast cancer are present in your lifestyle. Such risk factors can include: being older than 45 and before menopause, not having a baby before 30 and a family history of breast cancer. All these make you more susceptible to developing breast cancer and should stimulate you to always be on the look out for the slightest sign, though you should be careful not to cross the thin line between prevention and paranoia.
As stated above, other signs besides lumps in the breast, which is the most common first sign, can indicate breast cancer in the absence of a lump. Regular self exams help you become so familiar with your breast that you'll immediately notice any change in its texture and shape. Other symptoms that indicate the presence of cancer are: swelling, aching in the breast, one breast looking different than the other, dimpled or pitted skin, unusual discharge from the nipple, a nipple that looks like it has been pushed inward and bone or back pain and difficulty breasting can also occur once the cancer spreads. However, the last symptoms are sure not to be the first sign you'll see indicating you have breast cancer.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer And Symptoms
Published on Jun 07 2010, in the categories: symptoms, Useful Info
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a particularly rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that is different from other types of breast cancer through the fact that it doesn't manifest itself through the same symptoms. When you suspect breast cancer you usually expect to find a lump in your breast indicating the formation of a tumor and most women look for lumps in their regular self-examinations. Inflammatory breast cancer actually doesn't lead to any such formation so women should be aware that they shouldn't rule out cancer just because no lumps are present.
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Breast lumps are already part of a myth that makes them the sole, most important symptom of breast cancer.
It is very important to be well aware that cancers such as inflammatory breast cancer cannot be detected through ultrasonography or mammography. Just because the mammography doesn't indicate the presence of a tumor does not mean you are safe from breast cancer. You should talk to your doctor about your risks and about the probability of undetected cancer to decide on further testing for breast cancer.
Basically, IBC includes many other symptoms apart from lumps and to diagnose it you need to keep a look out for areas in the breast that are thicker and denser than normal.
Signs and symptoms than can indicate inflammatory breast cancer include sudden changes in the appearance of the breast, thickness and heaviness in the breast and enlargement. Other symptoms through which it can manifest itself are: discolorations, a red, purple or bruised appearance. Unusual warmth can also be an indicator for the disease and the slightest sign of such a change should make you schedule a medical examination. Dimpling, ridges similar with orange peel, tenderness, pain or a flattening of the nipple are also serious signs for inflammatory breast cancer. Another sign, though you wouldn't directly link it to breast cancer are enlarged lymph nodes under the arm. These indicate the presence of cancerous cells and should send you straight to the doctor for a mammography.
The fact that it doesn't start with a lump makes this cancer more dangerous and you should be aware of its existence to make sure you don't dismiss other symptoms for cancer as incidental passing affections.
Another thing you should be aware of is that inflammatory breast cancer can be often mistaken for mastitis, common infections that are mostly found in breastfeeding women. Fever and high white blood cell count are symptoms than mastitis has other than those shared with breast cancer. If diagnosed with mastitis, you should undergo further tests if antibiotics prescribed for mastitis don't have any results after 7 to 10 days.
It might be the case that you actually have inflammatory breast cancer.
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Breast lumps are already part of a myth that makes them the sole, most important symptom of breast cancer.
It is very important to be well aware that cancers such as inflammatory breast cancer cannot be detected through ultrasonography or mammography. Just because the mammography doesn't indicate the presence of a tumor does not mean you are safe from breast cancer. You should talk to your doctor about your risks and about the probability of undetected cancer to decide on further testing for breast cancer.
Basically, IBC includes many other symptoms apart from lumps and to diagnose it you need to keep a look out for areas in the breast that are thicker and denser than normal.
Signs and symptoms than can indicate inflammatory breast cancer include sudden changes in the appearance of the breast, thickness and heaviness in the breast and enlargement. Other symptoms through which it can manifest itself are: discolorations, a red, purple or bruised appearance. Unusual warmth can also be an indicator for the disease and the slightest sign of such a change should make you schedule a medical examination. Dimpling, ridges similar with orange peel, tenderness, pain or a flattening of the nipple are also serious signs for inflammatory breast cancer. Another sign, though you wouldn't directly link it to breast cancer are enlarged lymph nodes under the arm. These indicate the presence of cancerous cells and should send you straight to the doctor for a mammography.
The fact that it doesn't start with a lump makes this cancer more dangerous and you should be aware of its existence to make sure you don't dismiss other symptoms for cancer as incidental passing affections.
Another thing you should be aware of is that inflammatory breast cancer can be often mistaken for mastitis, common infections that are mostly found in breastfeeding women. Fever and high white blood cell count are symptoms than mastitis has other than those shared with breast cancer. If diagnosed with mastitis, you should undergo further tests if antibiotics prescribed for mastitis don't have any results after 7 to 10 days.
It might be the case that you actually have inflammatory breast cancer.
Early Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
Published on Jun 04 2010, in the categories: symptoms
As with all cancers, early diagnosis of breast cancer is vital in overcoming the disease. You must keep a look out for any early signs and react immediately to any abnormality by seeking medical attention. Unfortunately, breast cancer has no symptoms in the early stages of development and only as the tumor grows and the cells spread can you begin experiencing particular signs of the disease.
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Symptoms you might notice earlier include: a lump in the breast or underarm that is persistent even after your period and swelling in the armpit. Lumps in the breast are usually the first sign of breast cancer and are painless though they can sometimes produce a prickly sensation. You can easily detect them and confirm their diagnosis through mammograms. Mammograms can also detect their existence long before they are seen and felt. Other early signs can consist in tenderness and pain sensations in the breast. If you notice a flattening or a change in the breast's shape your should also begin asking some questions. Any change can be a precious indicator of a tumor that is too deep to notice and feel up. Such changes can affect the size, the contour, the texture, the color and temperature of the breast.
Early signs of breast cancer as well as signs of advance cancer can be as follow: a change in the nipple's position, itching or burning sensations, ulcerations, unusual discharge from the nipple containing blood or not and an area under the skin like a marble. Basically any change whatsoever can be a warning sign and should convince women to schedule themselves for a medical exam or investigate their condition further.
If caught early, the cancer doesn't even have to disrupt the lives of the patients. Monitoring all changes in your breast's appearance and performing a regular self-check by feeling up your breasts once in a while, can help detect symptoms early and increase your chances for curing the cancer.
Don't forget about areas beside your breasts that can also show early signs of breast cancer. As mentioned above the area in the armpits can be a very important indicator and swollen lymph glands in that area are almost a sure sign of cancer. Don't panic immediately after you notice any changes in your breast. There are more affections some harmless that can cause the same type of changes and actually, in a minority of the reports of such symptoms the final diagnosis was breast cancer. Treatment is important anyway, for any affection and some of these conditions might not generate from cancer but can lead to it if left untreated.
Becoming more aware about the risk factors for developing breast cancer and about the importance of self-examining yourself once in a while, is the best way to prevent the cancer and we all know prevention beats trying to cure a disease.
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Symptoms you might notice earlier include: a lump in the breast or underarm that is persistent even after your period and swelling in the armpit. Lumps in the breast are usually the first sign of breast cancer and are painless though they can sometimes produce a prickly sensation. You can easily detect them and confirm their diagnosis through mammograms. Mammograms can also detect their existence long before they are seen and felt. Other early signs can consist in tenderness and pain sensations in the breast. If you notice a flattening or a change in the breast's shape your should also begin asking some questions. Any change can be a precious indicator of a tumor that is too deep to notice and feel up. Such changes can affect the size, the contour, the texture, the color and temperature of the breast.
Early signs of breast cancer as well as signs of advance cancer can be as follow: a change in the nipple's position, itching or burning sensations, ulcerations, unusual discharge from the nipple containing blood or not and an area under the skin like a marble. Basically any change whatsoever can be a warning sign and should convince women to schedule themselves for a medical exam or investigate their condition further.
If caught early, the cancer doesn't even have to disrupt the lives of the patients. Monitoring all changes in your breast's appearance and performing a regular self-check by feeling up your breasts once in a while, can help detect symptoms early and increase your chances for curing the cancer.
Don't forget about areas beside your breasts that can also show early signs of breast cancer. As mentioned above the area in the armpits can be a very important indicator and swollen lymph glands in that area are almost a sure sign of cancer. Don't panic immediately after you notice any changes in your breast. There are more affections some harmless that can cause the same type of changes and actually, in a minority of the reports of such symptoms the final diagnosis was breast cancer. Treatment is important anyway, for any affection and some of these conditions might not generate from cancer but can lead to it if left untreated.
Becoming more aware about the risk factors for developing breast cancer and about the importance of self-examining yourself once in a while, is the best way to prevent the cancer and we all know prevention beats trying to cure a disease.
What Does A Breast Cancer Lump Feel Like
Published on May 29 2010, in the categories: symptoms
We all become paranoid as soon as we hear about breast cancer and its high incidence today. The first thing we do is feel up our breasts in search for abnormal lumps but often enough panic at the presence of harmless signs easily mistaken for tumors. This fear can really turn into an obsession. On the good side, that woman is bound to undergo a medical test to ensure she is safe from the cancer but until you don't find out exactly what breast cancer is and how a cancerous lump feel like exactly you won't find peace.
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There are also harmless lumps you can feel and that should not represent any risk or stress factor for you. It's important to go over the differences between benign and malign lumps in order to have some degree of control over the development of the cancer.
There are actually three kinds of benign lumps. These are cysts, fibroadenomas and pseudolumps while there's just one malign lump: breast cancer. We should take a look at these types of lumps in order to really be able to differentiate between them. We can start with cysts. When you feel up your breast the cyst will feel like a sack of fluid, soft and squishy. It's just like a water balloon that can also move around from time to time, particularly during your period. You can easily treat and permanently eliminate it through a fine needle aspiration.
Next are the fibroadenomas which feel like hard or firm lumps. They are usually easy to feel at the breast's surface and they can also be removed through a special procedure.
Breast pseudolumps can be deemed harmless through a mammogram, ultrasound or a needle biopsy. These feel rather hard and are often not movable. They are caused by scar tissue, hardened silicone, dead fat or a rib bone compressing the tissue.
Finally we come to breast cancer lumps which are malignant and consist of abnormal cells in the tissue that grow out of control.
So what does it feel like?
A cancerous lump is different through its obvious irregular shape with a surface like pebbles reminding of a golf ball. It feels very hard and may not be movable during a breast self-exam. It is hard however to detect the fact that is does not move because of the moving tissue around it. It can be located both deeper in the tissue or at the surface. You can also feel it sometimes near the armpit area.
No matter what is feels like if you cannot absolutely rule out cancer you should get a mammogram or a needle biopsy to either diagnose the cancer and decide its stage or to be reassured of your health.
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There are also harmless lumps you can feel and that should not represent any risk or stress factor for you. It's important to go over the differences between benign and malign lumps in order to have some degree of control over the development of the cancer.
There are actually three kinds of benign lumps. These are cysts, fibroadenomas and pseudolumps while there's just one malign lump: breast cancer. We should take a look at these types of lumps in order to really be able to differentiate between them. We can start with cysts. When you feel up your breast the cyst will feel like a sack of fluid, soft and squishy. It's just like a water balloon that can also move around from time to time, particularly during your period. You can easily treat and permanently eliminate it through a fine needle aspiration.
Next are the fibroadenomas which feel like hard or firm lumps. They are usually easy to feel at the breast's surface and they can also be removed through a special procedure.
Breast pseudolumps can be deemed harmless through a mammogram, ultrasound or a needle biopsy. These feel rather hard and are often not movable. They are caused by scar tissue, hardened silicone, dead fat or a rib bone compressing the tissue.
Finally we come to breast cancer lumps which are malignant and consist of abnormal cells in the tissue that grow out of control.
So what does it feel like?
A cancerous lump is different through its obvious irregular shape with a surface like pebbles reminding of a golf ball. It feels very hard and may not be movable during a breast self-exam. It is hard however to detect the fact that is does not move because of the moving tissue around it. It can be located both deeper in the tissue or at the surface. You can also feel it sometimes near the armpit area.
No matter what is feels like if you cannot absolutely rule out cancer you should get a mammogram or a needle biopsy to either diagnose the cancer and decide its stage or to be reassured of your health.
Breast Cancer Signs And Symptoms
Published on Mar 25 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, symptoms
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, usually located on the second place, after skin cancer. By taking into account the current life expectancy, it was determined that approximately one woman out of eight will develop breast cancer.
The cause and the treatment of the breast cancer have not really been identified yet, but, if the cancer is found in an early stage of evolution, can be treated with good results through conservative breast surgery followed by radiotherapy. This treatment of early diagnosed cancer is ensuring a survival rate for 5 years, to 97% of cases.
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What we must do to detect breast cancer early.
What are the involved factors in the genesis of breast cancer?
Risk factors:
- gender
- age
- genetic risk
- family history
- personal history of breast cancer
- race
- radiological examinations at an early age
- biopsy
- the hormone replacement therapy
- alcohol
- obesity
Positive factors:
- breastfeeding
- physical exercise
- a balanced diet
Signs and symptoms that may suggest the breast cancer existence
If any of these signs will appear, consult a specialist immediately!! Not every change you feel in your breasts means cancer; 80% of the lumps are benign but it is better for you to let the doctor decide what investigations you need.
Things to remember:
The cause and the treatment of the breast cancer have not really been identified yet, but, if the cancer is found in an early stage of evolution, can be treated with good results through conservative breast surgery followed by radiotherapy. This treatment of early diagnosed cancer is ensuring a survival rate for 5 years, to 97% of cases.
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What we must do to detect breast cancer early.
- Clinical examination of the breasts. Women aged between 20 and 40 should benefit of this exam part of the overall control of the health’s state, preferably once at every three years. Women over 40 years old should be examined by a specialist once a year.
- Mammography. The mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breasts, with very low doses of X radiation. Women over 40 years should receive an annual mammogram. If you see something suspicious, or you have members in your family who developed breast cancer, consult your doctor about the moment when you should start making this investigation. Although some cancers may not be detected by mammography, it still remains an excellent method of diagnosis.
- Self-examination of the breast. This method for an early detection of breast cancer is really important. To have the best results from it, make it after 10 days after the menstruation. If you do not have a regular menstrual cycle, use for the examination, the same day of the month. On our site you can also find articles about self-examination techniques along with other useful information related to this subject.
What are the involved factors in the genesis of breast cancer?
Risk factors:
- gender
- age
- genetic risk
- family history
- personal history of breast cancer
- race
- radiological examinations at an early age
- biopsy
- the hormone replacement therapy
- alcohol
- obesity
Positive factors:
- breastfeeding
- physical exercise
- a balanced diet
Signs and symptoms that may suggest the breast cancer existence
- Tumor mass (swelling) in the armpit, breast or nearby. If it is painless, hard, with irregular edges, adhering to the surrounding tissue, there is a big probability to be cancerous.
- A “coagulate” area of the breast. Through palpation, you will feel it denser than the surrounding tissues.
- Any other secretion different than milk
- Changes of the breast. (size and shape)
- Skin changes (such as a pit or a folded skin)
- Nipple pain
- Nipple covered with scabs
If any of these signs will appear, consult a specialist immediately!! Not every change you feel in your breasts means cancer; 80% of the lumps are benign but it is better for you to let the doctor decide what investigations you need.
Things to remember:
- Breast cancer can occur at any age but the risk is increased as we get older.
- The risk to develop breast cancer at 70 years old is twice than it is at 50 years.
- Early diagnosis means better chances of survival.
- Make periodic examinations. (mammography, self-examination and clinical examination by a specialist)
- Keep a healthy diet and make physical exercises.
- More than 70% of the breast cancers had family history.
Breast Cancer Symtoms
Published on Mar 19 2010, in the categories: symptoms
What is breast cancer?
The human body is made of millions of cells grouped into tissues and organs (muscle, bone, lung, liver, etc). The normal cells interact with each other in a harmonious manner. When they begin to divide in a chaotic way, they become dangerous for the body. If the body’s defense mechanisms are not able to destroy the abnormal cells, their number continues to grow, forming a tumor; not all tumors are cancerous. There are benign tumors (non-cancerous) and malignant tumors (cancerous). The differentiation between these two tumor types it is establish by microscopic examination of some small samples of tissue, harvested from the affected area (biopsy).
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The cells of the benign tumor do not invade surrounding tissue and they do not spread into other organs. In general, they do not constitute a danger for life but they must be treated surgically. The malignant tumors are dangerous because over time, they can invade the neighboring tissues and destroy them gradually. Sometimes, the cells detach from the original tumor (primary) and they spread to other organs thru the blood flow or through the lymphatic system. When these cells reach a new level of the tissue, they may continue to divide and form a new tumor called secondary tumor or metastasis.
The symptoms of breast cancer
In 90% of women, breast cancer is first seen as a node ( some tissue like a tumor which is not normal in breast). Nine of ten breast growths are benign, many of which are cysts. However, there are other signs that need our attention:
- Changes in size, shape or appearance of the breasts (a breast is increasing compared with the other, crease, corrugations), also the easy movement of one breast compared with the other; it is possible the hypersensitivity development to this level.
- Enlarging the lymph nodes on the periphery of the breast or armpit, and also the appearance of the new nodules at these levels, which persists after menstruation.
- The pain associated with the nodules, which persist and is making the living style very uncomfortable.
- The unilateral pain that persists in the breast in women who passed the menopausal.
- The abscess or inflammation of the breast (redness and pain) that resist to an initial series of antibiotics.
- The recurrent cyst (benign tumor as a closed bag, which usually contains liquid)
- The nipple changes – common at women over 50 years old – the nipple retraction or distortion, lump or thickening, extensive irritation also on the surrounding areas, eczema of the nipple accompanied by intense itching, etc; at women under 50 years old, it is found the suppurative blood (sangvinolent pus formation and elimination).
- The abundance of sweating in the armpit.
- The pronounced vascularization in the breast.
- Anything is palpable or visible only to one breast.
The breast cancer is not painful so we do not need to wait for the pain and only then to go to the doctor. In fact, many women find that their breasts are full of lumps before their period and that some types of the benign breast growths are painful.
The human body is made of millions of cells grouped into tissues and organs (muscle, bone, lung, liver, etc). The normal cells interact with each other in a harmonious manner. When they begin to divide in a chaotic way, they become dangerous for the body. If the body’s defense mechanisms are not able to destroy the abnormal cells, their number continues to grow, forming a tumor; not all tumors are cancerous. There are benign tumors (non-cancerous) and malignant tumors (cancerous). The differentiation between these two tumor types it is establish by microscopic examination of some small samples of tissue, harvested from the affected area (biopsy).
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The cells of the benign tumor do not invade surrounding tissue and they do not spread into other organs. In general, they do not constitute a danger for life but they must be treated surgically. The malignant tumors are dangerous because over time, they can invade the neighboring tissues and destroy them gradually. Sometimes, the cells detach from the original tumor (primary) and they spread to other organs thru the blood flow or through the lymphatic system. When these cells reach a new level of the tissue, they may continue to divide and form a new tumor called secondary tumor or metastasis.
The symptoms of breast cancer
In 90% of women, breast cancer is first seen as a node ( some tissue like a tumor which is not normal in breast). Nine of ten breast growths are benign, many of which are cysts. However, there are other signs that need our attention:
- Changes in size, shape or appearance of the breasts (a breast is increasing compared with the other, crease, corrugations), also the easy movement of one breast compared with the other; it is possible the hypersensitivity development to this level.
- Enlarging the lymph nodes on the periphery of the breast or armpit, and also the appearance of the new nodules at these levels, which persists after menstruation.
- The pain associated with the nodules, which persist and is making the living style very uncomfortable.
- The unilateral pain that persists in the breast in women who passed the menopausal.
- The abscess or inflammation of the breast (redness and pain) that resist to an initial series of antibiotics.
- The recurrent cyst (benign tumor as a closed bag, which usually contains liquid)
- The nipple changes – common at women over 50 years old – the nipple retraction or distortion, lump or thickening, extensive irritation also on the surrounding areas, eczema of the nipple accompanied by intense itching, etc; at women under 50 years old, it is found the suppurative blood (sangvinolent pus formation and elimination).
- The abundance of sweating in the armpit.
- The pronounced vascularization in the breast.
- Anything is palpable or visible only to one breast.
The breast cancer is not painful so we do not need to wait for the pain and only then to go to the doctor. In fact, many women find that their breasts are full of lumps before their period and that some types of the benign breast growths are painful.
Breast Cancer Symptoms Pain
Published on Mar 10 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, prevention, Related topics, symptoms
The breast cancer is a disease really common in women, in contradistinction to lung cancer which remains the most common disease in both, men and women. What is breast cancer exactly?
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It is known that every cell possesses in the genetic code, information that controls the ability to multiply when the body needs require: development from childhood to adult, then aging process, physiological situations ( hormonal cycle, pregnancy, breast feeding or situations in which tissues must recover as a result of accidents (hitting, crushing, cutting, etc).
In some circumstances, due to conditions which belong to the inconsistency of the information (genetic factors), external physical affections, chemical or biological, the mechanism of the cell multiplication is disturbed totally.
These cells multiply chaotic, completely destroys the place from which they come, as then they colonize other regions (this process is called metastasis). Finally, the body is overwhelmed by the number and consequences of these colonies – metastases and assigns causing death. All these steps cause enormous suffering: pain, bleeding, the breakdown of the vital functions (respiration, digestion, circulation, reproduction, etc).
A recent study shows that one in eight women is suffering from breast cancer. The first signs of the existence of the breast cancer are when it appears some painful breast nodules or bumps. With breast cancer is not kidding! When the first symptoms will appear, go to the doctor until is not too late. If it is no treated, the consequences can be devastating. You can lose your breast or even worse, you can die.
The first issues: the breast size or shape, changes; wrinkles or bumps of the skin. For an easier observation of these issues you have to look in the mirror under a bright light. The breast cancer is seen more often in women over 35 years but you can start checking for even since the age of 25. It is better to track the breast cancer since the first stage and so you won’t risk running out of life. The doctors recommended an inspection every six months.
Methods to prevent the breast cancer - Knowing at least few of the factors that favor the breast cancer, we can intervene to reduce risk. The genetic factors are not identified yet by laboratory tests but in the near future, will be available some test to tell us if we are exposed to risks. However, if we analyze the family tree and we find among the forerunners more than one breast cancer, we must consider as a person at risk; especially in this situation, a lifestyle change can prevent the outbreak of the breast cancer.
Keeping an ideal weight, a rich nutrition with fruits and vegetables which contain substances that stabilize the cell, exercise, birth and breastfeeding of at least 2 children before you turn 28-30 years, no smoking, minimizing radiation of any type, using hormonal contraceptive only under a specialist control. These are some measures of the lifestyle, easy to be "implemented" , that may decrease the risk of breast cancer by more than 60%.
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It is known that every cell possesses in the genetic code, information that controls the ability to multiply when the body needs require: development from childhood to adult, then aging process, physiological situations ( hormonal cycle, pregnancy, breast feeding or situations in which tissues must recover as a result of accidents (hitting, crushing, cutting, etc).
In some circumstances, due to conditions which belong to the inconsistency of the information (genetic factors), external physical affections, chemical or biological, the mechanism of the cell multiplication is disturbed totally.
These cells multiply chaotic, completely destroys the place from which they come, as then they colonize other regions (this process is called metastasis). Finally, the body is overwhelmed by the number and consequences of these colonies – metastases and assigns causing death. All these steps cause enormous suffering: pain, bleeding, the breakdown of the vital functions (respiration, digestion, circulation, reproduction, etc).
A recent study shows that one in eight women is suffering from breast cancer. The first signs of the existence of the breast cancer are when it appears some painful breast nodules or bumps. With breast cancer is not kidding! When the first symptoms will appear, go to the doctor until is not too late. If it is no treated, the consequences can be devastating. You can lose your breast or even worse, you can die.
The first issues: the breast size or shape, changes; wrinkles or bumps of the skin. For an easier observation of these issues you have to look in the mirror under a bright light. The breast cancer is seen more often in women over 35 years but you can start checking for even since the age of 25. It is better to track the breast cancer since the first stage and so you won’t risk running out of life. The doctors recommended an inspection every six months.
Methods to prevent the breast cancer - Knowing at least few of the factors that favor the breast cancer, we can intervene to reduce risk. The genetic factors are not identified yet by laboratory tests but in the near future, will be available some test to tell us if we are exposed to risks. However, if we analyze the family tree and we find among the forerunners more than one breast cancer, we must consider as a person at risk; especially in this situation, a lifestyle change can prevent the outbreak of the breast cancer.
Keeping an ideal weight, a rich nutrition with fruits and vegetables which contain substances that stabilize the cell, exercise, birth and breastfeeding of at least 2 children before you turn 28-30 years, no smoking, minimizing radiation of any type, using hormonal contraceptive only under a specialist control. These are some measures of the lifestyle, easy to be "implemented" , that may decrease the risk of breast cancer by more than 60%.
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.
Breast Cancer Information
Published on Feb 25 2010, in the categories: breast cancer, Related topics, symptoms, Useful Info
Breast cancer is one of the most spread diseases around the world and it is one of the main causes of death in case of the female population. Despite this, breast cancer information isn’t even half as spread as the actual disease.
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What is breast cancer? - Every month, together with menstruation, woman's breasts suffer temporary changes which can include formation of a knot. Although most of these bumps are not cancerous, any lump that occurs should be examined immediately by a doctor. Nodules occur most frequently in the lobules - small bags that produce milk - or in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. But sometimes these may form in other tissues as well. The two main categories of breast cancer are lobular and ductal cancer.
Breast cancer - Breast cancer usually begins with the formation of a small well-defined tumor. Some tumors are benign, meaning the do not invade other tissues, others are malignant, or cancerous. Malignant tumors have the potential to be metastases, which is bound to spread to other organs as well. Once such a tumor reaches a certain size, is more likely to radiate cells and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Different types of breast cancer grow and spread at different rates, some of them take years to spread beyond the breast, while others spread rapidly. Men may have breast cancer as well, but their number is less than half a percent of all cases. Among women, breast cancer is the most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths - after lung cancer.
Statistics show that of eight women who could reach 85 years, will suffer from this disease at some point of their life. Two thirds of the women with breast cancer are over 50 years, and that the remaining are mostly between 39 and 49.
Breast cancer is treatable - Fortunately, breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. Localized tumors can usually be successfully treated before the cancer is spread, and in 9 of 10 cases, the sick woman will live at least another 5 years. Experts generally consider that the survival of 5 years is a cure.
After the cancer begins to spread, getting rid of it completely is more difficult, although treatment can often keep the disease under control for years. Thanks to the improved procedures for screening and better treatment options, seven in ten female breast cancer victims will survive more than five years after the initial diagnosis, and half of them will survive more than 10 years. This is just brief breast cancer information, mainly just to give you a general idea of the term, and the main symptoms of this disease. Don’t forget to get tested periodically and remember that it is better to prevent than to treat.
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What is breast cancer? - Every month, together with menstruation, woman's breasts suffer temporary changes which can include formation of a knot. Although most of these bumps are not cancerous, any lump that occurs should be examined immediately by a doctor. Nodules occur most frequently in the lobules - small bags that produce milk - or in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. But sometimes these may form in other tissues as well. The two main categories of breast cancer are lobular and ductal cancer.
Breast cancer - Breast cancer usually begins with the formation of a small well-defined tumor. Some tumors are benign, meaning the do not invade other tissues, others are malignant, or cancerous. Malignant tumors have the potential to be metastases, which is bound to spread to other organs as well. Once such a tumor reaches a certain size, is more likely to radiate cells and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Different types of breast cancer grow and spread at different rates, some of them take years to spread beyond the breast, while others spread rapidly. Men may have breast cancer as well, but their number is less than half a percent of all cases. Among women, breast cancer is the most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths - after lung cancer.
Statistics show that of eight women who could reach 85 years, will suffer from this disease at some point of their life. Two thirds of the women with breast cancer are over 50 years, and that the remaining are mostly between 39 and 49.
Breast cancer is treatable - Fortunately, breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. Localized tumors can usually be successfully treated before the cancer is spread, and in 9 of 10 cases, the sick woman will live at least another 5 years. Experts generally consider that the survival of 5 years is a cure.
After the cancer begins to spread, getting rid of it completely is more difficult, although treatment can often keep the disease under control for years. Thanks to the improved procedures for screening and better treatment options, seven in ten female breast cancer victims will survive more than five years after the initial diagnosis, and half of them will survive more than 10 years. This is just brief breast cancer information, mainly just to give you a general idea of the term, and the main symptoms of this disease. Don’t forget to get tested periodically and remember that it is better to prevent than to treat.