Overview

Cancer is a generic term used to mention a large group of diseases in which there is uncontrollable cell division which later on spreads to various other parts of the body and destroys them slowly. It is mainly caused due to DNA changes as well as genetic changes and can affect any part of the body.

Likewise, Breast cancer is a form of cancer which takes place in the breast cells leading to the formation of a tumour. It can spread to the surrounding tissues as well. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers present among women, next only to skin cancer. It is often detected in females above 50 years of age but can occur at any age.

Generally, the common site of cancer formation is either in the lobules or the ducts of the breasts. Apart from this, other areas are the fibrous connective tissue around the breast. The cancerous cells in the breast travel towards the lymph nodes present under the arm and spread to other parts of the body.

Signs and symptoms

These are as follows:

Types of Breast Cancer

There are various types of breast cancer, which are as follows:

Stages

Also called ductal carcinoma in situ. Here the cancerous cells are present only within the ducts and have not spread to adjacent tissues.

Here, the size of the tumour is up to 2 cm. If there is no involvement of any lymph nodes, then it is Stage 1A, and if the lymph nodes are involved, then it is Stage 1B.

The size of the tumour is 2 cm across and has started to spread to nearby nodes (Stage 2A), or if the size lies 2–5 cm across and has not spread to the lymph nodes, then it’s Stage 2B.

The size of the tumour is up to 5 cm across and has spread to several lymph nodes (Stage 3A), or the tumour is larger than 5 cm and has spread to a few lymph nodes (Stage 3B).

Here, cancer spreads to distant organs involving the bones, liver, brain, or lungs.

Diagnosis

The following tests and procedures help doctors in confirming the diagnosis of breast cancer:

Treatment

The main treatment options are as follows:

Prevention