What Symptoms Breast Cancer
Overview
Breast cancer: What is it?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect women and people who identify as female at birth (AFAB). Tumors form when cancerous cells in your breasts proliferate.
Approximately 80% of cases of breast cancer are invasive, indicating that the tumor has spread to other bodily parts. Though it usually affects those over 50, breast cancer can strike women and those with AFAB before then. Men and people who were born with the gender "male" are likewise susceptible to breast cancer (AMAB).
Kinds of breast cancer
Healthcare professionals identify the many types and subtypes of cancer in order to tailor therapy to be as successful as feasible with the fewest possible negative effects. Common types of breast cancer include:
- Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): Milk ducts are the first site of invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC), a malignancy that spreads to neighboring breast tissue. In the US, this is the most prevalent kind of breast cancer.
- Lobular breast cancer: Breast cancer that begins in the lobules, or milk-producing glands, of the breast frequently spreads to neighboring breast tissue. In the US, it is the second most prevalent kind of breast cancer.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Similar to IDC, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a kind of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts. The distinction is that DCIS stays inside your milk ducts.
Less frequent forms of breast cancer consist of:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): Compared to other breast cancers, this invasive malignancy is more aggressive and spreads more quickly.
- Breast cancer that is inflammatory (IBC): This uncommon, rapidly spreading malignancy resembles a breast rash. In the US, IBC is not common.
- Breast illness caused by Paget's: This uncommon malignancy may appear as a rash that affects the skin around your nipple. Paget's disease of the breast accounts for less than 4% of all cases of breast cancer.
Subtypes of breast cancer
Physicians categorize subtypes of breast cancer according on the state of receptor cells. Certain molecules in your blood, such as hormones like progesterone and estrogen, might be attracted to or attached to by them. Progesterone and estrogen promote the development of malignant cells. Medical professionals can more effectively plan the therapy of breast cancer if they are aware of whether the malignant cells contain progesterone or estrogen receptors.
Among the subtypes are:
- Breast tumors classified as ER-positive (ER+) have estrogen receptors.
- Breast tumors that are PR-positive (PR+) have progesterone receptors.
- Progesterone and estrogen receptors are found in breast tumors that are HR-positive (HR+).
- Breast tumors classified as HR-negative (HR-) lack progesterone or estrogen receptors.
- Breast cancers that have higher-than-normal amounts of the HER2 protein, or that are HER2-positive (HER2+). The development of cancer cells is encouraged by this protein. 15–20% of instances of breast cancer have HER2-positive status. Indications and Sources
Signs and Origins
What symptoms are present in breast cancer?
The disease may have a variety of effects on your breasts. A few telltale indicators of breast cancer are easily recognized. Only some of them may seem to be different parts of your breast than the others. Furthermore, breast cancer may not exhibit any symptoms at all. However, if it does happen, some possible signs are as follows:
- Changes to the shape, size, or profile of your breasts.
- A collection or lump with a substance similar to a pea.
- A lump or thickening that lasts the entire menstrual cycle in your underarms or around your breasts.
- A modification to the way your breast or nipple's skin appears or feels. Your skin might seem scaly, puckered, dimpled, or irritated. It could appear darker, redder, or purple than other areas of your breast.
- A solid, marble-like region beneath your skin.
- A fluid flow from your nipple that is clear or bloodstained.
Why does breast cancer occur?
Breast cells can transform into malignant cells that proliferate and multiply to form tumors, which is how experts know breast cancer occurs. They do not know what causes the shift. On the other hand, evidence from study indicates that a number of risk factors might raise your risk of breast cancer. Among them are:
- Age: 55 years of age or older.
- Sex: Compared to males and those AMAB, women and those AFAB have a significantly higher chance of developing the illness.
- Family history: You are more likely to have breast cancer if any of your parents, siblings, children, or other close relatives already have the illness.
- Genetics: Up to 15% of instances of breast cancer are caused by inherited genetic changes. The most often mutated genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Smoking: A number of malignancies, including breast cancer, have been linked to the use of tobacco products.
- Drinking alcohol-containing drinks: Studies suggest that consuming alcohol-containing beverages may raise the risk of breast cancer.
- Being overweight.
- Radiation exposure: You have an increased risk of developing breast cancer if you have ever had radiation therapy, particularly to the head, neck, or chest.
- Hormone replacement treatment: Hormone replacement treatment (HRT) users are more likely to be diagnosed with the illness.
What side effects might breast cancer cause?
The most dangerous side effect is metastatic breast cancer, which is breast cancer that spreads to other regions of the body, including as the brain, bones, liver, and lungs. A third of women and persons AFAB with early-stage disease go on to develop metastatic breast cancer, according to studies.
Diagnoses and Examinations
How is a breast cancer identified?
To search for indications of breast cancer, medical professionals may do physical exams or request mammograms. To identify the illness, however, they do the following tests:
Breast cancer stages
- Ultrasonography of the breast.
- Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
- MRI of the breast.
- Hormone receptor detection using immunohistochemistry.
- Genetic tests to identify the breast cancer-causing mutations.
Systems for staging cancer are used by medical professionals to plan patient care. Providers can better determine a patient's prognosis—what to expect following treatment—by staging the malignancy. The staging of breast cancer is determined by the kind of breast cancer, the location and size of the tumor, and if the disease has spread to other parts of the body. The stages of breast cancer are:
- Stage 0: Your breast ducts are the only areas of your breast where the illness has not spread, indicating that it is noninvasive.
- Stage I: Neighboring breast tissue contains malignant cells.
- Stage II: A tumor or tumors have been produced by the malignant cells. The tumor might be greater than 5 centimeters wide but not larger than 2 centimeters across, or it can be less than 2 centimeters across and have migrated to lymph nodes beneath the arms. At this stage, tumors can range in size from 2 to 5 cm in diameter and may or may not impact the lymph nodes in the surrounding area.
- Stage III: Breast cancer has spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes. Stage III breast cancer is usually referred to as locally progressed breast cancer.
- Stage IV: Your breast cancer has spread to other organs, including the brain, liver, lungs, or bones.
What is the treatment for breast cancer?
The main therapy for breast cancer is surgery, however medical professionals may employ other strategies as well. Surgical procedures for breast cancer include:
- Mastectomy.
- Lump removal.
- Reconstruction of the breast.
Surgical procedures can be combined by providers with one or more of the following therapies:
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation treatment, which includes radiation administered during surgery (IORT).
- Immunotherapy.
- Hormone treatment, which includes treatment with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
- Focused treatment.
What adverse effects are associated with treatment?
Radiation and chemotherapy often cause side symptoms such as weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Similar side effects of immunotherapy, hormone treatment, and targeted therapy include gastrointestinal problems such diarrhea and constipation.
Individuals respond to breast cancer therapy in different ways. Ask your healthcare practitioner about the potential side effects of your therapy, including how they could impact your day-to-day activities, if you are undergoing it. Consult your physician about palliative care as well. Palliative care helps to manage the side effects of the medicine and the symptoms of breast cancer so that your treatment experience is as comfortable as possible.
Problems following breast cancer surgery
While you consider your options, it's important to remember that surgery can remove cancer that may be lethal. Breast cancer frequently carries more risks than benefits.
Ask your medical professional to go over any possible side effects if you are undergoing breast cancer surgery. These might include:
- Infection at the location of surgery.
- Blood clots that might develop after surgery.
- Harm to nerves.
- Lymphedema
Avoidance
Is it possible to avoid breast cancer?
It's possible that breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, you may lower your chance of getting it. Not to mention, routine mammograms and self-examinations can aid in the early detection of breast cancer, when treatment options are more favorable.
How may my risk be reduced?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) offers the following guidance for all women including those who are AFAB, while there is no surefire method to lower the risk of breast cancer:
Reach and maintain a healthy weight—this is the weight that suits you best. Consult a medical professional for advice on establishing a healthy weight control program.
- Maintain a nutritious diet: Research suggests that eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean protein can lower your chance of developing breast cancer. Steer clear of processed and red meat to lower your risk.
- Get moving: Research indicates that consistent exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer.
- Steer clear of alcohol-containing beverages: Studies have linked alcohol consumption to breast cancer. According to the American Medical Association, women and individuals who are AFAB should only have one drink each day.
- Obtain a screening: When tumors are too tiny to feel, mammograms are frequently used to find them.
- Examine oneself on a regular basis: Frequent breast exams can promote breast health and aid in the detection of breast cancer tumors.
Due to genetic mutations they inherited or because family members had the disease, certain women and persons who identify as AFAB are more likely to get breast cancer. In that case, you might want to think about the following:
- Searching for breast cancer genes genetically.
- Medications such as aromatase inhibitors, raloxifene, and tamoxifen that may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Mastectomy performed as a prophylactic measure.
- Regular physical exams and testing for breast cancer. If you have a higher than average chance of developing breast cancer, especially if you are under 40, ask your doctor whether there are any additional tests you should have done to rule out the illness.
Prognosis / Outlook
What is the breast cancer survivor rate?
Breast cancer survival rates differ depending on a number of variables, including the kind, stage, and invasion or noninvasiveness of the malignancy. The National Cancer Institute (US) maintained statistics that showed 91% of patients with breast cancer were still living five years following their diagnosis. The institute groups survival rates for breast cancer according to stages:- Local: There is no external cancer spread from your breast.
- Regional: Neighboring lymph nodes and tissue have been affected by cancer.
- Distant: Cancer is found in more remote parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver.
Local 99%
Regional 86%
Distant 30%
Recall that breast cancer survival numbers are simply approximations derived from the experiences of other individuals. Different people are affected by cancer in different ways. Speak with your healthcare professional if you have any particular questions regarding cancer survival rates. They are your finest resource as they are aware of your circumstances.
How good is the prognosis for breast cancer?
As of right now, fewer individuals are losing their lives to breast cancer and more people are receiving early-stage diagnoses, which make the disease simpler to cure.
Five years after their diagnosis, 99% of patients with early-stage breast cancer were still living, according to data. They could be thought to be free of breast cancer under some circumstances. Nevertheless, breast cancer can recur, and if it does, it can do so as metastatic breast cancer.
Race may also affect one's outlook. The American Cancer Society states that compared to white women, Black women and individuals AFAB have a somewhat lower risk of breast cancer. But Black women died from breast cancer at a greater rate than White women did.
Coexisting With
How do I look after my needs?
Living with breast cancer may not be simple. There may be days when everything seems too much for you. Think about the following advice for looking for yourself throughout the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer:
- Get adequate sleep: the therapy for breast cancer can be quite taxing. Remind yourself to take breaks when necessary, not just when you feel like you have the time.
- Eat healthily: as your treatment may alter your appetite. You may maintain your strength during treatment by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Cancer is stressful: learn to manage your stress. Engaging in frequent walks or workout programs might be beneficial.
- Seek assistance: From the day of your diagnosis until now, you have been living with breast cancer. Inquire with your healthcare practitioner about cancer survivorship programs, as they may be able to assist you in coping with some of the difficulties associated with having breast cancer.
When ought I to visit my medical professional?
If you have new symptoms, such as pain or weakness in a different body region, or if your symptoms seem to be growing worse, get in touch with your healthcare professional.
When is the best time for me to visit the ER?
If your response to cancer therapy is more intense than you anticipated, you should visit the emergency department. For instance, if you're constantly vomiting and are seriously dehydrated, you should visit the emergency hospital.
What inquiries ought to I make of my healthcare professional?
When most individuals first find out they have breast cancer, they have a lot of questions. The following are some potential inquiries you should make of your provider:
- Which kind of breast cancer am I experiencing?
- What are the tumor's dimensions, grade, and stage?
- What is the state of my progesterone and estrogen receptors?
- What level of HER2 am I?
- Will surgery be necessary for me?
- What additional choices are there for treatment?
- Do I have access to a clinical trial?
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