breast cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the tissues of the breast. It can affect both men and women, but it is much more common in women than men [1]. The disease occurs when abnormal breast cells grow and multiply unchecked, creating a tumor [13].

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, including:

• Ductal carcinoma: This type of breast cancer begins in the lining of the milk ducts (thin tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple) [7].
• Lobular carcinoma: This type of breast cancer begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) [3].
• Invasive carcinoma: This type of breast cancer has spread beyond the original site and can invade surrounding tissues [5].

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of breast cancer is not known, there are several risk factors that can increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease. These include:

• Family history: Having a family history of breast cancer can increase a person's risk [12].
• Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase a person's risk of developing breast cancer [12].
• Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50 [5].

Symptoms

The symptoms of breast cancer can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• A new lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the armpit [6]
• A change in the size or shape of the breast [5]
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin [9]

Survival Rates

The survival rate for breast cancer varies depending on several factors, such as whether the cancer is invasive or noninvasive, the cancer type and stage. According to data from the National Cancer Institute (U.S.), overall, 91% of people with breast cancer were alive five years after diagnosis [4].

References:

[1] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [12] Context result 12 [13] Context result 13

Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to be aware of the possible symptoms to seek medical attention early. Here are some common signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

• A new lump or mass: This is often the most noticeable symptom, although most breast lumps are not cancerous. A painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous.
• Changes in skin texture or color: Redness, rash, dimpling, or puckering of the breast skin can be indicative of breast cancer.
• Nipple discharge: Unusual nipple discharge, especially if it's bloody or clear, can be a symptom of breast cancer.
• Swelling or thickening: Swelling or thickening of part of the breast can also be a sign of breast cancer.

Other Possible Symptoms

While not as common, other symptoms may include:

• Bone pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Important Notes

• Many people with breast cancer do not experience any noticeable symptoms.
• The presence of these signs and symptoms does not automatically mean you have breast cancer. A medical professional must diagnose the condition.

According to [1], [2], [3], and [4], a new lump or mass is often the most common symptom of breast cancer, while changes in skin texture or color, nipple discharge, swelling or thickening, bone pain, weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice are other possible symptoms.

References: [1] Context 2 [2] Context 5 [3] Context 11 [4] Context 12

Breast Cancer Diagnostic Tests

If you're concerned about breast cancer, various diagnostic tests can help determine if you have the disease. Here are some common tests used to diagnose and detect breast cancer:

• Mammogram: A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that uses compression to capture images of the breast tissue. It's often the first test used for breast cancer screening (see [7] Jun 26, 2023 — Breast cancer screening is performed using mammogram...). Mammograms can detect tumors as small as 1 cm in diameter.
• Clinical Breast Exam: A clinical breast exam involves a healthcare professional feeling the breasts and lymph nodes to check for any abnormalities. This test is often used in conjunction with a mammogram (see [13] Physical exam: Your doctor will do a physical exam of your breasts...).
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue. It's particularly useful for dense breasts or when a lump is detected during a clinical breast exam (see [11] Tests for diagnosing breast cancer Imaging tests for breast cancer...). Ultrasound can help determine whether a lump is a cyst or a solid mass.
• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue. It's often used in conjunction with other imaging tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds (see [7] Jun 26, 2023 — Breast cancer screening is performed using mammogram...).
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the breast and examining it under a microscope. It's the only definitive way to diagnose breast cancer (see [5] A biopsy is the only definite way to diagnose breast cancer...).

Additional Tests

Other tests may be used to determine if breast cancer has spread or to stage the disease:

• Imaging tests: Additional imaging tests, such as CT scans or PET scans, may be used to check for metastasis (see [10] If breast cancer is diagnosed, other tests are done to find out...).
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help determine if cancer cells have spread to the bloodstream.

Early Detection

Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves prognosis and survival rates. Regular screening with mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-exams can help detect breast cancer at an early stage (see [12] Breast cancer is the most cause of female cancer deaths...).

References:

[5] A biopsy is the only definite way to diagnose breast cancer. [7] Jun 26, 2023 — Breast cancer screening is performed using mammogram... [11] Tests for diagnosing breast cancer Imaging tests for breast cancer... [12] Breast cancer is the most cause of female cancer deaths...

Overview of Drug Treatment for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment involves various approaches, including surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies. Systemic therapies include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted-drug therapy, and immunotherapy.

• Chemotherapy: This type of treatment uses medications to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies (1).
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. It works by blocking hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can fuel the growth of cancer cells (2).
• Targeted-Drug Therapy: Targeted-drug therapy uses medications that specifically target proteins on breast cancer cells that help them grow and survive. This approach is often used in combination with other therapies (3).
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments (4).

Common Medications Used in Breast Cancer Treatment

Some common medications used in breast cancer treatment include:

• Abraxane (Paclitaxel Albumin-stabilized Nanoparticle Formulation)
• Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine
• Capecitabine (Xeloda)
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)
• Docetaxel (Taxotere)
• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• Epirubicin (Ellence)

Treatment Approaches

The treatment approach for breast cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy.

• Surgery is often the first treatment for breast cancer.
• Other common treatments include radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drugs (5).
• Systemic therapies like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted-drug therapy, and immunotherapy are also used to treat breast cancer (6).

References

1. [7] - 7 days ago — Drugs Approved to Treat Breast Cancer · Abemaciclib · Abraxane (Paclitaxel Albumin-stabilized Nanoparticle Formulation) · Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine ...
2. [3] - Targeted drug therapy uses medicines that are directed at (target) proteins on breast cancer cells that help them grow, spread, and live longer.
3. [9] - Targeted cancer drugs work by targeting the differences in cancer cells that help them to grow and survive. Immunotherapy uses our immune system to fight ...
4. [5] - Oct 8, 2024 — Your treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy.
5. [6] - Oct 1, 2024 — Systemic therapies for breast cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted-drug therapy and immunotherapy.
6. [7] - Surgery is often the first treatment for breast cancer. Other common treatments include radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and targeted drugs.
7. [8] - Medications for Breast Cancer · capecitabine (Xeloda) · cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) · docetaxel (Taxotere) · doxorubicin (Adriamycin) · epirubicin (Ellence) ...

Differential Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer must be differentiated from other diseases such as malignancy, cysts, inflammation, and non-inflammatory solid lumps [2]. The differential diagnosis for breast lump (other than carcinoma) includes:

• Fibrocystic condition
• Fibroadenoma
• Simple cyst
• Complicated cyst
• Intraductal papilloma
• Mammary duct ectasia (plasma cell mastitis)
• Breast tuberculosis
• Malignant lymph node tumor
• Metastatic secondary malignant breast tumors from other sites [12]

It's also essential to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, as well as between different types of breast cancer. This can be done through imaging findings and clinical exam results [3].

Age-Specific Differential Diagnoses

The likely differential of breast masses varies significantly depending on patient demographics. For example:

• In premenopausal women, the most common causes of a palpable breast mass are fibrocystic changes, fibroadenoma, and cysts.
• In postmenopausal women, the most common causes are malignancy, cysts, and inflammation [6].

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Once a diagnosis of breast cancer is established, it's crucial to accurately define the initial extent of disease since this information will affect treatment recommendations [15]. This involves clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and staging following a diagnosis of breast cancer.

References:

[1] 11. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and the second most common cause of death from cancer among women worldwide.[1]

[2] Differentiating breast cancer different types of breast lumps are based on imaging findings and breast clinical exam results [3].

[3] Differentiating breast cancer different types of breast lumps are based on imaging findings and breast clinical exam results.

[6] The likely differential of breast masses varies significantly depending on patient demographics. Generalized enlargement of breast tissue can be as simple as ...

[12] Differential diagnosis. Breast cancer shall be differentiated from benign diseases such as hyperplasia of mammary glands, fibroadenoma, cyst, intraductal papilloma, mammary duct ectasia (plasma cell mastitis) and breast tuberculosis, from malignant lymph node tumor, and from metastatic secondary malignant breast tumors from other sites.