The female breast is comprised of a network of milk ducts and glands, lymph nodes, fatty tissue, and a series of channels that connect to the lymph nodes. When the cells within that network begin to multiply wildly with no regard for their practical use, the growth can become cancerous. It typically emerges in the milk ducts. Once it develops, it can remain localized or spread throughout other areas of a woman's body.
Below, we'll explore breast cancer, the factors that can contribute toward its development, and how the condition is diagnosed. I'll also briefly describe common forms of treating the disease as well as the two priorities that doctors are most concerned about during treatment.
Potential Causes
Medical experts are uncertain regarding the physiological influences that ultimately lead to breast cancer. However, as more research is conducted, they're gaining a clearer understanding about potential risk factors. For example, it is widely-understood that cancerous cells are more likely to develop if the condition has manifested before in a woman's family history. Also, age is dominant factor. The older the patient, the higher the likelihood of the disease.
Researchers have begun noting other possible circumstances that might increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Women who go through childbirth after the age of 30 are more susceptible. Long-term obesity and alcohol consumption have also been linked to the disease.
Diagnosing The Disease
If the condition can be identified early enough, there's a greater chance of successfully neutralizing it. Women over 20 years of age are encouraged to perform regular self-examinations in order to detect lumps. Once she reaches 35, she should schedule an appointment in order to have a mammogram performed. At 40, mammograms should be done annually.
When a lump is detected, doctors are mostly concerned with determining whether it is benign or malignant. If the lump is malignant, the next step is to conduct a series of tests in order to identify how far the disease has progressed.
Forms Of Treatment
Doctors have two objectives when treating breast cancer. First, they want to eliminate the cancerous growth from the patient's body. Second, they want to reduce the chances of the condition reappearing in the future. There are a number of possible treatments. Often, a doctor will perform a mastectomy in order to remove the cancerous cells. Otherwise, he or she may use radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy in order to destroy the cells - or at least control their spread.
The most important thing to remember is that breast cancer can be treated more successfully if it is detected early. Women should perform monthly examinations on themselves in order to identify uncharacteristic lumps. And as noted above, they should have annual mammograms performed after they reach the age of 40. By taking those two measures, women can identify the condition before it begins spreading out of control.
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