Breast Cancer Basics
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant or cancerous cells grow in the breast tissue. Cancer occurs when cells divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.
When breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer develops, the following symptoms may appear:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area or in the neck
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast
- Ridges or pitting of the breast skin (like the skin of an orange)
- A change in the way the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple looks or feels (for example, warm, swollen, red, or scaly)
It is important to note that these symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a physician.
The breast is made up of lobes and ducts. Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, which have many smaller sections called lobules. Lobules end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are linked by thin tubes called ducts. Each breast also has blood vessels and lymph vessels.
The lymph vessels carry an almost colorless fluid called lymph. Lymph vessels lead to organs called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures that are found throughout the body. They filter substances in lymph and help fight infection and disease. Clusters of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest.
The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the ducts. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular carcinoma and is more often found in both breasts than are other types of breast cancer. An uncommon type of breast cancer in which the breast is warm, red, and swollen is known as Inflammatory breast cancer.
For a Free Report of all Mammography Centers in your local area, click here.
Although most people think of breast cancer as affecting women, men can develop breast cancer as well, and breast cancer in men can be much more aggressive than in women.
Breast Cancer Tips
Tip of the day: Breast cancer develops much like any other type of cancer. Your breasts, like the rest of your body, are made up of cells that grow and reproduce in cycles. Each cell's DNA tells it when to reproduce and when to rest. If a glitch arises in a cell's DNA, it may grow and reproduce unchecked. These are cancerous cells. A mass of cancerous cells is a tumor. Tumors in the breast eventually become large enough so that they can be seen in a mammogram and felt in a breast exam. Other kinds of lumps and thickening can occur in breasts, and are usually benign (not cancerous). You can't tell the difference without the help of a doctor, so it's important to know what's normal for your breasts, and to call your doctor if you notice anything that's abnormal. All Tips on Breast Cancer