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Definition
Breast cancer is a serious disease during which the breast cells experience abnormal growth. The illness is a form of cancer, a widespread disease that is primarily characterized by facilitated uncontrollable cell multiplication in various parts of the body. The cell growth has the potential to form tumors, destroy surrounding tissue, and spread throughout the body, impeding its functions. Each type of cancer is diagnosed and treated differently, requiring specific approaches and techniques to combat it. In the case of breast cancer, it can begin in a different part of the breast. Three main parts comprise the breast: ducts, lobules, and the connective tissue between them, and most types of cancer start in the two former parts. Similar to many other types of cancer, it can be facilitated by a variety of factors, including diet and lifestyle choices, genetics, radiation, age, as well as environmental factors. Breast cancer also has the ability to spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Females usually have a higher risk of developing the disease, although in some cases males are affected too (Overview Breast cancer in men).
Etiology
Being one of the more widespread diseases, cancer, especially of this variety affects a large percentage of the population. As mentioned previously, there are a number of causes for breast cancer. It is not entirely clear what precisely causes cancer, making it hard to determine which women will or will not suffer from it. Although determining the cause for cancer is currently impossible, some factors make an individual more susceptible and likely to suffer from it. The first factor contributing to the likelihood of having cancer is age. The development of breast cancer is most common in females of 50 and older, and with the age increase, the chances of an individual getting cancer rise (Causes Breast cancer in women). Most of these women are also over menopause, which also contributes to the development of cancer. Another factor that is worth mentioning is family history. If a person has relatives that have suffered from breast or ovarian cancer, they are under a higher-than-average risk as well (Causes Breast cancer in women). It is noted, however, that many cases of women of the same family developing breast cancers are likely coincidental, and only a couple of specific genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can be passed down to increase the likelihood of breast cancer (Causes Breast cancer in women). Previous issues with breast cancers or lumps can make an individual susceptible to developing cancer in a different area of the breast as well. Women with denser breast tissue are also statistically more likely to suffer from breast cancer, as the amount of tissue is greater than average (Causes Breast cancer in women). Hormonal issues and the use of estrogen is another way a person can be susceptible to breast cancers. The use of the contraceptive pill, hormonal medicine, or hormone replacement therapy can affect the chances of breast cancer. Lifestyle is also a big category to mention, as many of the personal choices an individual makes can affect their likelihood of having cancer (Causes Breast cancer in women). Suffering from obesity or having more weight than average, drinking alcohol, or being exposed to radiation are all contributors towards the odds of forming cancer.
Pathogenesis
According to current knowledge, breast cancer is a disease that arises resulting from a series of molecular alterations within cells. The changes contribute to the development of immortality in cells and their rapid growth (Chalasani, 2020). There are a number of specific breast tumor subtypes, with separate clinical behaviors and history. While a more precise number of alterations that cause an appearance of subtypes in the disease are to be determined, they generally seem to align with the presence or absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (Chalasani, 2020). Speaking of the development and spread of breast cancer, the process starts with a single cell that starts rapidly dividing. Each division of the cells takes about one-to-two months, and the presence can be physically felt only by the 30th division. After that period cancer starts to rapidly multiply, occupying more and more space inside the body, and harming the healthy cells in its way. Parts of cancer can break off and travel through the body, infecting more and more territory as they progress and impeding human functionality. The spread of cancer is called metastasis and can be both fatal and highly dangerous.
Manifestations
There are a number of signs that can signify the presence of breast cancer. The manifestations include visually evident palpable lumps in the breast or underarm area, swelling of the breasts, abnormalities of the breast skin. Redness around the nipple part, abnormal discharge, tissue irritation, or any kind of pain in the chest area can also signify the presence of breast cancer. It is important to pay attention to the changes in shape or feeling in ones breasts, as these can be the early signs of disease.
Laboratory Diagnosis
Diagnosis of breast cancer is achieved through a combination of physical examinations, mammograms, and lab tests. Laboratory tests are usually conducted to assist with the prognosis or an already determined diagnosis, and consist of the HER2/neu test and the hormone receptor test (Lab Tests 2019). Their results can provide insight into the kinds of treatment that is most suitable for a particular type of cancer. Bost examinations test the tumor cells to understand their structure and composition. Hormone receptor tests can assist in determining whether a tumor contains hormone receptors in its composition (Lab Tests, 2019). Depending on the presence of hormone receptors, hormone therapy may or may not be effective at treating cancer. Generally, hormone receptor testing is recommended for people with invasive breast cancers and helps in determining the best course for treatment. The other one, the HER2/neu test, looks for a special kind of protein that can be found in cancer cells, as well as the gene that produces it (Lab Tests, 2019). The protein in question serves as a receptor on breast cells and can influence the development and progression of cancer. Healthy HER2 receptors are responsible for managing the development, growth, and division of breast cells (Lab Tests, 2019). However, in some cases of breast cancer, its functions are impeded, resulting in a process of excess multiplication. The results of this test can affect the prognoses of medical professionals and the process of treatment.
Treatment
In regards to treatment, there are a number of options depending on the placement, type, and severity of cancer. The main methods of treatment include but are not limited to: surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy (Treatment Breast cancer in women). These approaches can be used in succession, separately, or in combination. In terms of surgery, there are two types, either the removal of the cancerous lump or the removal of the whole breast. Both approaches are equally successful at treating early-stage cancer, but the mastectomy is better suited for the treatment of more serious cancers (Treatment Breast cancer in women). Radiotherapy is the use of radiation in controlled amounts to killing cancer cells. The process is usually used after chemotherapy or surgery to solidify the effects and get rid of any remaining cancer cells. The therapy is completed in short sessions during the period of 3 to 5 weeks (Treatment Breast cancer in women). Chemotherapy itself is a process of using special medicine to destroy cancer cells. This approach can be either used before or instead of surgery, aiding in reducing the size of the tumor. The specific choice of medicine is largely dependent on the type of cancer and its progression. It is important to note, however, that the medicine suited for killing cells also affects normal, healthy immune cells, causing rather serious side effects. These can include infections, feelings of sickness, loss of appetite, tiredness, and hair loss (Treatment Breast cancer in women). Hormone treatment is another type of treatment that can be used to lower the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body to stunt the spread of cancer. Usually used to support the treatment process after chemotherapy and surgery, the procedure largely varies on disease progression and its position (Treatment Breast cancer in women). The last treatment therapy is the targeted therapy, which utilizes medicine to alter the way ones cells work to prevent cancer growth. Targeted therapy is usually distributed through an IV drip or tablets.
References
NHS. Treatment Breast cancer in women. Web.
Chalasani, P. (2020). Breast Cancer. Practice Essentials, Background, Anatomy. Web.
NHS. Causes Breast cancer in women. NHS Choices. Web.
Lab Tests. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2019). Web.
NHS. Overview Breast cancer in men. NHS Choices. Web.
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