Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
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. The lobes and lobules are connected by thin tubes called ducts.
Each breast also contains blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lymph vessels carry an almost colorless fluid called lymph. The lymph vessels lead to small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes that help the body fight infection and disease. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. Clusters of lymph nodes are found near the breast in the axilla (under the arm), above the collarbone, and in the chest.
Breast cancer is sometimes detected (found) in women who are pregnant or have just given birth.
In women who are pregnant or who have just given birth, breast cancer occurs most often between the ages of 32 and 38. Breast cancer occurs about once in every 3,000 pregnancies.
It may be difficult to detect (find) breast cancer early in pregnant or nursing women, whose breasts are often tender and swollen.
Women who are pregnant, nursing, or have just given birth usually have tender, swollen breasts. This can make small lumps difficult to detect and may lead to delays in diagnosing breast cancer. Because of these delays, cancers are often found at a later stage in these women.
Breast examination should be part of prenatal and postnatal care.
To detect breast cancer, pregnant and nursing women should examine their breasts themselves. Women should also receive clinical breast examinations during their routine prenatal and postnatal examinations.
Tests that examine the breasts are used to detect (find) and diagnose breast cancer.
If an abnormality is found, one or all of the following tests may be used:
Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.Mammogram: An x-ray of the breast. A mammogram can be performed with little risk to the fetus. Mammograms in pregnant women may appear negative even though cancer is present.
Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues by a pathologist so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
The stage of the cancer (whether it is in the breast only or has spread to other places in the body).The size of the tumor.The type of breast cancer.The age of the fetus.Whether there are symptoms.The patient’s general health.Stages of Breast CancerAfter breast cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the breast or to other parts of the body.
The process used to find out if the cancer has spread within the breast or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Breast Cancer Treatment for more information on the stages used for breast cancer.)
Methods used to stage breast cancer can be changed to make them safer for the fetus.
Standard methods for giving imaging scans can be adjusted so that the fetus is exposed to less radiation. Tests to measure the level of hormones in the blood may also be used in the staging process.
Treatment Option OverviewThere are different types of treatment for patients with breast cancer.
Different types of treatment are available for patients with breast cancer. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. Before starting treatment, patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment.
Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site. Choosing the most appropriate cancer treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and health care team.
Treatment options for pregnant women depend on the stage of the disease and the age of the fetus.Three types of standard treatment are used:Surgery
Most pregnant women with breast cancer have surgery to remove the breast. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm are usually taken out and looked at under a microscope to see if they contain cancer cells.
Types of surgery to remove the breast include:
Simple mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the whole breast that contains cancer. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed for biopsy. This procedure is also called a total mastectomy.
Modified radical mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the whole breast that has cancer, many of the lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over the chest muscles, and sometimes, part of the chest wall muscles.
Breast-conserving surgery, an operation to remove the cancer but not the breast itself, includes the following:
Lumpectomy: A surgical procedure to remove a tumor (lump) and a small amount of normal tissue around it. Most doctors also take out some of the lymph nodes under the arm. Partial mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the part of the breast that contains cancer and some normal tissue around it. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed for biopsy. This procedure is also called a segmental mastectomy.
Even if the doctor removes all of the cancer that can be seen at the time of surgery, the patient may be given radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy after surgery to try to kill any cancer cells that may be left. Treatment given after surgery to increase the chances of a cure is called adjuvant therapy.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Radiation therapy should not be given to pregnant women with early stage (stage I or II) breast cancer because it can harm the fetus. For women with late stage (stage III or IV) breast cancer, it should not be given during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Chemotherapy should not be given during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Chemotherapy given after this time does not usually harm the fetus but may cause early labor and low birth weight.
New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials. These include the following:Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Hormones are substances produced by glands in the body and circulated in the bloodstream. Some hormones can cause certain cancers to grow. If tests show that the cancer cells have places where hormones can attach (receptors), drugs, surgery, or radiation therapy are used to reduce the production of hormones or block them from working.
The effectiveness of hormone therapy, alone or combined with chemotherapy, in treating breast cancer in pregnant women is not yet known.
This summary section refers to specific treatments under study in clinical trials, but it may not mention every new treatment being studied. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI Web site.
Ending the pregnancy does not seem to improve the mother’s chance of survival and is not usually a treatment option.
If the cancer must be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which may harm the fetus, ending the pregnancy is sometimes considered. This decision may depend on the stage of cancer, the age of the fetus, and the mother’s chance of survival.
Discover How You Can Treat Infertility Naturally, Without Drugs or Surgery
Start increasing your traffic today just by submitting articles with us, click here to get started. Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy! Mark Pelore – About the Author:
Read about How To Reverse Infertility Naturally, and get Amazing Free Bonuses On Health, Relaxation and Baby Names and a 24 Hours Support From Our Customer Care on Pregnancy and Fertility Issues.
Questions and Answers
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Latest Women’s Health Articles
- More from Mark Pelore Discussing Commonalities Between Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer
Dr. Singh discusses if there is a connection between ovarian cancer and breast cancer. (01:17)
Breast Cancer Survivor – Marie’s Story
With two young children at home, Marie was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer: inflammatory breast cancer. (02:00)
Breast Cancer Detection and Prevention
In this video, Dr. Russ discusses how to detect Breast Cancer and what you can do to prevent it. (03:24)
Understanding Breast Cancer: Introduction
In this video series, Dr. Jacqueline Eghrari-Sabet introduces the video series in which Dr. Rebecca Zuurbier explains about the risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. (01:17)
The Latest Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment
In this video series, Dr. Rebecca Zuurbier talks about the advancements in the field of breast cancer treatment. (02:53)
Breast Reconstruction – General Information
Whether you decide to have breast reconstruction depends on your own individual case, medical condition, general health, lifestyle, emotional state, and breast size and shape. You may consider consulting your family, friends, breast implant support groups, and breast cancer support groups to help you in making this decision.
By: Dave Stringhaml Healthl Oct 18, 2007 lViews: 177 General Information For Preventing Pregnancy
Mirena IUD is used for preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years in certain women. It is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.
By: John Smithl Health> Women’s Healthl Sep 12, 2011 Ovarian Cancer – Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Around 1.5 percent of women are likely to develop ovarian cancer at some stage of their life. It is less common than breast cancer but is considered as the most serious and fatal of all gynecological cancers. The reason for this is that the cancer is usually advanced before it is diagnosed, making treatment difficult.
By: Anne Wolskil Healthl Jul 01, 2006 lViews: 875 Most common Types of Cancer – Ovarian Cancer – Sex cord stromal ovarian cancer
Sex cord stromal ovarian cancer is a cancer of the tissue of the ovary accounted for 8% of ovarian cancers. The excess oestrogen produced by Sex cord stromal ovarian tumor can lead to certain sex hormone symptoms, such as postmenopausal bleeding, menorrhagia, amenorrhea, endometrial hyperplasia, etc. The cancer tend to develop in older age group and less invasive, so there is greater chance to cure by surgery.
By: Kyle J. Nortonl Health> Cancerl Aug 25, 2011 Tips for Preventing Breast Lumps and Cure for Breast Roundness
The chest is an important part of her body is very sensitive to hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. Most of the causes of breast cancer associated with excess estrogen levels.
By: Dr. Lee Mikall Health> Wellnessl Aug 19, 2011 Get More Firmness and Fullness With Natural Breast Enhancers
Natural methods of breast enhancement can help in getting firmer busts within a matter of few months with regular usage. Here are some basic facts about natural bust enhancement pills.
By: Fraser Stuckerl Health> Women’s Healthl Oct 11, 2011 Risks Of Pregnancy At 40
A woman in early 40s, is advised to have frequent (two or three times a week) unprotected sex for three months before consulting a fertility specialist by a doctor. Well, it's not sex for pleasure but with a reason, Motherhood. In addition to age, especially if the woman is aware of specific reasons that may have the added complication of pregnancy, such as stopping or regulation of ovulation, or problems associated with the production of sperm can be disappointing.
By: awindexl Health> Women’s Healthl Oct 11, 2011 Getting Life Under One's Skin
Motherhood is the most beautiful part of a woman's life. It's a heavenly feeling to nurture a life in the womb. But this heavenly comes with its set of complications. Special care needs to be taken to welcome the special guest to this world. And the care during pregnancy ranges from physical to psychological needs. Just few healthy tips can ensure a healthy, smiling gift of god, the baby.
By: awindexl Health> Women’s Healthl Oct 11, 2011 Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
There are a number of ways of assessing if you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The Australian government has put together a risk assessment tool which is made up of a series of questions. This can be viewed at http://www.home-check.net.au/Diabetes.html
By: Sammy Smithl Health> Women’s Healthl Oct 11, 2011 Advance researches
Number of advance studies of stem cell is increasingly resulting into cure of some common but severe diseases. Several trials using them have been given the go-ahead by the FDA and the Canadian Government launched a $48million funding package for a national stem cell bank to add to their current investment in biotech.
By: awindexl Health> Women’s Healthl Oct 11, 2011 Medications to Evade for Yeast Infections
If you are being affected by Candidiasis, don't feel alone. At some point in their lives, nearly seventy-five percent of the planet's population will go through a yeast infection. In general, you can catch a yeast infection whether you are young or old or European or Venezuelan. A yeast infection, or Candidiasis if you want to get technical, is not a serious risk to your health but an aggravating problem in general.
By: Mark Pelorel Health> Medicinel Aug 29, 2011 Medications to Evade for A Yeast Fungus
If you are suffering from a yeast infection, don't feel alone. It is reported that 75% of the earth's people will go through some type of yeast infection at some time in their lives. This means that even if you are a man or a woman, young or mature, African or Irish, you can get a yeast infection somewhere on you.
By: Mark Pelorel Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Aug 29, 2011 Regular intake of fructose increases risk of gout in women
Gout is a common and painful inflammatory arthritis, characterized by recurrent attacks of red, tender, hot and swollen joints, and it affects around 1-2% of Westerners at some point in their lives. The condition's incidence rate has more than doubled since the mid to late 1970s.
By: Mark Pelorel Health> Women’s Healthl Aug 28, 2011 Use Homeopathic Gout Remedies: Colchicum, Ledum, Nux Vomica and Aconite
Homeopathic medicine has a long history in treating and curing gout. Homeopathic remedies are useful to reduce the swelling and inflammation as well as aid in the healing of the joints. Gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid in the joints, particularly of the hands and feet. The swelling puts pressure on and causes enlargement of the area, which can lead to extreme pain. Many homeopathic remedies reduce the swelling and aid in the digestion of the proteins….
By: Mark Pelorel Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Aug 28, 2011 Natural Remedies Help Gout
Gout is a painful swelling in joints that is caused when uric acid builds up in the body and is not eliminated. Uric acid is caused by the breakdown of a chemical found in red meat, fish and poultry. Natural remedies can relieve the symptoms of gout and help restore proper digestion, which prevents the reoccurrence of this painful condition.
By: Mark Pelorel Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Aug 28, 2011
Comments