Breast Cancer: The Deadly Killer

Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer and fifth most common cause of cancer death. This cancer starts in the cells of the breast in women and men but the incidences of breast cancer in men is 100 times less common than in women. Breast cancer is either caused by hormonal or genetic factors and is usually, but not always, primarily classified by its histological appearance.

There are several types of breast cancer depending on the side of origin and microscopic features. These can be classified as Lobular, Ductal and Papillary. The subject sign of breast cancer is typically a lump that feels different than the surrounding breast tissue. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the first medical sign, or objective indication of breast cancer as detected by a physician, is discovered by mammogram which is an X-ray film of the soft tissue of the breast. Lumps found in Lymph nodes located in the armpits and/or collarbone can also indicate breast cancer. Indications other than a lump may include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion or spontaneous single-nipple discharge. Pain is an unreliable tool in determining the presence of breast cancer.

Breast cancer once diagnosed should be treated before it travels through the lymphatic system or blood to the brain, liver, lungs and bones. Depending on the clinical criteria (age, type of cancer, size) patients is roughly divided into high risk and low risk cases, with each risk category following different rules for therapy. For an animation to explain the causes, symptoms and treatment of breast cancer visit PharmaXChange.info - Breast Cancer Animation . Breast cancer treatment can be done through radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immune therapy or a combination of these treatments.