Breast Cancer: Detection and Treatment

Breast Cancer is cancer of the breasts. This happens when cells start to divide uncontrollably. When this happens a tumor will form. This tumor is known as cancer.

Ways to Find Breast Cancer

A great way to find out if you have breast cancer is to make sure that you do a self-breast exam once per month. The best time to do this is several days after you finish your period. If you do not have a period then you should pick a day of the month and do your breast exam every month on the same day. A second way to find out if you have breast cancer is to have a yearly breast exam done by your doctor. The last way and probably the best way is to have a mammogram done. Women that are 40 years of age and older should have these done once per year.

How to do a Proper Breast Exam

The first thing that you want to do is stand in front of a mirror with your hands on your hips. Look at your breasts and make sure that there are no changes in them. Look to make sure that they are the same shape, color, and usual size. Next, look at the areolas to make sure that there is no bulging of any kind. Also make sure that there isn't any dimpling. The next thing to do is to softly pull on your nipples. Make sure that they spring back. They should not sink into the skin. The next step of the exam is where you will put your hands behind your head. Arms will be extended out to the sides. You should be able to see your armpits. Examine your breasts as stated above. When you have completed this part of the exam then you can do the next part in the shower. It is easier to do this part in the shower because there is less friction when the skin is wet. Place your right hand above your head, elbow is bent outward. Begin by placing your fingertips on the right nipple. Gently apply pressure and do a circular motion on the whole breast. Also do the armpit. You are looking for any hard lumps that may be in the area. When you are finished with the right side then proceed and do the left side. After you are finished with your shower, then you will do a final check. The final check will be done by lying down on a bed. Place a pillow behind your head and neck. Place your arm over your head and continue the exam that you did in the shower.

Some Risk Factors for Developing Breast Cancer

Starting your period at an early age
Starting menopause at a late age
Being 50 years of age and older
Personal or family history of breast cancer
Taking hormone replacements
Caucasian
Use of tobacco products
Overuse of alcohol

Note that just because you may have some of these risk factors done not mean that you will necessarily get breast cancer.

Treatment for Breast Cancer

Once a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer tests will be run to see at what stage the cancer is at. Once the stage is known then the doctor will decide which type of treatment to do.

One type of treatment is called a lumpectomy. This is a procedure where a surgeon removes the cancer from the breast. He will also remove some of the normal tissue that surrounds the cancer as well. Sometimes he will remove lymph nodes that are closest to the cancer. This is in case the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Cancer can easily spread when it is in the lymph nodes.

A second type of treatment is called a mastectomy. There are different types of mastectomy's. The doctor will determine which one to do based on how extreme the cancer is. In a simple mastectomy, a surgeon will remove the breast and leave as many of the lymph nodes as possible. The second type of mastectomy is called a radical mastectomy. This is done by removing the breast, chest muscles, lymph nodes, and fat and skin. This type of mastectomy is only done if the cancer has spread into the muscles. A third type of mastectomy that can be done is called a modified radical mastectomy. This is done by removing the breast, lymph nodes, and the lining over the chest muscles.

A third type of treatment is radiation treatment. There are two types of radiation treatment. The first one is where radiation comes from an outside source and the second one is where radiation comes from an inside source. On the outside source, the doctor will aim radiation at the breast. With the inside source, a doctor will be radioactive material inside of the breast. This will kill off the cancer cells.

A fourth type of treatment is called chemotherapy. Chemotheraphy is the use of chemicals to kill cancer cells. The doctor can give the patient pills, shots, or medication through a catheter. These drugs go through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells.