Cancer

The breasts are composed of fatty tissue that contains the glands responsible for milk production in late pregnancy and after childbirth. Within each breast, there are about 15 to 25 lobes formed by groups of lobules, the milk glands. Each lobule is composed of grape-like clusters of acini (also called alveoli), the hollow sacs that make and hold breast […]

The exact cause or causes of breast cancer remain unknown. Yet scientists have identified a number of risk factors that increase a person’s chance of getting this disease. Certain risk factors, such as age, are beyond our control; whereas others, like drinking habits, can be modified. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with age.

‘Staging‘ is a method that has been developed to describe the extent of cancer growth. Breast cancer is ‘staged’ by information that is obtained from surgical and other findings. Specifically, information is gathered from the pathology (disease) report that accompanies a lumpectomy (lump removal), mastectomy (breast removal), or other form of breast surgery. In addition, staging is

Although the majority of breast lumps are benign, nearly one-quarter will be cancerous. But not all breast cancers are the same. Most are carcinomas – that is, cancers that arise from epithelial (surface or lining) tissues – and most develop in the breast lobules (glands that produce milk) or tissues known as terminal ductolobular units (TDLU). Such

The treatment of breast cancer is determined by many factors, such as tumor stage tumor type tumor characteristics the person’s general health medical conditions that may influence treatment. After breast cancer has been staged, a comprehensive treatment plan will be developed by a team of physicians, including an oncologist (cancer specialist). The treatment plan typically involves some form of surgery to remove as much of

The unknowns that women face after breast cancer affect many aspects of their lives. There are primary issues about self-image, fear of recurrence, and the need for continued treatment, as well as issues related to daily activities, career, and relationships. Yet, after the immediate crisis of ‘the diagnosis,’ most women weather the difficulties of breast

Here are some frequently asked questions related to breast cancer. Q: Must I really have surgery to treat my breast cancer? A: Surgery is the best initial treatment for breast cancer in most women; however, the condition lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) usually does not require surgery. LCIS should be watched carefully, though, since breast cancer

Here are definitions of medical terms related to breast cancer. Adjuvant therapy: Treatment given in addition to surgery, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. Atypical hyperplasia: Cells that are both abnormal (atypical) and increased in number. Axillary lymph node dissection: Surgery to remove some of the lymph nodes in the armpit. Benign: Not cancerous or malignant. Breast-conserving

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on breast cancer. American Cancer Society (ACS)  Phone: (800) ACS 2345 (toll-free hotline) www.cancer.org The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides a national, toll-free hotline (800 ACS 2345) that has information about breast cancer and referrals for the ACS-sponsored “Reach to Recovery” program for breast cancer. In