Breast Cancer - Medical Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth in the breast that can spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and bones. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. This article takes a brief yet concise look at the medical symptoms, causes and treatments for cancer of the breast.

Breast Cancer Symptoms And Causes

In the early stages of the cancer, symptoms usually do not appear. As the cancer grows, symptoms can include: a lump in the breast that may or may not be tender and/or an enlarged lymph nodes under the arm that may feel hard and have uneven edges but typically does not hurt.

A woman may also notice changes in the size, shape or feel of the breast such as an indentation of the nipple or a fluid discharge from the nipple; or redness or dimpling of the skin.

Men can get breast cancer yet women are 100% more likely to get cancer of the breast than men. In a man, symptoms will likely present as a breast lump, pain and tenderness.

The cause of cancer in the breast is unknown but the risk increases with a family history of this type of cancer, in women who have not had children; or in women who reached their menstrual cycle before age 12 or went through menopause after age 55.

Some cancers of the breast are sensitive to the hormone estrogen, that means estrogen causes tumors of the breast to grow. These estrogen sensitive cancers are called 'estrogen receptor positive cancer' or 'ER positive cancer'.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

Monthly self-exams of the breasts should be performed to detect any changes early. A baseline mammogram is recommended by age 35, then follow-ups every 2 years up to age 49, then every year after age 50. If a lesion is detected, a biopsy (tissue sample) may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Other tests that may be performed to formulate a proper diagnosis include an MRI, CT Scan, Breast Ultrasound or PET Scan.

Treatment is based on many factors including the type of cancer and the stage the cancer is in (stages range from (0 to IV). Surgery to remove the lump (lumpectomy) or to remove all or part of the breast and possibly nearby structures such as lymph nodes and muscle tissue (mastectomy) is the recommended treatment. Other treatment options include chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

The experimental drug, tamoxifen, is currently being studied to determine if it can prevent cancer of the breast. This drug blocks the effects of estrogen which can promote the growth of cancer cells in women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. A newer class of medicines called aromatase inhibitors, have shown good results in post-menopausal women with breast cancer.

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Breast Cancer - How You Can Return To Your Sexual Life After Breast Cancer Treatment

There are some changes in sexual life which a breast cancer victim has to face after undergoing breast cancer treatment. Continue reading this article if you want to discover how a breast cancer survivor can return to normal sex and intimacy.

It is very difficult for a women to return to their normal sex life after going under breast cancer treatment. The most important thing what a woman needs after the treatment of breast cancer is a sexual health program.

It is a difficult task to have sex after the regular side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, such as vaginal dryness. This is due to premature menopause which causes pain during sex. Usually it takes a longer time to get aroused and the touch of your partner is not as pleasurable as before.

The steps of treatment of breast cancer like radiotherapy and chemotherapy makes the breast more sensitive to touch and if a women has gotten a mastectomy it is great shock for the patient as well as for her partner.

It is very important to regularly visit your gynecologist during and after the treatment of breast cancer. The women who suffer from cancer of the breast are at greater risk of cervical cancer and atrophy of the vagina.

But there is some good news. The side effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment do not last for a long time. About six months later the woman who as gone under the treatment of cancer are ready for to resume having sex again. But these six months are full of stress and anxiety and some special techniques and ideas should be followed to return to normal sex life.

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Signs of breast cancer rare in adolescents

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. This type is common in women over 40 years, although there are few men who have it. Also "known to occur in adolescents, although not as common. One of the worst kinds of inflammatory breast cancer is usually no signs or symptoms. Y ', then one of the most difficult to diagnose, especially young people who may be sensitive to changes in theirbodies. However, if signs and symptoms are present, the breast appears swollen, tender and often itchy. Other symptoms are bruises on the chest and nipples and the formation of lymph nodes in the armpits.

When a teen is called the mass, should be immediately taken to hospital for an adequate investigation. However, not all tumors are cancerous, and only a qualified physician can determine this. In most cases, the bumps are caused by changes in the breast duringthe menstrual cycle. These tumors are usually fluid-filled cysts. The nodules are benign and are usually soft and move easily in the breast tissue. Most of these tumors do not need to be removed unless they are causing serious nuisance or cause significant changes in the shape of the breast.

A lump that seems to grow in size and remains, even when handled with the fingers can be an indicator that is benign and not a sign of breast cancer. This type ofpackages must be taken immediately for further tests. Teens should be encouraged to conduct self-examination, and report any changes to his parents. They should be looking for symptoms such as changes in shape and size of the breast. One breast may appear larger or smaller. Also, ask for changes in the texture of the breast. This includes the hardening and thickening of the breast.

In some cases, breast cancer in adolescentscharacterized by pain. Teenagers complain of pain that comes and goes frequently in the chest. In some cases it may be constant and lasts longer than a day before it stops. You should also check for color change in some parts of the breast. If these color changes do not disappear in a short time, then it must be cause for concern. Adolescents are faced with this disease need lots of help from family and support groups. This is particularly important because I thinkthat do not fit with their peers and are unlikely to find survivors among their peers.

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Signs of breast cancer rare in adolescents

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. This is common in women over 40 years, although there are few men who have it. Also "known to occur in adolescents, although not as common. One of the worst is inflammatory breast cancer, which usually has no signs or symptoms. Y ', then one of the most difficult to diagnose, especially on young people who may not be sensitive to changes inbodies. However, if signs and symptoms are present, the breast is swollen, tender and often itchy. Other symptoms are bruises on my chest and nipples and the formation of lymph nodes in the armpits.

When a teen is called the mass, which must be taken to a hospital for an adequate investigation. However, not all nodules are cancerous, and only a qualified doctor can determine this. In most cases, the lumps are caused by changes in the breast duringmenstrual cycle. These tumors tend to be fluid-filled cysts. The nodules are benign and are usually mild, and move easily into the breast tissue. Most of these tumors can not be removed unless they are causing serious nuisance or cause significant changes in the shape of the breast.

A lump that seems to grow in size and remains, even when handled with the fingers, could be an indicator that is not benign and a sign of breast cancer. This type ofPackages must be taken immediately for analysis. Teens should be encouraged to perform self-examination, and report any changes to their parents. They should be looking for symptoms such as changes in shape and size of the breast. A chest may appear larger or smaller. Also, ask for changes in breast tissue. This includes the hardening and thickening of the breast.

In some cases, breast cancer in adolescents ischaracterized by pain. The teenagers complain of pain that comes and goes often in the chest. In some cases it may be constant and will last longer than a day before it stops. You should also check for color change in some parts of the breast. If these color changes do not disappear in a short period of time, then it should be cause for concern. Adolescents are faced with this disease need much help from family and support groups. This is particularly important because they feel thatnot in tune with their peers and are unlikely to find survivors among their peers.

Read More

Signs of breast cancer rare in adolescents

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. This is common in women over 40 years, although there are few men who have it. Also "known to occur in adolescents, although not as common. One of the worst is inflammatory breast cancer, which usually has no signs or symptoms. Y ', then one of the most difficult to diagnose, especially on young people who may not be sensitive to changes inbodies. However, if signs and symptoms are present, the breast is swollen, tender and often itchy. Other symptoms are bruises on my chest and nipples and the formation of lymph nodes in the armpits.

When a teen is called the mass, which must be taken to a hospital for an adequate investigation. However, not all nodules are cancerous, and only a qualified doctor can determine this. In most cases, the lumps are caused by changes in the breast duringmenstrual cycle. These tumors tend to be fluid-filled cysts. The nodules are benign and are usually mild, and move easily into the breast tissue. Most of these tumors can not be removed unless they are causing serious nuisance or cause significant changes in the shape of the breast.

A lump that seems to grow in size and remains, even when handled with the fingers, could be an indicator that is not benign and a sign of breast cancer. This type ofPackages must be taken immediately for analysis. Teens should be encouraged to perform self-examination, and report any changes to their parents. They should be looking for symptoms such as changes in shape and size of the breast. A chest may appear larger or smaller. Also, ask for changes in breast tissue. This includes the hardening and thickening of the breast.

In some cases, breast cancer in adolescents ischaracterized by pain. The teenagers complain of pain that comes and goes often in the chest. In some cases it may be constant and will last longer than a day before it stops. You should also check for color change in some parts of the breast. If these color changes do not disappear in a short period of time, then it should be cause for concern. Adolescents are faced with this disease need much help from family and support groups. This is particularly important because they feel thatnot in tune with their peers and are unlikely to find survivors among their peers.

Read More