Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

1. what is breast cancer

   • its a disease that cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast
     • start when cells in the breast begin to divide and grow in an abnormal way that forms a lump

2. invasive breast cancer

   • cancer cells develop within the milk ducts and spread outside the ducts to the breast tissue
     • this type of beast cancer may spread to other parts of the body

3. Non-invasive breast cancer

   • this is an early form of breast cancer, where the canser cells are inside the ducts
     • not developed to spread through the breast and other parts of the body

4. cause of breast cancer

   • family history of breast cancer. previous diagnosis of breast cancer. Exposure to oestrogen and radiation

5. symptoms of breast cancer

   • a lump on the tissue on the breast. a change in the size or shape of one or both breast
     • a lump or swelling in one or both armpit. a rash on or around the nipple. also pain in breast.

6. impact of having breast cancer

   • social impact
     • isolation from family and friends. or can lead to strengthened the relationship
     • increased contact with health professionals and new friends through support groups
   • emotional impact
     • fear of treatment and anxiety over the development of the condition
       • anger, depression
   • intellectual impact
     • well informed about cancer prognosis
     • lack of concentration at work
   • physical impact
     • physical scars and risk of silicone reaction
     • permanently disfigured

7. diagnosis

   • mammogram
     • its an x-ray that's useful to find early changes in the breast. not helpful in young women under 35 as their breast tissue is very dense
   • breast ultrasound
     • using sound waves to make a picture of the breast that is not dense. ultrasound can also show weather the lump is colid or has fluid in it
   • a needle biopsy
     • using a needle and taking a sample of cells to the laboratory test

8. treatment and management

   • surgery
     • lumpectomy
       • its a surgery to remove just the area of cancer cells, leaving behind as much healthy breast tissue as possible
     • mastectomy
       • this is a surgery that removes the whole of the breast which is done if there is large lump or more than one of cancer in the breast
     • breast reconstruction
       • breast implant is done after the surgery or later
   • chemotherapy
     • to shrink a large tumour so that only part of the breast needs to be remover
       • given before surgery
   • radiotherapy
     • it kills any remaining cells. it can be done by : using x-rays, liquid that is ether swallowed or injected
       • given after surgery