Kelsey Bontrager's HSC 4233 Blog: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops within the breast tissue and is primarily located in the milk ducts or glands. The general progression of breast cancer begins with the formation of a small tumor or as calcium deposits; these may then spread to the lymph nodes or even to other organs throughout the body. The original tumor can grow to invade tissues that surround the breast, including the skin or chest wall. Breast cancer cells can all grow and spread faster or slower than others depending on the type.

While breast cancer is in its earliest stages, there is generally no sign of symptoms. However, as a tumor develops there are quite a few signs that begin to emerge. The most common symptom is a lump within the breast itself or in the underarm. Other notable symptoms include:

· Swelling in the armpit

· Pain or tenderness in the breast

· Flattening or indentations on the breast

· Change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast

· Any changes in the nipples or discharge

· An area that is noticeably different from other areas

Once diagnosed with breast cancer, there are multiple options for a patient to consider for treatment. There are two types of treatment used and they are called local and systemic. The goal of local treatments is to rid the breast and surrounding regions of disease. Local treatment includes the use of surgery, through mastectomies or lumpectomies, and radiation therapy. The goal of systemic treatments is to kill or control the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. Systemic treatments include: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapy. These types of therapies can be given either before or after local treatment depending on the type and severity of the breast cancer (How to Detect Breast Cancer).

You can find more in depth information from the resources below:

Websites:

http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/default.htm

http://www.breastcancer.org/

Diagrams: