Unlike other cancers that have several tell-tale signs, breast cancer has
few symptoms. The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump or hard area
anywhere on the breast. Some women also experience a change in breast size or
nipple discharge. Women who detect a lump, regardless of size, should see a
doctor. In many cases, mysterious lumps are caused by cyst or benign tumors.
Still, breast cancer is a serious illness. The worst thing a woman can do is
ignore any sign of breast cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Ultrasounds are very effective for diagnosing breast cancer. When an
abnormality is detected, these machines allow doctors to examine lumps in order
to determine whether it contains a mass or filled with fluid. If the lump
contains fluid, it is not cancerous. If the lump is solid, the patient will
need to undergo further testing. A biopsy is necessary for determining if a
lump is cancerous. During a biopsy, a tissue sample from the lump is removed
with a needle, and examined by a pathologist. After examining the lump, a
pathologist is able to conclude whether the mass is benign or malignant. Benign
lumps are generally surgically removed without further treatment. If cancerous
cells are present, the patient must begin immediate treatment.
Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer.
Prior to surgery, oncologist must determine the stage of cancer. This
information will greatly affect the recommended treatment. In the early stages,
the patient may undergo a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous tumor. Lymph nodes
under the arm may also be removed. In cases of advanced breast cancer, the
patient will likely undergo a mastectomy. This surgery is intended to remove
the entire breast. Post-surgery, patients may receive radiation therapy
(high energy rays to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells), and chemotherapy
(drug intended to kill cancer cell) to kill any remaining cancer cells, and
prevent the development of new ones.