March 19, 2009
Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery Time
The type of surgery recommended in any given case of breast cancer has significance for postoperative therapy. Breast cancer surgery may be less extensive or radical where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body; the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy may then be more aggressive. Breast cancer surgery recovery time depends on the procedure involved.
More commonly, the cancer is localized. The patient’s options may, in consequence include: surgery only, surgery with radiation, surgery with chemotherapy, surgery with a combination of these treatments; or radiation or chemotherapy without surgery. However, breast cancer surgery recovery time would differ depending upon the kind of surgery they had.
If the lesion is malignant, the surgeon proceeds with the mastectomy. Depending upon the seriousness of the case and the procedure recommended by the surgeon and the pathologist, the operation may be a simple mastectomy, a radical mastectomy, a modified radical mastectomy, or any of a number of other forms of breast operation.
In the United States, until recently, radical mastectomy was the usual procedure for breast cancer treatment. Today at least seven different types of mastectomy, some more widely accepted than other, may be performed namely: lumpectomy, simple mastectomy, modified-radical mastectomy, halsted-type radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, super-radical mastectomy. All may be recommended in different cases depending upon the type of cancer, its invasive potential, or ability to spread, and other factors.
Most patients have deep concern about many aspects of breast cancer surgery recovery time, including the cosmetic effects. For that reason, it is important to select the appropriate type of surgery. The rates of survival appear to depend as much on timely use of pre and postoperative radiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy as on the type of operation. But the kind of operation may determine whether the patient will be able to function and recover normally in a relatively short period of time.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery Time…
March 18, 2009
Breast Cancer Stages
Breast cancer stages are based on whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive, whether the lymph nodes have been affected, whether the cancer cells have already spread beyond the breast, and the size of the tumor.
The purpose of identifying the stage in breast cancer is to organize the different factors and features of the cancer. In organizing the factors involved, the prognosis or the most likely outcome of the disease will be identified. The doctor can also provide the patient with the best treatment guide for the disease.
Stage 0. In this stage, the breast cancer is non-invasive. It just simply means that there is no sign of non-cancerous abnormal cells or cancerous cells getting out of the part of the breast where they started. These cells have not yet invaded other neighboring normal tissues in the breast.
Stage 1.
In this stage, the breast cancer is said to be invasive. The cancer cells are already breaking out of the part of the breast where they started and they have already invaded neighboring normal tissues. But in Stage 1, the lymph nodes are not affected or involved and the tumor measures up to 2 centimeters.
Stage 2.
Stage 2 is described as invasive breast cancer and is subdivided into two categories: Stage 2A and Stage 2B. In Stage 2A, there is no tumor in the breast but a 2 centimeters or less tumor can be found scattered in the axillary lymph nodes, which is the lymph node found under the arm.
Another case of Stage 2A is that, the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not more than 5 centimeters and has not spread in the axillary lymph nodes. In stage 2B, the tumor is also larger than 2 centimeters but not more than 5 and has already spread to the axillary lymph nodes or if the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters, the tumor has not yet spread the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage 3.
Stage 3 is described as one of the invasive breast cancer stages and is subdivided into 3 categories: Stage 3A, Stage 3B and Stage 3C. In Stage 3A, there is no tumor in the breast but it is found in the axillary lymph nodes or the lymph nodes near the breast bone. The tumor has the size of less than 5 centimeters or more and they are clustered together or they may stick to other structures.
In Stage 3B, the tumor may be of any size and found in the lymph nodes under the arm or near the breastbone, chest wall and/or skin of the breast, clustered together or sticking to other structures. In Stage 3C, there can still be no sign of cancer in the breast. The tumor may be of any size and found to be spread to the chest wall, lymph nodes above or below the collarbone, lymph nodes under the arm or breastbone.
Stage 4.
Stage 4 is described as one of the invasive breast cancer stages in which the cancer has already spread to other organs of the body; usually the brain, lungs, liver or bone.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Breast Cancer Stages…
March 1, 2009
Types of Breast Cancer
Perhaps if you’re already experiencing some of the symptoms of breast cancer, you’re more concerned in determining the type of cancer you have. So, what are the different types of breast cancer?
About 5-10% of breast cancer incidents are due to hereditary factors. Individuals with genetic defects in the BRCA1 (breast bane gene1) and BRCA2 (breast sarcoma gene2) are more prone to developing ovarian bane and breast cancer.
Breast tumors can also come from inherited mutations especially with CHEK-2 gene, p53 gene (growth suppressor), and ataxia-telangiectasia gene. If these genes are present in your family, you’re at high risk of developing the disease.
The inflammatory breast cancer primarily involves the skin areas of the breast. About 4% of the total numbers of patients are diagnosed with inflammatory breast every year. Oftentimes, it is characterized by general boils or rosiness of the breast skin. Lumps may also be present in some cases.
Here are the different types of breast cancer:
1. Tumor grade – this is assigned by the pathologist and it is based on the typeface of the melanoma; through the use of the microscope, the pathologist can see how the cells resemble with the breast bandanna. Through the given grading info, the doctor can determine the best handling options
2. Metaplastic carcinoma – the lesion localizes and you can find different cell types which are not usually present in other forms of breast cancer. The diagnosis and treatment are similar to the dangerous ductal carcinoma.
3. Tubular carcinoma – the name was derived from the plague appearance as seen from the microscope; this is an insidious type of cancer as compared to the lobular carcinoma and ductal carcinoma.
4. Lobular carcinoma (in situ) – this is not sarcoma. However, this would mean that the individual is at high risk of developing melanoma. Even if you don’t have lobular carcinoma but your sister and mother has it, you will also be at high risk.
There are also times when an individual develops fibrocystic changes. These refer to cysts and fibrosis. Cysts are crammed fluid sacs while fibrosis is fibrous, or hankie or wound-like formation. Fibrosis and cysts often develop first prior to the breast cancer stage.
If you feel a lump on your breast and you see a slightly dull or filmy nipple discharge, this may already be a symptom of the deadly disease. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose if you have breast cancer or not. Several tests are performed before accurate diagnosis can be given. After that, you can choose among the different treatment options available.
Some patients go for the conventional treatments but there are also those who forgo with the conventional medicines and instead choose the alternative medications. Well, it is up to you to choose the best treatment option to employ. If you can’t afford the conventional medications, you can always choose the alternative medications but oftentimes, you need to consider the stage of the cancer you are in.
The treatments vary and it depends greatly on the types of breast cancer. There is an appropriate treatment for a particular type of cancer. Only the doctor can give you the proper treatment. Don’t attempt to use any other medications unless your doctor tells you so. Breast cancer is a serious matter and it can be life threatening when left untreated. Do some self examinations and if you discover a lump or mass, consult a doctor at once.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Types of Breast Cancer…
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The reason why many breast cancer patients detect their health condition too late is because they can’t feel any pain. As it becomes worse, some of the symptoms of breast cancer become apparent. If the symptoms are too obvious, you need to consult a doctor right away. Several tests are conducted to determine if a certain individual has the illness.
The most common symptoms of breast cancer are the following:
1. Very evident change in the size and shape of the breasts
2. Mass or lump found in armpits
3. The lump or mass is generally painless and firm but with no distinct borders; when touched, the lump or mass feels hard
4. Abnormal nipple discharge; the discharge appears like pus, yellow fluid, bloody, or greenish
5. The nipple changes in appearance, there are itchy sensations, or the nipple becomes retracted
6. Breast pain or discomfort and enlargement but usually on one side of the breast only
7. The nipple’s skin, the breast, or areola changes in color or feel; the veins are more accentuated and there is redness or scaly appearance; the breast is puckered or dimpled
8. The late stages include symptoms like bone pain, weight loss, arm swelling, and skin ulceration
Some people hardly even know that they are already experiencing the breast cancer symptoms. A breast that itches frequently or feels hot/warm when touched are considered dangerous and rare symptoms of the disease.
Inflammatory breast cancer is dangerous and many individuals discover this disease too late. Mammogram or self exams usually don’t detect this condition. Check if your breast is reddish in appearance because this is the very evident symptom of inflammatory cancer of the breast.
There are also women who mistake the orange peel appearance around their breast as cellulites and they are quite embarrassed to consult a doctor. If this is the case, you should not hesitate to visit your doctor right away.
The breasts usually become tender and increase a bit in size during menstruation. However, if the change in size happened in between menstruation periods, a visit to the hospital or clinic will do you good.
Women are not the only ones at risk but also men. Every year, more than 1600 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. The symptoms experienced by men include a lump, breast swelling and that of the nipples or chest wall, nipple discharge, the nipple becomes inverted, puckering or dimpling of the breast skin, and the breast skin appears dry, scaly, and reddish.
The ones mentioned above are the common symptoms of the disease. Again, take note that some of the symptoms are not evident especially during the early stages. It is advised that both men and women conduct self exams to determine if there are mass or lumps around the breast area. This is one of the best ways to detect the possibility of having the disease.
A great number of breast cancer patients die every year because they detected the condition during the late stages. There are various treatments available for breast cancer today. If you suspect you have breast cancer or you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of breast cancer, you must consult your doctor immediately so that the necessary tests can be performed to get accurate diagnosis. Once the right diagnosis is given, the doctor will now inform you about the treatment options that you can employ.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Symptoms of Breast Cancer…
February 28, 2009
How Dangerous is Breast Cancer
How dangerous is breast cancer? Well, breast cancer is really dangerous but there are now lots of treatments available. You’re free to choose between conventional treatments and alternative treatments. Through accurate diagnosis, the doctor can provide you with the proper treatment plan that can cure your cancer.
If you were diagnosed with breast cancer many years ago, it would have been a hopeless case. Thanks to the developments in the medical industry, the cancer treatments today are very effective and the survival rates are also high.
Most cancer patients are women but there are also men who develop the disease. In the US alone, more than 200,000 people are diagnosed breast cancer. Breast cancer is also the leading cause of deaths among women and it is also the highest so far as compared to other types of cancer. Women who are already in their menopause stage are prone to breast cancer; not only that, women taking HRTs and pills are also susceptible to the disease. Excessive alcohol intake and being overweight can also lead to cancer. Certain genes cause breast cancer and if one of these genes is present in your family, you’re at high risk.
When you have breast cancer, the tissues in your breast are already cancerous. It usually appears like a lump or tumor in the breast area. Not all lumps in the breast area are cancerous because some of them are just normal lumps but you need to be sure.
Some of the symptoms of breast cancer are swelling or lump in the breast, increased breast size, change in color or dimpling of the skin, and unusual nipple discharge. In order to cure breast cancer, early detection is vital. When the cancer has reached the advanced stage or Stage 4, it will be a bit difficult to treat.
There are different ways to detect breast cancer. Every year, you can undergo a medical exam conducted by a doctor. Women over 40 years can undergo mammogram or ultrasound. Doctors usually employ biopsy to determine if the lump or mass is cancerous. Some individuals also conduct BSE wherein they examine their breasts for any abnormality.
Some of the treatments available for treating breast cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, hormone treatment, and radiation therapy. If you find these treatments quite costly, you can opt for alternative treatments like natural medicines and homeopathy.
Since breast cancer is considered a dangerous disease, prevention is the key to stop its development. Some of the treatments can damage the body and so the patients often feel exhausted and stressed. For those who want to feel relaxed instead of tired, they can undergo a massage therapy or any other alternative treatment. Prevention is still better than cure and this applies to all kinds of health problem. If breast cancer runs in your genes and if you’re already aging, you need to be more aware if there are any changes in your breasts. Keep in mind that breast cancer does not discriminate.
So what are you waiting for? Have your breasts examined if you’re suspicious of any lump or mass in your breast. How dangerous is breast cancer? It can cause you your life so don’t take it lightly. Many people die of breast cancer and if you don’t want to end up like them, examine your breast area regularly.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about How Dangerous is Breast Cancer…
February 27, 2009
Hormone Driven Invasive Breast Cancer
Is there such thing as hormone driven invasive breast cancer?
At present, the number of breast cancer patients have drastically reduced in the US and some experts say that this was due to the reduction of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use.
In the United States, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is quite popular. HRT and mammography are chosen by the individuals themselves and certain factors influence the choice they make.
In some countries, mammogram is administered in state levels and it is already considered a routine activity especially among women aged 40 years and older. Women who take HRTs also get their medicines through prescriptions.
The relationship between HRT and breast cancer is still not yet established. The evident reason behind it is probably the lack of worldwide coverage. The data collected are often limited in some states or countries only. Other countries don’t gather info as to the number of HRT prescriptions and breast cancer patients.
In the US, there was a considerable drop of breast cancer patients. Many women (and men) are now aware of breast cancer and so they undergo mammography every month. Some of them also made lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Physical exercise also plays a very important role in maintaining a healthy body and since many individuals are now more concerned about their body’s health, the incident of cancer also decreased. Estrogen metabolism is also affected by exercise. Some say that endogenous estrogens influence the breast cancer receptors. HRT provides exogenous estrogens and not endogenous estrogens. Indeed, further studies should be conducted in establishing the relationship of breast cancer and HRT.
Perhaps some of the studies were only able to show that HRT increases the density of the breast and it also reduces mammography’s sensitivity. Since a large percentage of the population is now undergoing mammography, there will be fewer people who will utilize HRT. Breast cancer patients will definitely decrease because the disease is detected early through mammography. Some breast cancer cases are even identified before they cross any clinical threshold.
Still, hormone replacement has something to do with the increased risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, HRT is already included in the list of the possible causes of breast cancer. But if today’s medical experts want to prove the exact relationship of the reduction of HRT prescriptions and breast cancer patients, they will need to gather more pertinent data.
For now, people should make the necessary lifestyle changes since cancer has a lot to do with nutrition and lifestyle. By maintaining an active and healthy body, cancer can be prevented. There is also increased awareness about breast cancer these days because of the joint efforts of cancer survivors. More and more people are able to prevent the development of the diseases through early detection and by gradually introducing lifestyle changes.
Hormone driven invasive breast cancer is possible especially among individuals with a history of breast cancer in their family. Older women, even men, should have regular mammograms or they conduct self examinations to check for mass or lumps. Breast cancer is deadly especially when detected late. Check your lifestyle now. If you’re currently taking HRT, perhaps you need to double your awareness about breast cancer. HRT may be beneficial at some point but if it makes you prone to cancer, perhaps you can live without it.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Hormone Driven Invasive Breast Cancer…
February 26, 2009
Celebrities with Breast Cancer
There is no discrimination when it comes to breast cancer. Anyone can be a victim of this dreaded disease; whether you’re rich or poor, young and old. Despite the increasing number of breast cancer patients worldwide, these celebrities with breast cancer can serve as your inspiration because they were able to survive.
Famous survivors of breast cancer:
1. Edie Falco – the breast cancer was diagnosed in 2003; this soprano star secretly battled against this dreaded disease and was able to survive.
2. Melissa Etheridge – her breast cancer was discovered in 2004 and at present, she is doing quite well.
3. Gloria Steinem – a lump on her breast was discovered in 1984; she was an activist and because she is a natural fighter, she was able to combat breast cancer.
4. Kate Jackson – it was in 1987 and 1989 when Kate battled against this disease. She was a star in Charlie’s Angels
5. Richard Roundtree – women are not the only ones at risk of breast cancer, even men can get it like Roundtree. His cancer was detected in 1993 and he underwent chemotherapy and radical mastectomy
6. Olivia Newton John – it was in 1992 when she was diagnosed with the disease. She underwent breast reconstruction and mastectomy.
7. Jaclyn Smith – also a Charlie’s Angels star was diagnosed with the disease in 2002. The treatments given were radiation and lumpectomy.
8. Suzanne Somers – actress and author was also diagnosed with cancer but she did not choose the standard medication; instead, she opted for holistic medicine and alternative therapies
9. Sandra Day O’Connor – she battled against this disease in 1982 and underwent mastectomy
10. Anastacia – in 2003, she was diagnosed with the disease and was able to survive; now, she is helping other patients in fighting against this disease and she is also raising the awareness of the public about breast cancer.
These are only ten of the survivors of breast cancer. Other survivors include Rue McClanahan, Linda Ellerbee, Jill Eikenberry, Ann Jillian, Lynn Redgrave, Cokie Roberts, and Shirley Temple Black. These breast cancer patients used conventional treatments as well as alternative treatments. Oftentimes, the type of medication or treatment given is dependent on the extent of the cancer. If the cancer is detected at an early stage, the chance of survival is also high.
It is vital that you conduct self examinations. If you feel any lump on your breast, it’s time to consult a doctor; by doing so, you can get accurate diagnosis. After thorough examinations, the patient will be given a treatment plan. Some breast cancer patients forego with conventional medical treatments and tend to go for alternative medicines or therapy.
As you can see, even celebrities are not exempted from developing breast cancer. If celebrities can get it, then so can you! There are millions of non celebrities suffering from breast cancer. Let the stories of these celebrities who survive breast cancer serve as inspiration especially if you’re also suffering from this disease.
Early detection is important so you must regularly check your breast area for any lumps or unusual bumps. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you’re suspicious about certain lumps in your breast. There are lots of celebrities with breast cancer; if they can fight this disease, then so can you.
Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Celebrities with Breast Cancer…
