Breast Cancer

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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cancer in women. Approximately 211 240 women will develop breast cancer this year. Around 40,410, or 1 in 33, will die from it this year. Currently there are 2 million women that have been treated for breast cancer. One in seven women will have breast cancer at some point in her life. Currently breast cancer deaths are declining most likely because of early detection and better treatments. (http://www.cancer.org)
Breast cancer is a tumor that originates from cells in the breast. The breast is made up of lobules (which make breast milk), ducts (small tubes which connect lobules to the nipple), fatty and connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymph vessels. The majority of breast cancer starts in the ducts, a few in the lobules, and the remainder in the tissues. (http://www.cancer.org)
When breast cancer occurs, most women first notice a lump in their breast. Other symptoms may be swelling, skin irritation, pain, discharge, or tenderness of the nipple. As soon as a woman notices a lump in her breast she should immediately consult her physician. (http://www.encyclopedia.com)
There are several tests that the doctor can do. The first one to be done would be a diagnostic mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. During a mammogram, the breast is flattened to spread the tissue to get a good picture. A breast ultra sound outlines the breast and displays it on a computer screen. It helps to see the difference between a cyst and solid masses. A ductogram helps in finding the cause of nipple discharge. A small plastic tube is placed in the opening of the nipple. A fluid is injected to outline the shape of the duct on x-ray. This test will show if there is a mass in the duct. If discharge is present the fluid can be tested for cancer. A biopsy is done when the above tests show breast cancer might be present. Breast cells are removed and studied in a lab. There a...