Breast Cancer Causes and Treatment

About Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is a type of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can develop in one of several areas of the breast, including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, the small sacs that produce milk (lobules) and the nonglandular tissue.Breast Cancer is estimated that 192,200 women and 1,500 men in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2001. Though rare in men, Breast cancer accounts for 31% of all cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in Breast tissue. There are numerous types of Breast cancer. For example, ductile cancer, found in the cells of the ducts, is the most common type of Breast cancer. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular cancer. Treatment will depend on the type of Breast cancer and stage of the disease. There are also many non-cancerous (benign) Breast diseases as well.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
1.A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm.
2.A clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.
3.Crusting or scaling of the nipple.
4.Nipples that don't stick out (inverted).
5.Redness or swelling of the breast.
6.Dimpling on the breast skin resembling the texture of an orange.
7.A change in the contours of the breast, such as one being higher than the other.
8.A sore or ulcer on the skin of the breast that does not heal.

Causes of Breast Cancer:
The exact cause of cancer remains a mystery. Over twenty percent of those who have cancer never know why. The primary parts that are involved are the natural parts of food, tobacco, occupational hazards, genetic composition and food additives. Other agents that have been linked with cancer are ionizing radiation, chemicals in the air and diet, vitamin deficiency, high-fat diet, stress and environmental conditions.

Diagnosis:

Biopsy: Used to diagnose tumors, a biopsy tests cells removed surgically or through aspiration for microscopic examination.

Cytology test: A test that shows the shedding of abnormal cells. A good example of a cytology test is pap smear.

Imaging techniques: low dose x-rays such as those used in a mammogram can detect early Breast cancer. Ultrasound scanners can also produce images of organs.

Chemical testing: Detect the presence of blood in the feces or elevated levels of enzyme acid phosphates in the blood.

Ultrasound: A new ultrasound technique used after a mammogram can help reduce uncertainty about whether a Breast mass is cancerous or not.

Home Care Suggestions:
-Avoid tobacco in all forms, synthetic hormones, particularly estrogen, excessive alcohol, caffeine.
-To minimize hair loss apply cold packs to the scalp while taking radiation or therapy.
-Engage in mild exercise such as walking and make it part of your daily ritual.
-If you ever receive a serious diagnosis of any kind, one of the most important things you can do is to free your mind of daily concerns.

More Detail About Breast Cancer

About the Author:
By Michal John
Added: Fri May 12 2006
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Metastatic Breast Cancer, learn all about it!

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in one of the breasts. It is one of the most frequent cancers in women. Cancer cells can sometimes spread to other organs and tissues in your body through bloodstream or lymph system. When this happens, the cancer is called metastatic breast cancer.

In metastatic breast cancer, new tumors may form in other organs and tissues of the body as well, most frequently in the lymph nodes. These tumors are called metastases and they may also form in the liver, brain or lungs.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Symptoms

Metastatic breast cancer symptoms vary upon the area where the metastases are found. Bone metastases usually cause pain. Metastases in the liver are often associated with an increased liver size. Lung metastases are generally accompanied by shortness in breath or cough and can be seen on an X-ray.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

The treatment for metastatic breast cancer depend on the size of tumors and how much they have spread. Common treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapies. These treatments are used either alone or combined. None of them will cure metastatic breast cancer, but they can slow down the process and reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Radiation is applied to a certain part of the body, generally the brain or a bone, in order to reduce the tumors as well as the pane. When it is given to the bone, it also decreases the risk of bone fracture. Chemotherapy is a medication treatment with anticancer drugs given either through veins or orally to kill cancer cells. Hormone therapy includes hormone pills instead of or in addition to chemotherapy. This type of treatment is mainly used for older women or the ones with other medical conditions as well. Another treatment option for metastatic breast cancer is immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system.

Most patients take medicines to reduce the pain. For more severe pain, the medication treatment generally includes narcotics. However, these pills do not cause addiction and when the pain in relieved, the need for taking them will also fade out.

How Long Can the Effects Last?

How long can you keep the disease under control depends on how much has the cancer spread. Proper treatment can sometimes control metastatic breast cancer for several years.

What Can You Do?

• There are also a few things you can do on your own to maximize the effects of the treatment:

• Follow the treatment plan carefully an rest often.

• Have breast or chest self-exams regularly and report any unusual changes. Do a breast exam every month, preferably at the end of your menstruation or the first day of the months if you don’t have a menstrual cycle.

• Ask the doctor to prescribe you an exercise to follow once you have finished the treatment.

• Consult a dietitian for improving your diet in order to heal tissue after the treatment and fight cancer.

• Join a support group for breast cancer.

• Talk to your family members and health care provider about the way you should be cared for if you are temporarily disabled.

• Do things that you enjoy and spend time with people that you love.

About the Author:
Nguang Nguek-Fluek
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Metastatic Breast Cancer
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos

The internal organs of the human body are encased in a protective sac called the mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).

Under specific conditions, the cells of the protective membrane divide uncontrolled and become cancerous. This disease is termed as Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.

The disease is found to occur among those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos based products, and the heating and construction businesses. Approximately 3,000 cases occur each year in the US, and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African Americans.

First studied in the late 1700s in depth studies were only done in the 1960s. Tumors of the Mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. The malignant Mesothelioma are categorized into three types:

• Epithelioid, accounting for 50-70% of mesotheliomas.

• Sarcomatoid, accounting for 7-20%.

• Mixed or bi-phasic, accounting for 20-35%.

When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs they travel through large air passages to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura they damage: the mesothelial cells leading to cancer; lung tissue causing lung cancer; and the development of scar tissue within the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Research reveals that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease but a patient may develop:

• Breathlessness.

• Chest pain accompanied by tightness believed to be caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

• Low back pain.

• Swelling of face and arms.

• Sensory loss.

• Muscle weakness.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Weight loss that is unexplained.

• Persistent dry cough.

• Sore throat.

• Anemia.

• Fever.

• Constipation.

• Problems with blood clotting.

Since the above are common to minor ailments, patients often ignore the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

A doctor will:

• Take down a detailed medical history and try and determine the symptoms and risk factors.

• Do a thorough physical examination and check for signs of:

o Pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the chest cavity.

o Fluid in the abdominal cavity.

o Pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.

• Take a chest x-ray and check for thickening of the pleura, calcifications, and lowered lung fissures.

• Ask for a CT scan to determine clearly the location, size, and extent of the problem if any is suspected.

• Recommend tests of tissue samples and pleural fluids.

Other risk factors are cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound that is similar to asbestos, exposure to or infections caused by SV40, a Simian virus.

Those who work in a risky environment should wear protective clothing, have the surroundings tested regularly for suspended asbestos particles, and ensure that they have regular medical tests and report to the doctor any ailments that persist.

Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.

About the Author:
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html
Added: 02 Mar 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/22640.html