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What is
Breast Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases in which
cells in the body grow, change, and multiply out of control. Usually, cancer is named
after the body part in which it originated; thus, breast cancer refers to the erratic
growth and proliferation of cells that originate in the breast tissue. A group of rapidly
dividing cells may form a lump or mass of extra tissue. These masses are called tumors.
Tumors can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Malignant tumors
penetrate and destroy healthy body tissues. A group of cells within a tumor may also break
away and spread to other parts of the body. Cells that spread from one region of the body
into another are called metastases.
The term breast cancer refers to a
malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. The breast is composed of two
main types of tissues: glandular tissues and stromal (supporting) tissues. Glandular
tissues house the milk-producing glands (lobules) and the ducts (the milk passages) while
stromal tissues include fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. The breast is
also made up of lymphatic tissue-immune system tissue that removes cellular fluids and
waste.
There are several types of tumors that
may develop within different areas of the breast. Most tumors are the result of benign
(non-cancerous) changes within the breast. For example, fibrocystic
change is a non-cancerous condition in which women develop cysts (accumulated packets
of fluid), fibrosis (formation of scar-like connective tissue), lumpiness, areas of
thickening, tenderness, or breast pain.
The American Cancer Society estimates that each year over 178,000 American women and 2,000 American men
will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women between
40 and 55 years of age and is the second overall cause of death among women (exceeded only by lung
cancer). Fortunately, the mortality rate from breast cancer has decreased in recent years with an
increased emphasis on early detection
and more effective treatments.
The remainder of this article outlines
several forms of breast cancer that may be found in women. Click here
to learn more about breast cancer in men.
| Non-Invasive
Breast Cancer |
Invasive
Breast Cancer |
| Cancer
cells that are confined to the ducts and do not invade surrounding fatty and connective
tissues of the breast. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common form of
non-invasive breast cancer (90%). Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is less common
and considered a marker for increased breast cancer risk. |
Cancer
cells that break through the duct and lobular wall and invade the surrounding fatty and
connective tissues of the breast. Cancer can be invasive without being metastatic
(spreading) to the lymph nodes or other organs. |
CONTINUED
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