Breast cancer is very common, however, thanks to medical advances, the level of mortality has decreased. In addition, if it is detected early there is a greater probability that it can be cured. Mammography and self-examination is what has helped reduce the risk of death.
Early diagnosis is essential, since in this way it can be started in the early stages with the indicated treatment. Next, we provide information that will be of great use to you.
Contents
What is breast cancer?
It is a disease caused by the proliferation of malignant epithelial cells, responsible for lining the mammary ducts. It is diagnosed in both men and women. But it is usually more common in women. Sometimes these cancer cells travel through the blood to other organs, thus achieving adhere to these, constituting metastasis.
Image from Freepik
With a timely diagnosis, there is a greater chance of cure. Because studies carried out concluded that when the treatments are started in the first phases, a satisfactory recovery is obtained. It is important to emphasize that women from the age of 40 are more prone to its appearance, although at any age it can manifest itself.
In addition, women with a history of cancer, those with late menopause or early development are also at higher risk. In general, in the main stage there are no symptoms, but as the disease progresses it becomes noticeable. When women are breastfeeding, they run less risk of suffering from this condition, it protects them in some way. In this sense, leading a healthy life with a good diet and exercising is essential to prevent it.
Symptoms
In the early stage of cancer, it is very likely that there are no symptoms. But as it develops, the appearance of signs is noticeable. The most common symptoms of breast tumors are:
- Redness in the area or change in texture, such as orange-colored skin.
- Change in the nipples.
- Change in size or appearance of the breast.
- Inverted nipples
- Lump in the breast that feels different.
- Appearance of scales or as if the skin is peeling in the breast.
Risk factor’s
Some factors increase the risk of cancer, because the true cause is still unknown. These are the following:
- Age, a woman under 40 years of age has a lower risk of cancer cells appearing in her body.
- Genetics: if a family member has been or is a cancer patient, there is a possibility of having a higher risk of contracting breast cancer
- Recurrence, when a person has suffered from cancer, they run the risk of repeating it again.
- Vulnerable breast tissue.
- An unhealthy life and alcoholism.
Types of breast cancer
Among the different cancers of this type that exist, mention is made of the following:
- Ductal carcinoma: it is detected in the mammary ducts, it is important to discover it in time, since otherwise it would develop metastasis.
- Lobular, lobular, or invasive lobular neoplasia.
- Inflammatory breast cancer: it is quite aggressive because it develops quickly, and the cells block the lymphatic vessels. This results in the skin changing in appearance, as if it were an orange peel texture.
- Paget’s cancer: it tends to develop on the nipple and areola, taking on a scaly and reddish appearance.
Stages or classification of breast cancer
Breast cancer is classified according to the area where it is lodged or according to the size of the tumor. The different ways to distinguish yourself are presented below:
Stage 0
It is very common and less risky, since the cancer cells are in a duct and do not compromise other tissues.
Stage 1
When the tumor measures 2 cm and has not involved any lymph nodes.
Stage 2
The tumor is 2 cm and begins to spread to nearby nodes.
Stage 3
It could already be extended in lymph nodes and can measure 5cm or more.
Stage 4
Metastasis begins to develop in other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.
Prevention
To achieve prevention it is convenient periodically conduct a self-examination. In addition, at the time of witnessing any strange change in the breast, it will be necessary to consult the doctor immediately. Taking prevention in time, there will be a greater possibility of cure. On the other hand, it is necessary to maintain a healthy life and exercise frequently, this can help combat risk.
In another particular, it is also essential to regularly attend a routine medical check-up and learn about the state of health. Also, avoid excessive and complete consumption of alcohol or harmful substances. Rather, it is recommended to spend the time eating healthy, regularly consuming fruits and vegetables.
Can men get breast cancer?
It is rare, but occurs in one in ten men, and it is usually more dangerous than in women. Because, it is detected when it is at a high level, since it is the last possibility checked. Likewise, there are risks of suffering from it if there is a history of family members with cancer, or they have experienced Klinefelter syndrome, it is an alteration that reduces the production of testosterone.
On the other hand, liver diseases such as cirrhosis tend to increase the production of female hormones. In this way, men with this condition will have a greater risk of suffering from this pathology.
It also arises as a result of treatments for the prostate, treated with estrogen-containing drugs, frequently generators of this type of tumors. Symptoms in breast cancer in men are:
- Adenopathies or enlargement of lymph nodes in the armpit area.
- Lump in the chest.
- Redness of the area.
- Alterations in the size, texture or color of the breast.
- Presence of wrinkles or depressions around the breast.
- Nipple discharge or changes.
- Peeling.
- Nipple twisted to one side or change of direction.
- Bone pain.
- Pain in the area of the breasts.
- Ulcers on the skin.
- Weightloss.
- Swelling of an arm, (close to the breast affected by cancer)