Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of oncology among women. Annually more than a million new cases registered. However, at an early stage, the forecast is optimistic. Forecast of five-year survival at 0 stages is 99%, in stage I – 92% in II – 65-82%, in III – 44-47%, and in the last, IV stage – 14%.
The structure and functions of mammary gland
The mammary gland consists of 15-20 individual cone-shaped particles, located radially around the chest nipple. Each particle, in its turn, consists of larger and smaller particles. In the lobules, there are groups of small glands that produce milk. After the birth of child milk passing from the lobules by the milk ducts and gets into the nipple.
Fat and fibrous tissue fills the gaps between the lobules and the ducts. In the chest are also lymph vessels, which are associated with lymph nodes located in the axillary regions, above the clavicle, and behind the sternum.
Symptoms of BC
Breast cancer rarely accompanied by symptoms in the early stages. But as tumors grow, women notice changes not only in the general condition of the body, but also in the appearance of the breast, and also there are unpleasant sensations in this area. Below is a list of symptoms characteristic of breast cancer.
- Thickening in the breast, as well as in the axillary region.
- Changing the size or shape of the mammary gland.
- Shrinking skin of the breast.
- Retracted nipple.
- The appearance of secretions from the nipple or nipples.
- Redness, swelling of the skin of the mammary gland.
- Irritation, peeling of the nipple skin, areola.
If any symptoms are detected, it is best to immediately seek qualified assistance in order to diagnose the disease in time and start treatment. Particularly careful about the symptoms of breast cancer should be women who are at high risk (women over 50, breast cancer in the past, gene mutation and other). In this case, in addition to regular examinations, it is advisable to have independent palpation of the mammary glands.
Treatment of BC
Currently, there are many methods for treating breast cancer. The choice of one or another method depends on the stage of cancer, its prevalence, and the type of malignant cells. The main methods of treatment for breast cancer are:
Surgery and irradiation are referred to as local treatments, in which the effect is concentrated on tumors in the breast region. Hormonal, targeted therapy and chemotherapy are referred to systemic treatment; medicinal products entering the circulatory system spread throughout the body.
The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the disease and a number of factors that are determined during the diagnostic examination and biopsy:
- the size of the tumor in comparison with the size of the breast,
- results of laboratory tests (research of hormonal receptors, genetic testing),
- presence of menopause,
- general health condition.