As the name suggests, breast cancer occurs due to the formation of cancerous cells of the breast. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women after skin cancer. Never let the name make you think the condition only affects women. In some rare cases, it also affects men. Women develop it when the cells in the breast begin to multiply and grow unusually. The uncontrolled way of cell growth can result in the formation of a malignant tumor.
Signs Of Breast Cancer
When a person develops cancer, they can see the following signs that indicate the presence of malignancy in the breast:
- Discovering a lump or thickness in the breast region that feels different from the tissue surrounding it
- See a change in the appearance, shape or size of the breast
- Observe changes to the skin covering the breast like dimpling
- See a newly inverted nipple
- Pitting of skin covering your breast (looks likes the skin of oranges)
- Redness around the skin over the breast
- Scaling, peeling, flaking or crusting of the pigmented breast skin or the skin surrounding the areola (nipple)
The abnormal growth you discover in your breast may not become cancerous. You can develop non-cancerous breast tumors, which does not spread to other areas of the body. So, it is not life-threatening. But, certain types of benign (non-cancerous) tumors increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, you need to see a doctor as early as possible when you observe the signs. With early intervention and medical care, you can overcome the problem without any complications.
Starting Of Breast Cancer
Are you wondering where the cancerous cells start? You develop the condition when the malignant cells develop in any part of the breast. Doctors believe that the condition occurs when you develop abnormal cells. These cells divide more rapidly compared to normal cells and tend to accumulate. Due to the abnormal growth of the cells, you can develop mass or a lump.
As time progresses, the cancer cells spread (metastasizes) through the breast to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. The common type of cancer begins in the ducts of the breast. Ducts are the tubes you can find in the breast. These tubes carry breast milk to the nipple.
Cancer developing in the milk-producing ducts is referred to as invasive ductal carcinoma. But, certain cancer also develops in the lobules (the gland producing milk), the glandular tissue and is known as invasive lobular carcinoma. Apart from these common regions, you can also develop cancer in other tissues or cells within the breast.
Causes Of Breast Cancer
Researchers believe the combination of lifestyle, hormonal, and environmental factors play a role in developing breast cancer. But, it is not sure why some people without any risk factors develop the disease and others with risk factors never develop the condition. So, scientists believe people develop it due to the complicated interaction of a person’s genetic makeup as well as their environment.
With increased awareness and early detection, you have better survival chances. By accessing medical assistance in time, you can improve the quality as well as quantity of life.