Breast Cancer Causes and Treatment

About BreastCancer: Breast cancer is a type of uncontrolled growth of abnormalcells that can develop in one of several areas of the breast,including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, the smallsacs that produce milk (lobules) and the nonglandulartissue.Breast Cancer is estimated that 192,200 women and 1,500men in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast cancer in2001. Though rare in men, Breast cancer accounts for 31% of allcancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer is a disease in whichcancer cells are found in Breast tissue. There are numeroustypes of Breast cancer. For example, ductile cancer, found inthe cells of the ducts, is the most common type of Breastcancer. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is calledlobular cancer. Treatment will depend on the type of Breastcancer and stage of the disease. There are also manynon-cancerous (benign) Breast diseases as well. Symptoms of Breast Cancer: 1.A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm. 2.Aclear or bloody discharge from the nipple. 3.Crusting or scalingof the nipple. 4.Nipples that don't stick out (inverted).5.Redness or swelling of the breast. 6.Dimpling on the breastskin resembling the texture of an orange. 7.A change in thecontours 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 twentypercent of those who have cancer never know why. The primaryparts 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 ionizingradiation, chemicals in the air and diet, vitamin deficiency,high-fat diet, stress and environmental conditions. Diagnosis: Biopsy: Used to diagnose tumors, a biopsy tests cellsremoved surgically or through aspiration for microscopicexamination.Cytology test: A test that shows the shedding of abnormalcells. A good example of a cytology test is pap smear. Imaging techniques: low dose x-rays such as those used ina mammogram can detect early Breast cancer. Ultrasound scannerscan also produce images of organs.Chemical testing: Detect the presence of blood in thefeces or elevated levels of enzyme acid phosphates in the blood.Ultrasound: A new ultrasound technique used after amammogram can help reduce uncertainty about whether a Breastmass 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 scalpwhile taking radiation or therapy. -Engage in mild exercise suchas walking and make it part of your daily ritual. -If you everreceive a serious diagnosis of any kind, one of the mostimportant things you can do is to free your mind of dailyconcerns. More Detail About Breast Cancer