Breast Cancer Overview
What is cancer?
The body is made up of various kinds of cells, which normally divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when they are needed. Cancer is a group of diseases - more than 100 types - that occur when cells become abnormal and divide without control or order.
What is a tumor?
When cells divide when new cells are not needed, too much tissue is formed. This mass of extra tissue, called a tumor, can be benign or malignant.
* benign tumors:
o are not cancerous
o can usually be removed
o do not come back in most cases
o do not spread to other parts of the body and the cells do not invade other tissues
* malignant tumors:
o are cancerous
o can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs
o metastasize - cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form secondary tumors in other parts of the body
What are the different types of breast cancer?
There are several types of breast cancer, including:
* The most common type begins in the lining of the ducts and is called ductal carcinoma.
* Another common type, called lobular carcinoma, occurs in the lobules (milk-producing glands).
* Paget's disease is a rare form of breast cancer that begins in the glands in or under the skin. It is often characterized by inflamed, red patches on the skin. The patches can occur in sweat glands, in the groin, or near the anus.
Because Paget's disease often originates from breast duct cancer, the eczema-like cancer usually appears around the nipple.
When breast cancer metastasizes, or spreads outside the breast, cancer cells are often found in the lymph nodes under the arm. If the cancer has reached these nodes, it may mean that cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer that spreads is the same disease and has the same name as the original, or primary cancer. When breast cancer spreads, it is called metastatic breast cancer, even though the secondary tumor is in another organ. This may also be called "distant" disease.
Liver cancer is a disease that affects our liver, obviously. When the disease begins in the liver, it is called primary liver cancer. There are instance where other types of cancer like lung cancer can spread to liver. When cancer has spread to the liver, then it is called metastatic liver cancer, or secondary liver cancer.
What Do Our Livers Do?
The liver is a vital organ in our body. It is the second largest organ in our body, weighing in at about 2-6 pounds. It is located in the right side of the stomach.
The liver is responsible for many duties, like detoxifying substances, secreting bile, metabolizing carbs, fats, and proteins. The bottom line is that we can't live without it.
What Causes Liver Cancer
We don't know exactly what causes liver cancer, but several risk factors have been identified. Exposure to vinyl chloride, a compound used in manufacturing is one the risk factors. Other risk factors for liver cancer include cirrhosis, parasites, and chronic hepatitis. Smoking has also been linked to liver cancer development.
Liver Cancer Symptoms
Liver can produces symptoms like pain on the right side of the stomach, breast swelling in men, weightloss, jaundice, and feeling very full after eating a meal. Keep in mind that sometimes no symptoms are present.
How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
There are several tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, and MRIs that can detect liver cancer. There are other tests like the alpha-fetoprotein and liver function tests that are used to detect liver cancer.
How is Liver Cancer Treated?
Liver cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It may be treated by a combination of therapies. Treatment varies depending on stage of the disease.
Prognosis
Prognosis of liver cancer is certainly better if the disease is detected in an early stage. When you are diagnosed, ask your doctor what your prognosis is. It may be one of the most difficult questions you have to ask during your treatment, but the answers will really put your treatment plan into perspective.