Breast Cancer: Where It Starts
Unfortunately, signs
of breast cancer are rarely visible from the surface of the skin. Breast
self-exams should be done regularly to detect physically substantial lumps
under the skin. But even self-exams may miss some cases. By moving the slide
from left to right, you will see where (in most cases) breast cancer develops:
deep down in the inner structures of the breast, within the ducts.
Cellular Abnormalities & Cancer
Cancer begins deep
down in the body, at the cellular level. Cells are the basic building
blocks of
the human body, and are constantly growing and dividing in a controlled manner
to create new tissues. Normally, new cells replace older cells as they die out.
However, cells can mutate for a variety of factors—including chemicals,
heredity, and others—leading to unchecked cell growth.
The breast ducts are
lined with epithelial cells, a cell type that, when mutated, replicates easily
and freely because they lose adhesion to other cells. Cancer that begins in the
ducts is called ductal carcinoma—this is the most common type of breast cancer.
Why a Tumor Grows
Tumors form when the
cell regrowth process gets mixed up and cells do not die when they should.
These damaged cells continue to mutate and grow uncontrollably. The cause of
this is still largely unknown. As cancerous epithelial cells begin to reproduce
and take up space in the breast ducts, the pressure can force a liquid
discharge from the nipple. Not all nipple discharge indicates cancer, but it is
a good reason to see your doctor.
Your doctor will use
a number of diagnostic methods, potentially including x-rays (mammography) and
breast MRIs to determine whether you do in fact have a cancerous growth.
Mammography
A mammogram is a
breast X-ray, and is used to screen for breast cancer in women who have no
signs of the disease, or to further diagnose a woman who has discovered a lump.
Although there is some debate, a mammography is typically recommended every
year or two for women over 40 (or 50).
The image here is a
split screen: on the left is a mammogram showing a cancerous lump in the breast
duct; on the right is an illustration showing the same cancer-stricken breast.
If you move the slider from left to right, the illustration will help you
understand the X-ray image that your doctor sees in his or her office.
Breast MRI
Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to create images of the inside of
the breast. They are very sensitive and can detect even the smallest
abnormality. In fact, they can be too sensitive. MRIs can generate “false
positives;” incorrect positive diagnoses.
Nevertheless, MRIs
are a powerful screening tool and can detect breast cancers that have not yet
(or will not ever) cause lumps to develop. Like the previous image, this split
screen shows an MRI on the left, and an illustration on the right.
Cancer & the Lymphatic System
As cancer cells
continue to grow into a tumor, it can spread to lymph nodes, clusters of
infection-fighting structures that release white blood cells throughout the
body to keep you healthy. These nodes filter out contaminants throughout the body,
but with enough exposure, the cancer cells can spread to the lymph nodes and
possibly to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer that
spreads to other areas of the body is called “metastatic.” Metastatic cancer in
lymphatic system can cause severe problems, including compromising your body’s
ability to ward off disease, leaving you unable to fight off even the smallest
infections.
More Breast Cancer
Resources
While breast cancer
can affect many women, knowing your risk factors, the signs and symptoms, and
other important details can help you with early detection—your strongest weapon
against breast cancer. Explore more of Healthline's resources to learn more
about the importance in remaining vigilant in the fight against breast cancer.
(Sources: http://www.healthline.com , medically
reviewed by George
Krucik, MD, MBA on May 15, 2013)
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