Breast cancer Breast cancer results from the disordered multiplication of cells in the mammary gland. These cancer cells have the ability to remain in the breast, but they can also travel outside the breast, a process called metastasis.
What are the causes and risk factors of breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease:
-The primary risk factor remains age. Two-thirds of breast cancers occur after the age of 50.
-genetics;
-environmental factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer;
There are several genes that predispose to breast cancer, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is estimated that approximately 60,000 women carry one of these two genetic mutations.
Other factors that may contribute to an increased risk of developing breast cancer include:
A sedentary lifestyle;
Alcohol consumption;
Or a personal history of breast disease;
Being overweight is also a risk factor for breast cancer;
Absence of pregnancy, early menstruation or late menopause are risk factors. Breast cancer can indeed be a hormone-dependent cancer, meaning that tumor cells use hormones to
What are the different types of breast cancer?
There are different types of breast cancer, depending on the location of the tumors and the type of tumor:
in situ carcinomas: cancer cells are located in the lobules and ducts, but do not grow outside the breast.
invasive carcinomas that can spread outside the breast.
Most of these tumors develop from epithelial cells and have receptors for estrogen and/or progesterone; they are called luminal A or B cancers.
What is a HER2-positive cancer?
Occasionally, they may express the HER2 receptor, which promotes their greater growth; these are then referred to as HER2-positive cancers; if the tumors mimic basal cells, they can be described as basal-like.
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Triple-negative breast cancer Finally,
there are breast cancers called triple-negative cancers, which are characterized by cells that lack receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or the HER2 protein.
What are the stages of breast cancer?
Breast cancer classification is determined by the size of the tumor, the possible involvement of lymph nodes, and/or other organs (such as the lungs, liver, bones).
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How to screen for breast cancer?
For breast cancer detection, it is recommended to see a gynecologist every one to two years for a checkup to detect any potential abnormalities. Starting at age 50, a follow-up mammogram every two years is recommended to detect breast cancer early and ensure prompt treatment.
Suspected symptoms of breast cancer:
a lump,
a deformity,
a discharge,
or an inflamed area, don't hesitate to consult your doctor or gynecologist.
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Ultrasound, mammography, or MRI in the diagnosis of breast cancer
The most commonly used imaging tests when a doctor suspects breast cancer include ultrasound, mammography, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). If an image is deemed suspicious, a biopsy and fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed. The diagnosis can be refined using various laboratory tests, including those to detect estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors, the HER2 receptor, or the Ki67 protein. A staging assessment may be performed to verify that the tumor has not spread
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