Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the breast cells, usually in those that line the ducts, while others take shape in the lobules, and the rest in other breast tissue. While women are mostly afflicted with breast cancer, men may get it as well.
Women with early-stage breast cancer usually do not feel pain, but some possible symptoms of breast cancer may include changes in how the breast or nipple feels and looks, tenderness, discharge, and the nipple turning inward into the breast. These symptoms are not necessarily due to cancer, as other health problems may also cause them. However, a woman should see her physician if she feels any breast pain or experiences any of the above symptoms.
After asking you some questions and doing a complete physical examination, your doctor may suggest further tests. These may include the following: mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or biopsy. Other noninvasive and invasive tests are done to determine if the cancer has spread to other places in the body.
Treatment options for breast cancer may include surgery (such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, and lymph node dissection), radiation therapy, targeted therapies, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy.
Women with early-stage breast cancer usually do not feel pain, but some possible symptoms of breast cancer may include changes in how the breast or nipple feels and looks, tenderness, discharge, and the nipple turning inward into the breast. These symptoms are not necessarily due to cancer, as other health problems may also cause them. However, a woman should see her physician if she feels any breast pain or experiences any of the above symptoms.
After asking you some questions and doing a complete physical examination, your doctor may suggest further tests. These may include the following: mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or biopsy. Other noninvasive and invasive tests are done to determine if the cancer has spread to other places in the body.
Treatment options for breast cancer may include surgery (such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, and lymph node dissection), radiation therapy, targeted therapies, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy.
Men and Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society approximately "2,030 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the United States" in 2007. A painless lump or thickening of the breast is the most common sign of breast cancer in men. Treatment for men and women are generally the same.
An Introduction to the CA 15-3 Test in Breast Cancer
For people with breast cancer, there is a growing interest in the CA 15-3 test and what a change in CA 15-3 levels may mean. To learn more about the CA 15-3 test in breast cancer, click here.
An Introduction to the CA 27.29 Test in Breast Cancer
For people with breast cancer, there is a growing interest in the CA 27.29 test and what a change in CA 27.29 levels may mean. To learn more about the CA 27.29 test in breast cancer, click here.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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Breastcancer.org
Nonprofit organization features a wealth of current information about breast cancer symptoms, prevention, treatment, and support. Also connects users with online forums, experts, and a unique "celebrity talking dictionary."
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Site devoted to helping increase awareness of breast cancer through education and providing mammograms to people in need.
National Cancer Institute
List of current breast cancer clinical trials conducted at the National Institute of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD.
MedlinePlus
Developed by government agencies and other health organizations, this site contains information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, lots of interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news. Also features a "guide to healthy web surfing."
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Home page for the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists; provides extensive information for patients, survivors, and friends, plus details on grants and funding.
National Cancer Institute
A detailed online booklet listing possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and coping techniques for breast cancer.
MayoClinic.com
Not-for-profit hospital offers an introduction for those newly diagnosed with cancer; includes step-by-step information about signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and screening techniques.
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Breastcancer.org
Nonprofit organization features a wealth of current information about breast cancer symptoms, prevention, treatment, and support. Also connects users with online forums, experts, and a unique "celebrity talking dictionary."
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Site devoted to helping increase awareness of breast cancer through education and providing mammograms to people in need.
National Cancer Institute
List of current breast cancer clinical trials conducted at the National Institute of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD.
MedlinePlus
Developed by government agencies and other health organizations, this site contains information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, lots of interactive patient tutorials, and the latest health news. Also features a "guide to healthy web surfing."
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Home page for the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists; provides extensive information for patients, survivors, and friends, plus details on grants and funding.
National Cancer Institute
A detailed online booklet listing possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and coping techniques for breast cancer.
MayoClinic.com
Not-for-profit hospital offers an introduction for those newly diagnosed with cancer; includes step-by-step information about signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and screening techniques.
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