Occurring in both men and women, breast cancer forms in tissues of the
breast, usually the ducts and lobules. Each breast is divided into 15-20
sections called lobes. Lobes contain many smaller lobules. Lobules contain
groups of tiny glands that can produce milk. The breasts also contain
lymph vessels, which carry a clear fluid called lymph. The lymph vessels
lead to small, round organs called lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes
are found near the breast in the axilla, above the collarbone, in the
chest behind the breastbone, and in many other parts of the body.
Breast Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
No one knows the exact cause of breast cancer, although there are many
risk factors that may increase a person’s chance of developing the
disease. Some of the risk factors are
Age
Personal history of breast cancer
Family history
Certain breast changes
Genetic alterations
Reproductive and menstrual history
Race
Radiation therapy to chest
Breast density
Taking diethylstilbestrol
Being obese after menopause
Physical inactivity
Use of alcoholic beverages
A woman should talk with her health care provider about personal risk of
getting breast cancer and screenings available to detect breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Symptoms & Screenings
Screenings available to detect breast cancer before any symptoms would
arise are: mammogram, clinical breast exam, and breast self-exam. Symptoms
that women should watch for are a change in how the breast or nipple feels,
a change in how the breast or nipple looks, and nipple discharge.
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
If a woman has a breast change, her doctor must determine whether it is
due to breast cancer or some other cause. Additional tests that are performed
to determine this are clinical breast exam, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound,
MRI, and/or biopsy. Often, tissue must be removed from the breast to help
the physician determine if cancer is present. If the diagnosis is cancer,
the physician needs to know the stage of the disease to determine treatment plan.
Staging and Treatment Planning
Staging may involve x-rays and labs and often the extent of the cancer
is not known until after surgery to remove the tumor in the breast and
the lymph nodes under the arm. Once the testing is complete and staging
is done, your physician will discuss all available treatment options consisting
of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy.
A treatment plan that is best for you will then be decided upon by you
and your healthcare team.
Leading Breast Cancer Treatment with a Personal Touch
At Big Horn Basin Regional Cancer Center, our oncology team is dedicated
to providing advanced, personalized care for every patient facing breast
cancer. We understand that each diagnosis is unique, which is why we work
closely with you and your healthcare team to design a treatment plan that
meets your specific needs and goals.
From early detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment and recovery,
our specialists are here to guide you every step of the way - offering
the latest therapies, leading technology, and compassionate support close to home.
Contact us today to learn more about breast cancer treatment options in Cody, WY,
or to schedule a consultation with our experienced care team
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