Breast cancer

Cancer of the breast that occurs in various tissue segments (eg, gland lobules, gland passages).

In the early stages, breast cancer is locally limited. Gradually, over time, the tumor can grow into the blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as give metastases (tumor foci in other organs).

Causes

Along with a genetically determined and highly likely to be inherited (mutation of the proto-oncogene BRCA-1 / -2) cancer, there is a sporadic form of cancer, as well as multiple cases of the disease in one family without an obvious genetic predisposition. Risk factors include: overweight, smoking, alcohol abuse, sometimes long-term use of hormones, diabetes mellitus, lack of physical activity, late first pregnancy.

Prevention

Various lifestyle factors: the desire to normalize weight, the rejection of the frequent use of nicotine and alcohol in large quantities, regular sports activities, a balanced diet. Patients at risk (family predisposition) can, if necessary, participate in monitoring programs, taking preventive medications.

Symptoms

Grope nodes and skin changes (defect like "lemon peel", retractions) are more likely to be late manifestations. Really early recognition is possible only with the help of mammography or high-resolution ultrasound (ultrasound). In certain cases, magnetic nuclear resonance imaging (MRI) may be used.

Diagnostics

Mammography (- screening), ultrasound (ultrasound), magnetic nuclear resonance imaging (MRI). The so-called tumor markers for detecting cancer cells are not suitable for diagnosis in this case and have no meaning.

Treatment

Local control of the tumor in breast-conserving therapy, irradiation of the rest of the breast. Systemic therapy or prevention of the spread of tumor cells through chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or antibody therapy. Decisions about the types of treatment to be applied in each case can only be made in the context of all knowledge regarding the circumstances and results of the studies (biological properties of the tumor), and with the consent of the patient.