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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Breast Health
About Breast Cancer in Men
About Breast Cancer in Men Statistics regarding men and breast cancer Breast cancer in men is rare—less than one percent of all breast carcinomas occur in men. Consider the latest statistics available from the American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012 about 2,190 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the U.S. Breast cancer is about 100 times more common among women. Estimates for 2012 also indicate that about 410 men in the U.S. will die fro...
About Clinical Trials: Information from the National Cancer Institute
About Clinical Trials: Information from the National Cancer Institute What are clinical trials? Clinical trials are studies, managed by government agencies, educational institutions, private not-for-profit organizations, or commercial businesses, to develop, produce, and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments for diseases. What are some types of clinical trials? According to the National Cancer Institute, there are different types of cancer clinical trials, including: Prevention trials. These are ...
About Tamoxifen
About Tamoxifen What is tamoxifen? Tamoxifen is a drug that reduces and/or stops the effects of estrogen (a female hormone) in the body. It was developed over 30 years ago and has been used to treat both advanced and early stage breast cancer. More recently, tamoxifen is being used as an adjuvant, or additional, therapy following primary treatment for early stage breast cancer. It is also used to try to prevent breast cancer in women who are at high risk. Tamoxifen is taken by mouth in tablet form and i...
About Taxol
About Taxol What is Taxol? Taxol, or paclitaxel, is a drug used for treating certain women who have advanced breast or ovarian cancer. It is also used to treat other kinds of cancers. Paclitaxel is a compound that is extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. In December of 1992, the FDA approved Taxol for treatment of ovarian cancer that had not responded to standard chemotherapy. Later clinical trials showed that Taxol was also effective in treating advanced breast cancer. In April of 1994, the ...
Anatomy of the Breasts
Anatomy of the Breasts Click Image to Enlarge Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, called lobes , that are arranged like the petals of a daisy. Each lobe has many smaller lobules , which end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are all linked by thin tubes called ducts . These ducts lead to the nipple in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola . Click Image to Enlarge Fat fills the spaces between lobules and ducts. There are no muscles in the breast, but...
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T)
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare inherited childhood disease that affects the nervous system and other body systems. The effects of A-T usually begin to appear by the age of 5 in a child affected by the disease. What causes A-T? A-T is caused by mutations in a gene on chromosome 11 known as the ATM gene, which is involved in cell cycle control. This neurodegenerative disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, which means that two mutated ATM genes are neces...
Breast Cancer Overview
What Is Cancer? The body is made up of various kinds of cells, which normally divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when they are needed. Cancer is a group of diseases--more than 100 types--that occur when cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. What is a tumor? When cells divide when new cells are not needed, too much tissue is formed. This mass of extra tissue, called a tumor, can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors: Are not cancer Can usually be removed Are rarely a...
Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT)
Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) The BCPT, part of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), began in April 1992 to determine whether the nonsteroidal, anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen could reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women who were at high risk for development of the disease. Only women who were at increased risk for developing breast cancer participated in the study. They were chosen based on their breast cancer risk as determined by a computer calculation that in...
Breast Cancer Statistics
Breast Cancer Statistics Consider the following statistics related to breast cancer: Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates for 2012 include 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer being diagnosed in women in the U.S. In addition, carcinoma in situ (cancer that has not spread beyond the original site) will be responsible for 63,300 new cases this year. Of these, about 85 percent will be ductal carcinoma i...
Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care
Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care The thought of having breast cancer is frightening to everyone, and especially devastating to women. However, ignoring the possibility that you may develop breast cancer or avoiding the processes to detect cancer can be dangerous. Although there are some women who are at higher risk, the fact is that all women are at risk for breast cancer. That's why it's so important to follow this three-step plan for preventive care. Although breast cancer can't be p...
Breast Infections and Inflammations
Breast Infections and Inflammations What is lactational mastitis? Click Image to Enlarge The most common type of breast infection is lactational mastitis. With this condition, which occurs when a woman is breastfeeding, the nipples become cracked and sore, allowing bacteria from the baby's mouth to enter the ducts and rapidly multiply in the milk. Occasionally, infection also arises from a blocked milk duct. In both cases, the breast becomes hard, reddened, hot, and painful. Treatment for lactational ma...
Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment
What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to treat cancer. Chemotherapy reaches all parts of the body, not just the cancer cells. The oncologist (a doctor with special training in cancer treatment) will recommend a treatment plan for each person. Specific treatment will be based on: Your overall health and medical history Your age and whether you are menstruating The type and stage of the cancer Your tolerance for specific medications and procedures Expectations for the course of...
Common Benign Lumps
Common Benign Lumps What are some common types of benign breast lumps? Click Image to Enlarge Two of the most common causes of benign single breast lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas. In addition, there are several other conditions that can present themselves as lumps, such as fat necrosis and sclerosing adenosis. What is a cyst? A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the breast tissue. Such cysts typically occur in women between the ages of 35 and 50 and are most common in those approaching menop...
Common Breast Conditions
Common Breast Conditions A woman can and probably will experience a number of benign (noncancerous) breast conditions during her lifetime. In the directory below, you will find additional information on breast conditions, for which we have provided a brief overview. If you cannot find the condition in which you are interested, please visit the Breast Health Online Resources page in this website for an Internet address that may contain additional information on that topic. Mastalgia (Breast Pain) Common ...
Cowden Syndrome
Cowden Syndrome The risk for breast cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and thyroid cancer is increased with Cowden syndrome, a rare inherited disorder that is also associated with a number of specific noncancerous features. Cowden syndrome is associated with the following characteristics: Multiple benign, or noncancerous, tumors of normal organ tissue of the skin and other organs, usually present by the late 20s Macrocephaly (increased head size) Noncancerous breast and thyr...
Diagnosing Benign (Noncancerous) Breast Conditions
Diagnosing Benign (Noncancerous) Breast Conditions How are benign breast conditions and infections diagnosed? In addition to obtaining a complete medical history, your health care provider, in diagnosing a breast condition, may: Perform a complete physical examination to: Locate any lump and feel its characteristics (i.e., texture, size, and relationship to the skin and chest muscles). Look for changes in the nipples or the skin of the breast. Check lymph nodes under the arm and above the collarbones. R...
Diagnostic Procedures for Breast Cancer
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed? It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area seen on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or, more often, by other, less serious problems. To determine the cause of any signs or symptoms you may have, your doctor will perform a careful physical exam that includes a personal and family medical history, as well as questions about your current overall health status. An examination that includes the following will also be done: P...
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
Fibrocystic Breast Changes What are some common fibrocystic breast changes? Generalized breast lumpiness is known under many different names, such as "fibrocystic disease" and "fibroid breasts." Many of these are misnomers since physicians and researchers now believe that these are just part of the breast changes which many women undergo throughout the various stages of their lives. Many physicians feel that this term has become a catchphrase for general breast lumpiness. What do fibrocystic changes fee...
Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms
Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms What are the benefits of screening mammography? Today's high-quality screening mammogram is the most effective tool available to detect breast cancer before lumps can be felt or symptoms appear. Early detection of breast cancer not only helps provide a woman with more options, but also increases her chances of having the best possible outcome. Is there a risk of radiation exposure from having regular mammograms? You may want to ask your doctor about the amount of r...
General Information About Breast Cancer
General Information About Breast Cancer What is cancer? The body is made up of various kinds of cells, which normally divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when they are needed. Cancer is a group of diseases - more than 100 types - that occur when cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. What is a tumor? When cells divide when new cells are not needed, too much tissue is formed. This mass of extra tissue, called a tumor, can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors: Are not ...
Genetics of Breast Cancer
Genetics of Breast Cancer Only a small percentage of cancers involve inherited mutations that are passed from generation to generation. The majority of cancers can be attributed to acquired mutations. “Acquired” means that the mutations occur only in the tissue that is affected by cancer and that the changes are not present in all cells of the body. Acquired mutations are not inherited and are not passed down to our children. Listed below are several genetic syndromes associated with an increased risk f...
Glossary - Breast Health
Glossary - Breast Health | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Ablative therapy - treatment that removes or destroys tissue. abscess - a hole filled with pus that forms as a result of a local infection. Adenocarcinoma - cancerous tumors of the glands, such as in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Adenoma - benign growths that often appear on glands or in glandular tiss...
Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1/BRCA2)
What is hereditary breast ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome? HBOC syndrome is characterized by the following features in a family: An early age of onset of breast cancer (often before age 50) Family history of both breast and ovarian cancer Increased chance of bilateral cancers (cancer that develops in both breasts, or both ovaries, independently) or an individual with both breast and ovarian cancer An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance (transmission through either the mother or father’s side of the...
Home Page - Breast Health
Topic Index Anatomy of the Breasts Normal Breast Development Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care Common Breast Conditions Breast Cancer About Breast Cancer in Men Glossary Routine care is the best way to keep you and your breasts healthy. Although detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages is the main goal of routine breast care, other benign conditions, such as fibrocystic breasts or cysts, are often discovered during routine care. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amon...
How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination What is a breast self-examination (BSE)? Breast self-examination (BSE) is a procedure a woman can do to physically and visually examine her breasts and underarm areas for changes. It has not been shown that BSEs alone can accurately determine the presence of breast cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has found evidence that suggests BSEs do not lower the risk for death from breast cancer. Therefore, if you choose to do BSE, it should not be used in pl...
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome The risk for breast cancer and many other forms of cancer is increased with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a genetic autosomal dominant cancer syndrome. A diagnosis of LFS is made when all of the following characteristics are present in a family: Sarcoma at less than 45 years of age and A first-degree relative, such as parent, sibling, or child, with cancer at less than 45 years of age and A first- or second-degree relative (aunt, uncle, or grandparent) with cancer at less than 45 year...
Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy
Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system consists of many vessels that carry lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid containing water and a few blood cells; it originates in many organs and tissues. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It helps to protect and maintain the fluid environment of the body by filtering and draining lymph and waste products away from each region of the body. Often during a lumpectomy or mast...
Mammogram
Mammogram What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems, such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints. Mammography cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer, but if it raises a suspicion of cancer, tissue will be removed for a biopsy. Tissue may be removed by needle or open surgical biopsy and examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancer....
Mastalgia (Breast Pain)
Mastalgia (Breast Pain) What is mastalgia (breast pain)? Mastalgia is breast pain and is generally classified as either cyclical (associated with menstrual periods) or noncyclic. Noncyclic pain may come from the breast or may come from somewhere else, such as nearby muscles or joints, and may be felt in the breast. Pain can range from minor discomfort to severely incapacitating pain in some cases. Many women with mastalgia worry more about the consequences of cancer than about the pain itself. What is c...
National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)
National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) The NSABP is a cooperative group that had its start in 1958, but was officially formed in 1971, to conduct clinical trials in breast and colorectal cancer research. The National Cancer Institute is the primary source of funding for NSABP member institutions to conduct NSABP clinical trials. Current membership includes research sites at nearly 1,000 medical centers in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Ireland, and Australia. The NSABP has ...
Nipple Problems and Discharge
Nipple Problems and Discharge What are some common nipple problems? Click Image to Enlarge Nipple conditions are a common benign (non-cancerous) breast condition affecting many women. Some problems are related to lactation, while others are not. Like all breast conditions, any nipple problems should be reported to your physician for a prompt diagnosis and treatment. What is ectasia? As a woman approaches menopause (around her late 40s, early 50s), the mammary ducts, which are located under the nipple, b...
Normal Breast Development and Changes
Normal Breast Development and Changes What is normal breast development? Breast development is a vital part of reproduction in the human female. Unlike other mammals, however, human females develop full breasts long before they are needed to nurse their offspring. Breast development occurs in distinct stages throughout a woman's life, first before birth, again at puberty, and during the childbearing years. Changes also occur to the breasts during menstruation and when a woman reaches menopause. When doe...
Online Resources - Breast Health
Online Resources - Breast Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contain...
Other Treatments for Breast Cancer
Other Treatments for Breast Cancer There are several other different types of treatment for breast cancer. Here is a brief review of the most common types: Hormone therapy . Hormone therapy is used to prevent the growth, spread, and recurrence of breast cancer. The female hormone called estrogen can increase the growth of breast cancer cells in some women. Hormones are chemicals produced by glands, such as the ovaries and testicles. Hormones help some types of cancer cells to grow, such as certain breas...
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome The risk for breast and ovarian cancer is increased with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare early-onset autosomal dominant disorder, associated with specific physical characteristics in addition to increased cancer risks. The features associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome may include the following: Melanocytic macules (dark blue or brown moles) These moles may be located around and/or in the mouth (including the lips), and around the eyes, nostrils, and anus. Dark moles may als...
Post-Mastectomy
Post-Mastectomy There are many considerations a woman needs to take following a mastectomy. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Breast Reconstruction Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis
Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis
Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis What is a prosthesis? There are various types of post-mastectomy and lumpectomy prostheses, also called breast forms. Manufacturers make a wide selection of types, shapes, sizes, and colors. The type of prosthesis required is determined by the amount of breast tissue that is removed. A prosthesis can be worn against the skin, inside the pocket of a mastectomy bra, or attached to the chest wall. Prosthetic devices are designed to look feminine while ensuring comfort. What are t...
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment What is radiation therapy? Radiation therapy is a process that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. Radiation done after surgery can kill cancer cells that may not be seen during surgery. Radiation may also be done: Prior to surgery to shrink the tumor. In combination with chemotherapy. As a palliative treatment (therapy that relieves symptoms, such as pain, but does not alter the course of the disease). There are various wa...
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Cancer Types - Risk Factors for Breast Cancer What is a risk factor? A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors. Knowing your risk factors for any disease can help guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease. What are the risk factors for br...
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? The following are the most common symptoms of breast cancer. Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain and may cause no symptoms at all. And, some breast cancers never cause symptoms or other signs of a problem until they have gotten quite large and are more likely to have spread. These are changes that women and men should watch for: A lump or thickening (a mass, swelling, skin irritation, or distortion) in or n...
Stages of Breast Cancer
Stages of Breast Cancer What is staging of breast cancer? When breast cancer is diagnosed, tests will be done to find out if the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. This is called staging and is an important step toward planning a treatment program. What are the different stages of breast cancer? As defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer, stages of breast cancer are: Carcinoma in situ or Stage 0 Carcinoma in situ is an early cancer. It has two types: Ductal carcinoma...
Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR)
Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) The Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene, or STAR, was a clinical trial that began at an estimated 500 sites across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada early in 1999. Participants in STAR included more than 19,000 postmenopausal women who are at increased risk for breast cancer. They were given a drug that could reduce their chances of developing breast cancer. STAR built on the success of the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial, which showed that high-risk women ...
Surgery for Breast Cancer Treatment
Surgery for Breast Cancer Treatment How is surgery used in breast cancer treatment? Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the primary treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options. The type of surgery done depends on: The size and location of the breast lump or tumor The type and stage of the breast cancer (If the cancer has spread within the breast or has spread outside of the breast to the lymph nodes, or to other parts of the body.) The size of the breast The w...
Topic Index - Breast Health
Topic Index - Breast Health Breast Health Home Anatomy of the Breasts Normal Breast Development Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination Mammography Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms Common Breast Conditions Mastalgia (Breast Pain) Common Benign Lumps Fibrocystic Breast Changes Nipple Problems and Discharge Breast Infections and Inflammations Diagnosing Benign Breast Conditions Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Overview Symptoms and Signs Statistics Risk...
Treatments for Breast Cancer
Treatments for Breast Cancer There are many different treatments for breast cancer that involve the clinical care of a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Surgery Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Other Treatments About Tamoxifen About Taxol™
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