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Breast Cancer
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What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast, most commonly in the milk-producing glands (lobules) or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. When cells in these areas begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, they can form a tumor. Due to the breast’s rich supply of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes, cancer cells can easily spread to other organs.
The breast has a rich network of blood vessels and lymph nodes, which makes it easier for cancer cells to travel to other organs.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including age, family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), hormone levels, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposures. In its early stages, breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as it progresses, symptoms like a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape or skin texture, nipple discharge, or breast pain may appear.
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of physical exams, mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies (such as fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy). Once diagnosed, doctors determine the stage and type of cancer based on its size, how far it has spread, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. This information helps guide the best treatment approach.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including age, family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2), hormone levels, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposures. In its early stages, breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as it progresses, symptoms like a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape or skin texture, nipple discharge, or breast pain may appear.
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of physical exams, mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies (such as fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy). Once diagnosed, doctors determine the stage and type of cancer based on its size, how far it has spread, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. This information helps guide the best treatment approach.
Breast Cancer Staging
Breast cancer is classified into stages that describe the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. The most commonly used system is the TNM system:
T stands for tumor size
N refers to lymph node involvement
M indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis)
Here’s a brief overview of the stages:
T stands for tumor size
N refers to lymph node involvement
M indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis)
Here’s a brief overview of the stages:
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): The earliest stage. The cancer is limited to the ducts or lobules and hasn’t spread to nearby tissue.
- Stage I: The tumor is small and hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage II: The tumor is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage III: The cancer is more advanced and has spread to multiple lymph nodes or nearby tissues.
- Stage IV: Also called metastatic breast cancer. The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, liver, or brain.
Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy that offers a more precise and targeted way to treat breast cancer. Unlike traditional X-ray radiation, which passes through the body and can affect healthy tissues, proton therapy uses proton beams that can be more accurately aimed to stop at the tumor site. This precision helps minimize radiation exposure to healthy organs near the breast—especially the heart and lungs—which are sensitive to radiation. As a result, proton therapy can reduce the risk of long-term side effects, such as heart disease or lung damage, which are concerns with conventional radiation. By delivering high-energy proton beams directly to the tumor, proton therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and multiplying. Its ability to limit harm to surrounding healthy tissue makes it a promising treatment option for both women and men with breast cancer, especially those with tumors located close to vital organs.
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