According to statistics, oncology cases and dysplastic processes in the chest area are recorded every year in the world. In the first place, according to WHO, is breast cancer in women. The number of deaths from this pathology is very many. This is due to the late detection of oncology. According to doctors, deaths could have been avoided if screening in the population (preventive examination) was carried out massively and regularly.
Scientifically proven risk factors
The hypothesis about the development of oncology of mammary glands is based on the theory and practice of numerous factors of its development. These include:
- female age - 50-55 years. American experts have revealed that this disease is much more likely to occur in this category of people;
- exposure to radiation waves after receiving radiation therapy (in the sternum) or living in hazardous areas;
- overweight (obesity);
- genetic mutation;
- family history - blood relatives already had breast cancer;
- late menopause, after 55 years;
- earlier onset of menstruation (earlier than 12 years);
- HRT (hormone replacement therapy) after menopause;
- the risk group includes women who first gave birth after 35 years of age;
- alcohol abuse;
- concomitant diseases: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypertension.
Doctors consider fibrocystic mastopathy to be one of the most dangerous pre-tumor diseases. Breast cancer in women can be detected at the initial stage of its development using mammography, MRI and ultrasound. Also, regular self-examination will help to identify early pathological changes and prevent metastases.
Types of tumor
There are several forms of breast cancer: diffuse and nodular. The second form is diagnosed much easier by the presence of a characteristic clinical picture. The most common signs include the following changes: seals in the form of nodules that can move, retract and wrinkle.
With a diffuse form, there is an increase in temperature for no apparent reason, swelling, thickening, redness of the skin and a pronounced vascular network around the areola of the nipple. Requires a thorough diagnosis and monitoring of identified breast cancer in women.
Symptoms of breast cancer
All the signs described below do not always indicate the presence of dysplastic processes. In other diseases, such symptoms are also characteristic (swelling of the ribs, Paget's cancer ). Any changes should encourage you to a full examination. A timely visit to an oncologist-mammologist will prevent serious consequences. You should consult a doctor if:
- palpation observed displacement of the site (violation of the contour of the chest);
- detection of a bumpy shape with fuzzy contours near the nipple or axillary hollows;
- change in the structure of the skin, marked swelling and the effect of "lemon peel";
- when examined by a doctor, the pull-up of subcutaneous tissue is determined;
- retraction of the nipple;
- peeling, irritation and redness of the nipple;
- swelling of the mammary gland;
- ulcer formation (indicates an advanced stage);
- signs of deformation;
- an increase in lymph nodes.
In difficult situations, the doctor resorts to additional diagnostic techniques to understand what stage breast cancer in women is at: MRI, biopsy, thermography, and ultrasound.
How to treat?
Malignant formations of the sternum are more often subject to surgical intervention. Much depends on the location of the tumor, the result of histological examination, the degree of germination and size. When setting an alarming prognosis with metastases, the doctor removes breast cancer in women.
The operation is aimed at excising the cancerous tumor within the tissue formation layer or removing the mammary gland. But before such a difficult step, the doctor will try all the methods in order to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy, hormonal and radiation therapy are prescribed.
The first, second and third stages of oncology are subject only to surgical intervention to prevent relapse. The fourth form is the most dangerous, not amenable to therapeutic measures. Remember, breast cancer in women remains the most common and poorly understood problem. It does not have exactly the same etiological base.