Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Breast cancer chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of medical drugs to treat cancer patients. In this case, chemotherapy is administered to breast cancer patients. The medical drugs attack and reduce the growth of cancerous cells. The problem with chemotherapy is that it kills both cancerous and healthy cells. The drugs cannot attack the cancerous cells alone. Due to this reason, the cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience side effects because of the chemotherapy drugs attack on the healthy drugs. The chemotherapy drugs are recommended for use by breast cancer patients at all stages. Sometimes the chemotherapy is accompanied with radiation.
Chemotherapy is normally given to breast cancer patients after they have undergone surgery. It is given orally through the mouth or intravenously. Due to chemotherapy, breast cancer patients suffer from hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of memory, dizziness, decrease in appetite, vitamin deficiencies and weakened immune system. Chemotherapy is the treatment that is recommended by oncologists to treat breast cancer patients.
Nevertheless, some breast cancer sufferers refuse to undergo chemotherapy because of its side effects. The truth of the matter is that not all the breast cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy suffer from the side effects. The side effects range from moderate to severe depending on the length that the patient receives the chemotherapy. Some of the breast cancer patients decide to go for radiation or surgery instead of enduring chemotherapy.
The use of chemotherapy has been known to cure patients off breast cancer completely. The patients undergo a long period of suffering due to the drugs and some may tend to withdraw from social activities. some wear head scarves and capes to conceal the loss of hair. It is advised that support and love be given to these patients especially when undergoing this procedure to boost their morale and optimism towards recovery.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is a disease that occurs due to abnormal growth of the breast cells. The cause of breast cancer is not yet known although it’s believed to be a hereditary disease. Initially it was a disease associated with the older women especially those who’ve reached menopause but lately there have been an increase in the number of young people suffering from the disease. The best cure against breast cancer is early detection which is facilitated by early screening.
Breast cancer screening is the process of detecting cancerous cells in the breast. It can be done in three different ways:
Mammogram is the process of conducting x-ray test on each breast. This is the most effective detection method where the breasts are compressed carefully so as to detect any changes in their tissues. These changes are not physically visible and cannot be detected by feeling the breast. It enables the cancerous cells to be detected early before they can even show on the outside. Doctors recommend that any woman above the age of 40 should have a mammogram after every one to two years.
Clinical breast exam is another screening method. This is where a doctor or nurse uses their hands to detect lumps in the breast. This method is only effective if the cancer has developed and thus has lumps that can be felt by the hands.
Self breast examination is the final screening method. This is where one uses their hand to feel for lumps. One also checks for other signs such as lumps under the arms or changes in the breast color or shape. The process involves simple steps where the woman raises her hand and uses the other hand to make circular movements from the tip outwards. Any lumps felt should be immediately reported to a doctor.
Breast cancer screening is the process of detecting cancerous cells in the breast. It can be done in three different ways:
Mammogram is the process of conducting x-ray test on each breast. This is the most effective detection method where the breasts are compressed carefully so as to detect any changes in their tissues. These changes are not physically visible and cannot be detected by feeling the breast. It enables the cancerous cells to be detected early before they can even show on the outside. Doctors recommend that any woman above the age of 40 should have a mammogram after every one to two years.
Clinical breast exam is another screening method. This is where a doctor or nurse uses their hands to detect lumps in the breast. This method is only effective if the cancer has developed and thus has lumps that can be felt by the hands.
Self breast examination is the final screening method. This is where one uses their hand to feel for lumps. One also checks for other signs such as lumps under the arms or changes in the breast color or shape. The process involves simple steps where the woman raises her hand and uses the other hand to make circular movements from the tip outwards. Any lumps felt should be immediately reported to a doctor.
Breast cancer care
Breast cancer victims need all the support they need to go through this difficult period. That is why breast cancer care is available for them and this involves a lot of issues. Patients can attend any of the breast cancer care centers where they can be helped reduce their fears by talking to qualified and professional counselors.
There are many foundations and organizations that are also dedicated to providing the necessary care to breast cancer patients. Breast cancer care is meant to help you deal with the condition in a positive way. Most of the patients tend to have emotional problems especially during the initial stages after diagnosis and during the treatment time and they can be helped to learn how to control their emotions at such times.
Some of the breast cancer care centers strive to ensure that patients who cannot afford proper health services for their breast cancer due to finances get the services by giving financial support through donors. The patients are usually given information regarding their condition, the treatments options they have and how to make sound decisions when it comes to choice of the best treatment. Breast cancer care information is also given to families of the patients so they can know how to give them the necessary support they need as they undertake their treatments.
It is good to participate in some of the breast cancer care forums especially now that many of them have come up online and share experiences as you learn how people like you are dealing with the situation. If you have survived it, it is important to know how to take care of yourself so as to prevent a recurrence. Breast cancer care is also meant to provide you with constant monitoring so that symptoms can be identified earlier.
There are many foundations and organizations that are also dedicated to providing the necessary care to breast cancer patients. Breast cancer care is meant to help you deal with the condition in a positive way. Most of the patients tend to have emotional problems especially during the initial stages after diagnosis and during the treatment time and they can be helped to learn how to control their emotions at such times.
Some of the breast cancer care centers strive to ensure that patients who cannot afford proper health services for their breast cancer due to finances get the services by giving financial support through donors. The patients are usually given information regarding their condition, the treatments options they have and how to make sound decisions when it comes to choice of the best treatment. Breast cancer care information is also given to families of the patients so they can know how to give them the necessary support they need as they undertake their treatments.
It is good to participate in some of the breast cancer care forums especially now that many of them have come up online and share experiences as you learn how people like you are dealing with the situation. If you have survived it, it is important to know how to take care of yourself so as to prevent a recurrence. Breast cancer care is also meant to provide you with constant monitoring so that symptoms can be identified earlier.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Breast cancer prognosis
In simple words, Early detection and treatment has better prognosis. Breast cancer prognosis depends on many factors including tumor size, extention, lymphnode involvement,biologic marker status such as ER, PR, HER-2, Histological factor, tumor cell analyzes. But most significant is the lymphnode metastasis among these.
When cancer is localized to breast tissue without any regional lymphnode involvement , the cure rate is more than 85%,with the prognosis depends on Size of tumor,Histological grade, Tumor label index,hormone receptor study,oncogene study etc...
When lymphnode involvement is present,Axillary lymphnode status holds the best analyzed prognostic factor.Because lymphnodes are the vital factor in staging breast cancer along with distant metastasis.The More number of axillary nodes involved, lesser the survival rate. Yes when axillary lymphnodes are involved with tumor, the survival rate drops to 50-70% at 5 years.Age factor also shares the responsibilty in prognosis.
When cancer is localized to breast tissue without any regional lymphnode involvement , the cure rate is more than 85%,with the prognosis depends on Size of tumor,Histological grade, Tumor label index,hormone receptor study,oncogene study etc...
When lymphnode involvement is present,Axillary lymphnode status holds the best analyzed prognostic factor.Because lymphnodes are the vital factor in staging breast cancer along with distant metastasis.The More number of axillary nodes involved, lesser the survival rate. Yes when axillary lymphnodes are involved with tumor, the survival rate drops to 50-70% at 5 years.Age factor also shares the responsibilty in prognosis.
Monday, July 13, 2009
breast cancer diagnosis
Diagnosing breast cancer is a vital step towards its treatment. Yes clinically surgeon can diagnose breast cancer, but with out diagnostic investigations surgeon may not be sure about its involvement, extension and severity.There are many advanced investigations available for diagnosing breast cancer.
The diagnosis depands on:
A. Imaging techniques.
B. Lab findings.
C. Pathology study.
Imaging techniques: Even though more than 60% of cases presented to hospital are self detected ( by breast self examination), Mammography is the most reliable means of detecting breast cancer before a mass can be palpated. Patients with a dominant or suspicious mass must undergo biopsy despite mammographic findings. MRI & ultrasonography may be a useful screening modalities in women who are at high risk. Advanced tool like PET (positron emmission tomography ) also used for diagnostic purpose.
imaging procedures like Chest radiography, CT scan are used to detect the distant metastasis. When bony metastases are suspected 99mTc labelled phosphates ar used for bone scanning.
Lab findings- Increased level of calcium is an occasional important finding in advanced cancer of breast. carcino-embryonic antigen ( CEA ) & CA15-3 or CA27-29 may be used as marker for recurrent Breast cancer. Hormonal studies also been carried out to make the diagnosis easier.
Pathology study-The diagnosis of breast cancer depends ultimately on examination of tissue or cells removed by biopsy. treatment should never be undertaken without an histological or cytological studies. The simplest biopsy method is needle biopsy, either by aspiration of tumor cell by FNA(fine needle aspiration) or by obtaining a small core of tissue with hollow needle ( core biopsy). Open biopsy under local anasthesia as a seperate procedure prior to definitive treatment is most reliable means of diagnosis.
The diagnosis depands on:
A. Imaging techniques.
B. Lab findings.
C. Pathology study.
Imaging techniques: Even though more than 60% of cases presented to hospital are self detected ( by breast self examination), Mammography is the most reliable means of detecting breast cancer before a mass can be palpated. Patients with a dominant or suspicious mass must undergo biopsy despite mammographic findings. MRI & ultrasonography may be a useful screening modalities in women who are at high risk. Advanced tool like PET (positron emmission tomography ) also used for diagnostic purpose.
imaging procedures like Chest radiography, CT scan are used to detect the distant metastasis. When bony metastases are suspected 99mTc labelled phosphates ar used for bone scanning.
Lab findings- Increased level of calcium is an occasional important finding in advanced cancer of breast. carcino-embryonic antigen ( CEA ) & CA15-3 or CA27-29 may be used as marker for recurrent Breast cancer. Hormonal studies also been carried out to make the diagnosis easier.
Pathology study-The diagnosis of breast cancer depends ultimately on examination of tissue or cells removed by biopsy. treatment should never be undertaken without an histological or cytological studies. The simplest biopsy method is needle biopsy, either by aspiration of tumor cell by FNA(fine needle aspiration) or by obtaining a small core of tissue with hollow needle ( core biopsy). Open biopsy under local anasthesia as a seperate procedure prior to definitive treatment is most reliable means of diagnosis.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Breast cancer treatment
Breast cancer treatment is not as easy as diagnosing it. Treatment depends on its size extension & metastasis. broadly treatment is categorised in to medical, surgical and follow up.
Medical treatment
It is applied in early stage where surgical intervention is not required. This includes chemotherapy , hormonal therapy. The treatment module is not the same for all breast cancers, it varies. Like in fibrocystic condition drugs like danazol, tamoxifen hepls to reduce symptoms, but because of its side effects its usage is restricted . Gamolenic acid has been shown to decrease pain. Studies also shows intake of Vitamin E hasbeen helpful.
In carcinoma of breast , hormonal therapy is most commonly adviced in post menopausal women. drugs like Trastuzumab, Tamoxifen, Arimidex been used for it.
Chemotherapy is usually done following surgery, used to eliminate occult metastasis in distant organ and it may also decrease local recurrence. drugs like cyclophosphamide , methotrexate, doxorubicin, epirubicin, fluorouracil are been used. the duration of the therapy ranges from 3months to 12 months.
Neoadjuvant therapy has shown effective results in carcinoma of breast, this is the usage of chemotherapy or hormonal therapy prior to resection of primary lesion & is getting popular now.
Surgical treatment:
The main aim of surgeries in breast cancer is
A. To preserve breast structure as much as possible.
B. To intervent the progress of the disease.
C. To improve the life survival after surgical.
It includes procedures like lumpectomy, total mastectomy, partial mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, these surgeries has its own merits. Surgical treatment is often followed by radiotherapy. radiotherapy after surgery increases survival of patients.
Irradiation also been used where cancer lesion is single , local , resection done followed by irradiation for 1-2 weeks.
Follow up:
After treatment , patients should be monitored for life in order to detect recurrence. because local and distant recurrences occur most frequently within first 2-5years. During first 2 years patient should be examined every 6months and later annually.
Medical treatment
It is applied in early stage where surgical intervention is not required. This includes chemotherapy , hormonal therapy. The treatment module is not the same for all breast cancers, it varies. Like in fibrocystic condition drugs like danazol, tamoxifen hepls to reduce symptoms, but because of its side effects its usage is restricted . Gamolenic acid has been shown to decrease pain. Studies also shows intake of Vitamin E hasbeen helpful.
In carcinoma of breast , hormonal therapy is most commonly adviced in post menopausal women. drugs like Trastuzumab, Tamoxifen, Arimidex been used for it.
Chemotherapy is usually done following surgery, used to eliminate occult metastasis in distant organ and it may also decrease local recurrence. drugs like cyclophosphamide , methotrexate, doxorubicin, epirubicin, fluorouracil are been used. the duration of the therapy ranges from 3months to 12 months.
Neoadjuvant therapy has shown effective results in carcinoma of breast, this is the usage of chemotherapy or hormonal therapy prior to resection of primary lesion & is getting popular now.
Surgical treatment:
The main aim of surgeries in breast cancer is
A. To preserve breast structure as much as possible.
B. To intervent the progress of the disease.
C. To improve the life survival after surgical.
It includes procedures like lumpectomy, total mastectomy, partial mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, these surgeries has its own merits. Surgical treatment is often followed by radiotherapy. radiotherapy after surgery increases survival of patients.
Irradiation also been used where cancer lesion is single , local , resection done followed by irradiation for 1-2 weeks.
Follow up:
After treatment , patients should be monitored for life in order to detect recurrence. because local and distant recurrences occur most frequently within first 2-5years. During first 2 years patient should be examined every 6months and later annually.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Breast cancer symptoms
Seeing from outside bread cancer might sound like a single disease, infact it is a term used to cover all cancer lesion within breast.it could be benign or malignant. Women suffering from breast cancer express either a single form of cancer or a multiple involvement. thus the symptoms are not all the same, for it varies in difference. lets discuss broadly.
Some of the breast cancer like fibroadenoma, fibrocystic produces asymptomatic mass ( lump )in breast, which are discovered accidently. here age plays a major role in diagnosing it, fibroadenoma predominantly occurs in younger age group i.e. within 20 years from menarche, whereas fibrocystic occurs around 40 years of age.
usually at early stage in breast cancer women often experiences discomfort in involved breast which worses during premenstrual phase of cycle. more than 70% of cases presents with painless mass predominantly in upper and outer quadrant of breast. Other symptoms may include breast pain, nipple discharge, enlarged nipple, itchy nipple, generalised hardness enlarged or shrinking of breast, orange skin like appearance on breast. women who are at risk of developing breast cancer should do regular self examination to discover at early most..
Some of the breast cancer like fibroadenoma, fibrocystic produces asymptomatic mass ( lump )in breast, which are discovered accidently. here age plays a major role in diagnosing it, fibroadenoma predominantly occurs in younger age group i.e. within 20 years from menarche, whereas fibrocystic occurs around 40 years of age.
usually at early stage in breast cancer women often experiences discomfort in involved breast which worses during premenstrual phase of cycle. more than 70% of cases presents with painless mass predominantly in upper and outer quadrant of breast. Other symptoms may include breast pain, nipple discharge, enlarged nipple, itchy nipple, generalised hardness enlarged or shrinking of breast, orange skin like appearance on breast. women who are at risk of developing breast cancer should do regular self examination to discover at early most..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
