Breast Cancer

What is It??Any malignant tumor of the breast

Almost all tumors of the breast are carcinomas, therefore breast cancer usually applies to a malignancy of the breast ducts or glands.

Sarcomas are rare; angiosarcoma being the most common, and arises from radiation therapy.

Are there different kinds??Ductal Carcinoma

1.) Arises from epithelium lining the breast ducts 2.) Accounts for 75-80% of breast cancers

Lobular Carcinoma 1.) Epithelium of smallest ducts or milk glands

themselves 2.) Accounts for 10-15% of breast cancers

Microscopic Types and Frequencies of Breast Cancer

Histologic Type % of all Breast Cancers

Carcinoma in situ 15-30%

Ductal 80%

Lobular 20%

Invasive 70-85%

Ductal 80%

Lobular 10%

Other 10%

Is it Lobular Carcinoma?Difficult to diagnose by mammography

Often seen at multiple sites in the affected breast

Tend to see cancer in both of the breasts occur (still in question).

What about Ductal Carcinoma??Most common cancer of the breast. Also the

most aggressive when its invasive.

Less likely to see another cancer in the opposite breast (theory still in question)

Cause growth of a very dense, scar like tissue

Can men get Breast CancerYESGynecomastia describes male breast

cancerUsually bilateralCaused by high levels of estrogen Account for 1% of all breast cancers

Risk FactorsWomen are at 100x more of a risk then menLobular CarcinomaFamily History (BRAC-1, BRAC-2)AgeEstrogenObesity, alcoholism, and cigarette smoking

Prognosis5 year survival can vary from 10% to 100%

Important Risk FactorsCarcinoma in situ v. Invasive CarcinomaLymph node metastasisTumor sizeInvasion of skin or chest wall

Prognosis Continued…Less important prognostic factorsHistological type of carcinomaHistological grade of the carcinomaRate of tumor cell division and aneupodiyPresence or absence of receptors on tumor

cells

TreatmentsBilateral mastectomy Simple mastectomy LumpectomyChemotherapyRadiation

Prevention Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI less than 25) throughout your life

Minimize or avoid alcohol.

Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible.

Exercise regularly the rest of your life

Do your fats right!

Do your carbs right!

Consume whole food soy products regularly

Minimize exposure to pharmacologic estrogens and xeno-estrogens

Take your supplements daily

Citations American Cancer Society. 2011. Cancer Facts and Figures 2011. p. 4. NW, Atlanta, GA

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11/30/2011, Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-MADS00983/Ductal-carcinoma-in-situ-DCIS?q=ductal+carcinoma

McConnell,Thomas H., 2007.The Nature of Disease, p. 571-577. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore , MD 21201.

Webmd, 11/27/2011, Lobular Carcinoma (Invasive and In Situ), http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/lobular-carcinoma-invasive-and-in-situ, 02/08/2010

Weninger, Jessica, 12/01/2011, BSGI: The Best for Your Bust, http://imaging-radiation-oncology.advanceweb.com/Student-and-New-Grad-Center/Student-Papers/BSGI-The-Best-for-Your-Bust.aspx, 11/02/2010

Womens Health, 12/05/2011, Dr. Ann's 10-Steps to Prevent Breast Cancer, http://womenshealth.about.com/od/cancerprevention/a/10stepsprevbcan.htm, October 30, 2009

Breast 232,620 2,140 230,480 39,970 450 39,520