Breast cancer is abnormal and disordered growth of cells in this tissue. The breast consists of a series of mammary glands that produce milk after birth, and which are called lobes and lobules.
The lobes are connected by pipes, ducts, which are the leading milk to the nipple during lactation, to feed the baby.
The glands (or lobes) and the ducts are embedded in adipose tissue and connective tissue, which, together with the lymphoid tissue, forming the breast.
As a retaining wall, pectoral muscle acts which lies between the ribs and breast. The skin covers and protects the entire breast structure.
The lymphatic system consists of containers and vessels or tubes that contain and carry the lymph, a colorless liquid consisting of white blood cells, mostly lymphocytes. These cells recognize any substance foreign to the body and release substances that destroy the offending agent.
Types of Breast Cancer
Most tumors that occur in the breast are benign, not cancerous, and are due to fibrocystic formations. The cyst is a fluid-filled sac and fibrosis is an abnormal development of connective tissue. Fibrosis does not increase the risk of developing a tumor and does not require special treatment. The cysts, if large, can be painful. Removing the fluid with a needle usually take away the pain. The presence of one or more cysts does not favor the occurrence of malignant tumors.
Benign tumors are related mostly to genetic factors. Symptoms that occur are pain and inflammation but not spread to the rest of the body and are not dangerous. In malignant tumors, there are several types depending on the location of the breast where there is abnormal growth of cells and depending on their stage.
Tumors may be localized or have spread through the blood vessels or through lymph vessels, and have led to metastasize, a cancer in an organ distant to the original. Of all cases of breast cancer, only 7-10% of them start metastases.
The breast cancers are classified as:
Ductal carcinoma in situ in the cells of the walls of the ducts. It is a very localized cancer that has not spread to other areas or has metastasized. That is why this disease ‘premalignant’ can be removed easily. The cure rate close to 100%. This type of tumor can be detected through mammography.
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (or invasive) is the one that begins in the milk duct but manages to pass through and adipose tissue of the breast and then can spread to other parts of the body. It is the most common breast cancers, occurs in 80% of cases.
Lobular carcinoma in situ arises from the mammary glands (or lobes) and, although not a true cancer increases the risk that women can develop a tumor in the future. Usually occurs before menopause. Once detected, it is important that women have a mammogram every year and control several clinical examinations to monitor the possible development of cancer.
Infiltrating lobular carcinoma (or invasive) begins in the mammary glands but it can spread and destroy other tissues. Between 10% and 15% of breast tumors are of this type. This carcinoma is more difficult to detect through mammography.
Inflammatory carcinoma is a rare cancer, accounting for only 1% of all breast cancers. It is aggressive and fast growing. Ago breast skin reddening and increasing its temperature. The appearance of the skin becomes thick and hollow, like an orange, and can appear wrinkles and bumps. These symptoms are due to the blockade produced by cancer cells on the lymph vessels.
Tags: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Mechanism, breast cancer risk, breast cancer risk factors, Breast Cancer Types, Cancer, lymphoid tissue, Mechanism and Types of Breast Cancer
