* T (size), followed by a number from 0 to 4 indicates the size of the tumor, the larger the cancer, the higher the number.

* N (lymph), 0 to 3, refers to the lymph nodes are affected by the cancer cells.

* M (metastasis), followed by a 0 or 1 indicates whether the cancer has spread (1) or not (0) to other organs.

In the early stages of cancer, surgery is used to remove the tumor, but often the surgical approach is complemented by radiation therapy to kill tumor cells that have escaped the knife. If the cancer is spread in other parts of the body, is used chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. This also accommodates the administration of radiation therapy, in specific areas where they are located groups of cancer cells.

* Surgery. The type of surgery depends on the extent of the tumor. If the size of the tumor allows the surgeon to perform a lumpectomy, which involves removing part of the breast tissue. With a mastectomy, however, the breast is removed completely. Both interventions may require the elimination of the nearest lymph nodes (located in the armpit).

* Radiation therapy. It is a local treatment, like surgery. In fact, sometimes radiation therapy after surgery to kill cancer cells that have not been removed. Radiation therapy is a high concentration of X-rays directed at a specific point. Applying this treatment after removal of cancer, doctors are sure to completely eradicate the tumor.

* Chemotherapy. Along with hormonal therapy are the most used treatments for breast cancer. Hormonal treatments seek to stop the progression of cancer by altering levels of female hormones. In contrast, chemotherapy eradicates cancer cells, destroying them.

* Hormone therapy:

- Tamoxifen: hormonal treatment used most commonly in breast cancer. This drug prevents the release of estrogen, so that the cells affected by cancer do not continue to spread.

- Toremifene: like tamoxifen, is an estrogen receptor modulator and seems to have shown efficacy in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer.

- Progesterone: These hormones are produced naturally in the body of women, but their artificial derivatives can be useful in certain breast tumors.

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