Every so often, normal healthy cells will mutate
and become cancerous. Instead of growing, multiplying and dying like
normal, healthy cells do, these cells grow uncontrollably and multiply
at unrestricted rates. As a result, a tumor will form, interfering with
the natural functioning of the body. When this cell mutation occurs in
the breast, breast cancer develops.
If the cancer cells break away and
are carried through the blood to the lymph nodes and other parts of the
body, the cancer metastasizes and becomes much, much more serious.
There are two main types of tumors occur in the breast. Malignant
tumors and benign tumors. Benign tumors are not cancerous and they will
not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors can be removed
with simple surgery and the prognosis for benign breast tumors is very,
very good.
Malignant tumors on the other hand are made up of the type of cancer
cells that can spread to other parts of the body. This is the type of
breast tumor that can be life threatening and treatment will usually
consist of surgery in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the way your doctor treats
your cancer will depend on how quickly the cancer was diagnosed and
whether or not the cancer has metastasized. If the cancer has spread,
in addition to removing the cancer from the breast, your lymph nodes
may need to be removed as well. You will need to discuss your specific
therapy plan with your doctor.
References:
http://www.getbcfacts.com/
By: sharon gardner Posted: Dec 29 2005 03:35:33 PM