Track 13: Breast cancer

sub tracks of Breast-cancer

·  Types of Breast Cancer

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive cancer in the milk ducts.
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Most common type, spreads to surrounding tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the milk-producing lobules.
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors.
• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Overexpression of HER2 protein.
• Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Driven by estrogen or progesterone.

·  Stages of Breast Cancer

• Stage 0: Non-invasive (e.g., DCIS).
• Stage I: Early-stage, small tumor, limited spread.
• Stage II: Larger tumor, possible lymph node involvement.
• Stage III: Locally advanced, extensive lymph node involvement.
• Stage IV: Metastatic cancer, spreads to distant organs.

·  Detection and Diagnosis

• Screening Tools: Mammography, ultrasound, MRI.
• Biopsy Techniques: Fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy.
• Genomic Testing: BRCA1/BRCA2, Oncotype DX.

·  Treatment Modalities

• Surgery: Lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction.
• Radiation Therapy: External beam, brachytherapy.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy: Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors.
• Targeted Therapy: HER2 inhibitors (e.g., trastuzumab).
• Immunotherapy: Emerging treatments for specific subtypes.

·  What is Breast cancer ?      

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast tissue. It occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumor, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and potentially spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver, or lungs.

Breast cancer typically originates in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma) of the breast, which are the structures responsible for producing and transporting milk. It can affect both men and women, though it is significantly more common in women.
Key characteristics include:

·  Types: Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, triple-negative, etc.

·  Symptoms: Lump in the breast, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or redness.

·  Risk factors: Age, genetics, hormonal factors, lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions.

·  Diagnosis: Physical exams, mammograms, biopsies, and imaging studies.

·  Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.