Breast Tumor

When cells grow and divide out of control, they create a mass of tissue called a tumor. If cells are growing out of control, but are normal cells, the tumor is called benign. If the cells that are growing out of control are abnormal and do not function normally, these are called malignant or cancerous.

Cancers are typically named after the part of the body from which they originate. Just as any cancer, breast cancer can invade and grow throughout the tissue surrounding a breast. In a process called metastasis, it travels to other parts of the body and forms new tumors.

Early warning signs of breast cancer include: a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle; a mass or lump which may feel as small as a pea; a change in the size , shape or contour of the breast; a blood stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple; a change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed); redness of the skin on the breast or the nipple; an area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast; or a marble-like hardened area under the skin.

These changes can be found when performing a monthly self-exam on the breasts. By performing these exams, you become familiar with your breasts and their normal monthly changes. These exams should be performed at the same time each month, three to five days apart, and after your menstrual cycle has ended. If you no longer have monthly periods, perform the exam on the same day each month.

If after finding a lump and testing is completed and ir is determined you have breast cancer, you and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to remove the cancerous tissue, reduce the chances of it returning, and to also reduce the risk that it might travel to another location outside the breast. Treatment begins within a few weeks after diagnosis.

The type of treatment you will receive will depend on the size and location of the tumor; results of lab tests; and the stage of the disease. You age and general health as well as your feelings about treatment options may also be discovered.

Treatments vary and can be local or systemic. Local treatments remove, destroy, or control cancer cells in a particular area (surgery and radiation). Systemic treatments destroy or control cancer all over the body (chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biologic therapies). You might have one treatment form or both depending on your needs.

Benered Fransisco is the author of this article. Currently writing on www.polymva.com