Clinical picture of breast cancer
Depending on the course of the disease, cancerBreast cancer is differentiated into 5 main groups. The sooner a woman consults a professional mammologist, the greater the chances of detecting pathology at an early stage of the oncological process. Breast oncology: early stages of the disease Stage 0 - at this stage of the disease, pathological cells are detected in the walls of the gland ducts. This is a non-invasive form of cancer, since cancer cells do not go beyond the walls and do not penetrate healthy tissues. Sometimes stage 0 is not considered an oncological process. However, there is a high probability that under the influence of unfavorable conditions or in the absence of proper treatment, damaged cells will continue to change and cause the growth of a malignant tumor. The stage is asymptomatic. Stage 1 - is considered the beginning of invasive oncology. Cancer cells form a small tumor, the size of which does not exceed 2 cm in diameter. However, the tumor remains within the organ. When palpating the gland, a small painless seal can be detected. It should be taken into account that cancer is most successfully treated at this stage. Complete recovery occurs without excision of the mammary gland. Consequently, the woman retains not only her breasts, but also the ability to breastfeed. Stage 2 - at this stage, oncology develops in 4 directions.
- The size of the tumor can remain the same, but the cancer cells are detected in the lymph nodes located in the axillary region.
- Malignant neoplasm can grow up to 5 cm, single cancer cells in the axillary lymph nodes are not found.
- The diameter of the formation is 2-5 cm, the appearance of cancer cells in the lymph nodes located in the axillary region.
- There are no single cancer cells in the lymph nodes, the diameter of the tumor becomes more than 5 cm.
Palpation of the gland helps to detecta small lump. As a rule, there are no other symptoms. Stages 0, 1 and 2 of breast cancer are considered early forms of the process. In the early stages, it is possible to use gentle treatment methods that allow you to preserve the natural shape of the breast and the functionality of the mammary glands. With further development of the disease with the transition to a late stage, complete excision of the gland will be required. Do not despair, since modern medicine has methods of surgical treatment with simultaneous breast plastic surgery. In the absence of contraindications, plastic surgery is performed immediately after tissue excision.
Breast oncology:late stages of the disease In the early stages, the disease may remain unnoticed by the woman herself, as it is not pronounced. Therefore, it is necessary not to neglect preventive examinations and undergo examination by a mammologist approximately once a year. As the process develops, the symptoms become pronounced. Stage 3 - this form belongs to the category of locally advanced oncology and is differentiated into 3 types. Stage IIIA is characterized by the presence of a tumor with a diameter of no more than 5 cm. The spread of metastases to the lymph nodes continues. Damage to the retrosternal lymph nodes is not excluded. As the tumor increases in size, cancer cells affect fused or separately located lymph nodes. Stage IIIB is diagnosed if a tumor of any size grows into the skin of the gland or into the chest area. Expressed signs of breast cancer in this case are the appearance of tissue swelling and small nodules on the surface of the skin. Sometimes the mammary gland acquires a reddish tint and pronounced swelling as a result of blockage of the lymphatic vessels. Stage IIIC means the presence of a tumor of any size growing into the surrounding tissue. The lymph nodes in the axillary, retrosternal, and sub- or supraclavicular regions may be affected. Stage 4 - metastasis to other internal organs, such as the liver or bone tissue, occurs. This stage is called metastatic cancer. Sometimes the process is irreversible. In this case, treatment is designed to reduce the symptoms of the disease, but cannot eliminate its cause. Cancer is an insidious disease that can recur despite a complete cure. Often, a relapse occurs due to the presence of individual cancer cells that were not destroyed by treatment, or metastases located in hard-to-reach places. Repeated development of oncology in the mammary gland is not necessary. A relapse can affect the lungs, bones, brain or liver.
Symptoms that serve as a signal to call a mammologist
As oncology develops, graduallyexternal signs of breast cancer appear. If such symptoms are detected, you should immediately contact a women's health clinic and undergo a thorough examination. Due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages of the disease, breast cancer is most often detected in an advanced form. A woman should pay attention to any change in the contour of the gland, wrinkling of the skin or retraction of the nipple. The surface of the skin may peel, acquiring a reddish tint. There is a constant burning sensation. It is possible that these symptoms are a sign of a common allergic reaction. However, you can only make sure of this by consulting a specialist. In the future, the oncological process occurs with a feeling of discomfort and pain in the affected gland, swelling of the armpit or shoulder, enlargement of the lymph nodes in the armpit. Changes are observed on the part of the diseased mammary gland. Dimples may form on the surface of the skin. A wound appears on the nipple, and bloody fluid may be released from the nipple itself. The germination of a malignant neoplasm on the skin leads to the appearance of ulcers. According to statistics, in Russia every 16th woman is susceptible to breast cancer. In order to prevent the disease or the development of late stages of cancer, it is necessary to take good care of your own health.
