Breast cancer is the 2nd most common, occurring cancer in women. By exploring the pathophysiology of breast cancer, one will understand the causes and be able to educate women on how to reduce the risk associated with breast cancer.
Concept, System, Anatomy, and Physiology
Breast cancer falls under the concept of cellular regulation. The main body system that is affected by breast cancer is the reproductive system. Breast cancer is defined as the unregulated growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. The breast function is to produce breast milk after childbirth. There are many components of the breast including adipose tissue, mammary ducts, mammary lobules, nipple, areola, and lymph nodes (“Breast,” 2015).
Etiology of Breast Cancer Hereditary, environmental, hormonal, and reproductive factors are all possible causes of breast cancer. Two breast cancer genes that have been …show more content…
These risk factors include breastfeeding, reducing alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, maintaining a normal BMI, avoiding radiation, smoking, pollution, and hormonal therapies (Colditz & Bohlke, 2015; “Breast”, 2015).
Manifestations of Breast Cancer There are manifestations that can be associated with breast cancer. Finding a non-tender lump in the breast. In the nipple area, the skin can get a persistent rash, flaking, or have a burning or stinging sensation. The nipple can start to have discharge or invert. The skin of the breast can start pitting it can have an orange peel appearance (“Breast,” 2015).
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer There are several ways breast cancer can be diagnosed. Self-exam and mammography are really valuable, but the tumor can be there for 8-10 years before it is found. Lab tests must be performed in order to give a positive result. These include percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy, excisional biopsy, and blood marker tests (“Breast,”
Concept, System, Anatomy, and Physiology
Breast cancer falls under the concept of cellular regulation. The main body system that is affected by breast cancer is the reproductive system. Breast cancer is defined as the unregulated growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. The breast function is to produce breast milk after childbirth. There are many components of the breast including adipose tissue, mammary ducts, mammary lobules, nipple, areola, and lymph nodes (“Breast,” 2015).
Etiology of Breast Cancer Hereditary, environmental, hormonal, and reproductive factors are all possible causes of breast cancer. Two breast cancer genes that have been …show more content…
These risk factors include breastfeeding, reducing alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, maintaining a normal BMI, avoiding radiation, smoking, pollution, and hormonal therapies (Colditz & Bohlke, 2015; “Breast”, 2015).
Manifestations of Breast Cancer There are manifestations that can be associated with breast cancer. Finding a non-tender lump in the breast. In the nipple area, the skin can get a persistent rash, flaking, or have a burning or stinging sensation. The nipple can start to have discharge or invert. The skin of the breast can start pitting it can have an orange peel appearance (“Breast,” 2015).
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer There are several ways breast cancer can be diagnosed. Self-exam and mammography are really valuable, but the tumor can be there for 8-10 years before it is found. Lab tests must be performed in order to give a positive result. These include percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy, excisional biopsy, and blood marker tests (“Breast,”