Breast Cancer Flashcards
Tamoxifen-
blocks the actions of estrogen-taken every day for up to five years
Tamoxifen S/E
Side effects: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, thinning hair
Herceptin
can be given before and after surgery
Herceptin S/E
Flu like symptoms in the beginning -nausea and vomiting, chills Cardiotoxic -heart failure
What is HER2?
The HER2 gene makes HER2 proteins. HER2 proteins are receptors on breast cells. Normally, HER2 receptors help control how a healthy breast cell grows, divides, and repairs itself.
What can happen to HER2
in about 25% of breast cancers, the HER2 gene doesn’t work correctly and makes too many copies of itself (known as HER2 gene amplification). All these extra HER2 genes tell breast cells to make too many HER2 receptors (HER2 protein over-expression). This makes breast cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
Aromatase inhibitors- When S/E
Aromatase inhibitors- post menopausal- Side effects-bone pain, osteoporosis, arthralgia
Cancers can form where?
In the ducts, or Lobules(Glands that produce milk) and lymph nodes
Benign Breast lumps
Very common, Known as Fibroadenomas.
Fibroadenomas occur in women ages?
30-35 but can be found in younger women
Fibroadenomas are?
Solid firm tumors that are usually painless or slightly tender. they sometimes can grow quickly in teens and during pregnancy due to horomones
What is a Breast Cyst
they are small fluid filled sacs within breast tissue that are benign in nature, they are common over 35 and may be tender and increase in size during menses
What are Fibro cystic Changes?
Fibrocystic changes are characterized by breasts that are lumpy with many irregularities in the breast that almost feels grainy on palpation. they are common from fluctuation of hormones and can be painful
Benign tumors are
Caused by cysts or Fibrosis, they can cause changes in breast swelling and pain.
What is the most common cause of breast mass in female patients younger that 25?
Fibroadenoma, and may appear as multiple masses
Phyllodes tumors or giant Fibroadenoma’s
are generally begnin, common in age 40-50 are large size(5cm{lime}) solitary firm breast nodule
Papillary Adenoma of nipples
Highest over40, commonly presents with unilateral Serous or bloody nipple discharge that increases before menses. THIS IS BAD, YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE DISCHARGE FROM NIPPLES UNLESS BREAST FEEDING
Breast abcesses
Can be caused by infections of Staph or Strep.
Mastitis
Fungal inflammation of the breast tissue when breast feeding
Treatment of Mastitis
Warm compresses frequent pumping and feeding of breasts
Treatment of breast abscess
Antibiotics, warm compresses, ultrasounds, needle aspiration and incense and drain as needed.
What are some Modifiable Risk factors for breast Cancers
Diet, Weight, Smoking Avoid Pre-menopausal weight gain