Breast Cancer Flashcards

1
Q

Define breast cancer

A

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) –confined to ducts and has not invaded the basement
membrane; potential precursor for invasive ductal carcinoma; 80% found on mammography

Invasive ductal carcinoma – 70%

Invasive lobular carcinoma – 15%

Paget’s disease of the breast – 1-4% of breast cancer cases; Paget’s cells in epidermis of
nipple; can be seen in DCIS or invasive ductal carcinoma

Phyllodes tumour – 0.5% of all breast tumours; fast growing tumour of periductal stromal
and epithelial cells; can be benign, borderline or malignant, premenopausal (40-50 years)

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2
Q

What are the causes/risk factors of breast cancer?

A
• Family history of breast or ovarian
cancer (more significant if <40)
• Increasing age
• Radiation
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Oestrogen exposure
- Early menarche
- Late menopause
- Nulliparity
- 1st pregnancy >30
- No breastfeeding
- OCP >5 years
- HRT
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3
Q

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

A

DCIS – asymptomatic, itching

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4
Q

What are the signs of breast cancer?

A
• Irregular lump
• Skin changes (locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer)
- Peau d’orange
- Eythema
- Ulceration
• Nipple changes
- Nipple discharge (DCIS)
- Eczema (Paget’s)
• Axillary lymphadenopathy
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5
Q

What investigations are carried out for breast cancer?

A
Triple assessment
• History and examination
• Imaging
- USS <35 years
- Mammography >35 years
• Biopsy
- FNA (fluid-filled)
- Core biopsy (solid)
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