CBC-Breast Cancer Flashcards
What is ductal carcinoma?
Breast Cancer that starts in the tubes (ducts) that carry milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type
What is lobular carcinoma?
Breast Cancer that starts in the parts of the breast, called lobules, which produce milk
What is the most important risk factor for breast cancer?
Age (other risks: family history, BRCA gene mutation, early menstrual cycle development (pre 12 y/o) and delayed menstrual cycle end (post 55 y/o)
Name some other risk factors
Alcohol use (2+ drinks a day), women who have never given birth or their first birth was after 30, women who have received hormone therapy for several years, obesity, exposure to radiation during childhood
What is the diagnostic reason for Breast MRIs?
to help better identify the breast lump or evaluate an abnormal change on a mammogram
What is the diagnostic reason for breast ultrasounds?
to show whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled
What is the diagnostic reason for CT and PET scans?
to check if the cancer has spread outside the breast
What is the diagnostic reason for mammography?
to screen for breast cancer or help identify the breast lum
Surgery to remove cancerous tissue?
A lumpectomy removes the breast lump; mastectomy removes all or part of the breast and possibly nearby structures.
What is the treatment for stage 0 BC and ductal carcinoma?
Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy is the standard treatment.
What is the treatment for stage 1 and 2 BC?
Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy with lymph node removal is the standard treatment. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and other targeted therapy may also be used after surgery.
What is the treatment for stage 3 BC?
Treatment involves surgery, possibly followed by chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other targeted therapy.
What is the treatment for stage 4 BC?
Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, other targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments
