BREAST CANCER

 

Breast Cancer

This is the utmost mutual form of cancer that affects women in Germany. Around 70,000 women in this country develop so-called breast cancer every year. For the early finding of breast cancer, early detection examinations at the gynecologist are essential. From the age of 30, every woman is entitled to these examinations once a year free of charge. In addition to this, however, it is advisable to palpate the breast yourself once a month.

 

Women between 50 and 69 years of age are invited to a specialized examination center for mammography every two years. If there is an increased risk due to hereditary predisposition (frequent manifestation of breast or ovarian cancer in the family), intensified screening tests are suggested.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor in the mammary gland that can mainly affect women, but in rare cases, also affect males.

 

What are the causes of breast cancer?

The causes for the occurrence of breast cancer have not yet been fully clarified. The disease occurs spontaneously in most of those affected, i.e., without doctors finding an exact cause for it. Regardless of this, however, some risk factors can promote the occurrence of breast cancer, such as:

 

·        advanced age

·        Sedentary lifestyle and obesity after menopause

·        regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

In the early periods of breast cancer, the patient usually does not notice any symptoms, especially pain. Though, some signs can indicate breast cancer. These include:

·        Hardenings or lumps in the breast that previously could not felt

·        a breast size difference that did not exist before

·        watery, bloody, or purulent discharge from a nipple

·        palpable lymph nodes within the armpit that are not related to any other disease and have not existed before

·        breasts look different when arms raised

·        other symptoms of the breasts and nipples, such as noticeable reddening

However, these symptoms do not unavoidably mean that the disease is breast cancer. However, if the patient observes these symptoms, a medical examination is strongly recommended. If the breast cancer has already reached an advanced stage, the breast cancer can cause other symptoms such as:

 

·        unwanted weight loss

·        great exhaustion and frequent tiredness

·        general pain such as aching limbs or back pain (due to metastasis in the bones)

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

The earlier breast cancer is recognized, the higher the chances of successful treatment. If breast cancer is suspected, it is urgently advisable to have this check out by a doctor. The doctor will first ask the patient about their medical history and begin the physical examination. He will carefully feel both breasts and the collarbone pits and armpits.

 

If breast cancer is confirmed, a mammogram is first performed in patients aged 40 and over. It is an X-ray examination of the chest. If the findings are unclear, the doctor can also order an ultrasound examination of the breast. Such a breast ultrasound scan is often the first examination option for patients under 40 years of age when breast cancer is suspected.

 

In the context of mammography, malignant and caring changes can be mostly differentiated. An additional ultrasound examination increases the reliability of the diagnosis. If there is any suspicion, the doctor will perform a biopsy, i.e., remove tissue. When the removed tissue has been examined in the laboratory, the doctor can finally determine whether the changes are benign or malignant.

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