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Home Page > Health > Cancer > Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Symptoms and Complications

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Symptoms and Complications

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Posted: Feb 22, 2011 |Comments: 0
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Symptoms and Complications
The appearance of a lump or mass in the breast is found 9 times out of 10 during a self examination. There is usually no pain, but the mass may cause an unusual sensation in the place where it is located.

When a tumour appears in the milk ducts, bleeding can occur from the nipple. The size or shape of the breast may change. In addition, the nipple may enter into or skin may shrink, causing the formation of a dimple. The appearance of a lump or swelling in the armpit, or a redness or swelling of the breast are other symptoms.

While these might be early signs of breast cancer but may also indicate another non-cancerous. In fact, about 8 out of 10 are not cancerous. It should however consult a doctor to pinpoint the exact cause of the hump.

The most serious complication of breast cancer metastasis. Metastases occur when some cells from a tumour break off and travel to other parts of the body via the blood or lymphatic vessels to invade tissue in locations distant sometimes. When metastases are formed from cells of breast cancer, they are most often in lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, brain and skin. Several years may pass – even after the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer – before the cancer that has spread from the primary tumour.

When metastases are discovered, the cancer has probably already spread to other places, even if these tumours are not detected.

Diagnosis
It must be checked by your doctor a suspicious mass in your breast. Besides a complete physical examination, the doctor will also perform a mammogram, which is to say at a low dose X-rays may show abnormalities in the breast. An ultrasound can sometimes be performed to determine if the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass. A biopsy may be necessary even if the lump tactile does not appear on the mammogram.

Fluid may be collected in a cyst with a needle to determine if it contains cancer cells. A solid mass should be analyzed under a microscope. To this end, we must perform a needle biopsy, a core biopsy or surgical biopsy.

In the case of needle biopsy, a thin needle is inserted into the lump to extract cells. Core biopsy involves removing a sample of breast tissue and cells to examine. The biopsy involves removing the entire mass and a certain amount of healthy tissue nearby. This procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia.

Cancer cells may be subjected to examination to detect the presence of oestrogen receptors or progesterone. In addition, we may conduct further tests – including radiography, bone scan, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging – to see if the cancer has spread to other organs or tissues.

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Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/breast-cancer-diagnosis-and-symptoms-and-complications-4282121.html

Article Tags:
symptoms, complications, diagnosis, lump, xray, cancer cells, breast tissue

Published Results Show Denosumab Superior to Zometa® in Delaying or Preventing Bone Complications in Patients With …

Published Results Show Denosumab Superior to Zometa® in Delaying or Preventing Bone Complications in Patients With …
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) today announced the publication of results from a pivotal Phase 3 study of 2,046 patients which compared denosumab with Zometa® (zoledronic acid) in delaying or preventing skeletal-related events (SREs) in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. An SRE consists of any of the following: a pathologic fracture …

Possible Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery

What is Breast Cancer?

The term breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. The breast is composed of two main types of tissues: glandular tissues and stromal (supporting) tissues. Glandular tissues house the milk-producing glands (lobules) and the ducts (the milk passages) while stromal tissues include fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. The breast is also made up of lymphatic tissue-immune system tissue that removes cellular fluids and waste.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. In fact, when it first develops, breast cancer may cause no symptoms at all.

But as the cancer grows, it can cause these changes:

1. A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.

2. A change in the size or shape of the breast.

3. Discharge from the nipple.

4. A change in the color or texture of the skin of the breast or areola (such as dimpling, puckering, or scaliness).

Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when a clear fluid known as lymphatic fluid builds up in the soft tissues of your body, usually in an arm or leg. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that run through your body. Lymph vessels collect a fluid that is made up of protein, water, fats, and wastes from the cells of the body. Lymph vessels carry this fluid to your lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes filter waste materials and foreign products, and then return the fluid to your blood. If your vessels or nodes become damaged or are missing, the lymph fluid cannot move freely through the system. The fluids can then build up and cause swelling, known as lymphedema, in the affected arms or legs.

What are the symptoms?

If you have lymphedema, you may not develop symptoms immediately. Sometimes symptoms occur 15 or more years following an injury to your lymphatic system. When symptoms eventually occur, they can include:

* Aching, weakness, redness, heaviness, or tightness in one of your limbs,

* Less flexibility in your wrist or ankle and

* Tight-fitting rings or shoes.

What causes lymphedema?

The most common causes of secondary lymphedema are surgery or radiation treatment for certain types of cancer, such as breast and testicular cancers. Other causes of lymphedema include surgery on the blood vessels in your limbs or other surgical procedures, like liposuction, as well as burns.

How is lymphedema treated?

If you are at risk for developing lymphedema, you can act to prevent it. Initially, if you have mild lymphedema, you can act to keep the condition from worsening.

* Clean your affected limb regularly. Remember to dry it thoroughly and apply lotion * Wear gloves while gardening and cooking

* If you shave the affected area, use an electric razor

* Don’t go barefoot

* Do not cross your legs when you sit and

* Do not carry a handbag with your affected arm.

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Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by - 07/14/2010 at 8:36 pm

Categories: Breast Cancer Tumor Tags: breast, cancer, Complications, possible, surgery

Advanced radiation techniques treat head and neck cancer, reduce swallowing complications

Advanced radiation techniques treat head and neck cancer, reduce swallowing complications
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have applied advanced radiation techniques for head and neck cancer to avoid treating critical structures that affect swallowing and eating.

Potential Complications of Breast Augmentation Surgery

Complications of breast augmentation surgery are rare and most patients report that the pain and discomfort associated with the recovery are definitely worth the benefits. But, as with any surgery, it is very important to be well educated about the potential complications before you go through with the surgery. You and your cosmetic surgeon should discuss in detail the complications listed below and all questions you have prior to your procedure.

Capsular Contracture – this condition, which can cause some pain and discomfort, occurs if the connective tissue around the implant tightens, giving your new breasts an unnaturally firm look and feel. If severe capsular contracture happens after your breast augmentation surgery, it may require another surgery to remove the connective tissue and replace the implant.

This condition is less common if the implant is placed behind the muscle, so be sure to discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon prior to the procedure.

Implant Displacement – Although rare, your new breast implants can shift out of position after the surgery. They can move up or down or left or right. If an implant only shifts slightly, it may not be noticeable. If it shifts a lot, you may need corrective surgery to move it back to the right position.

Rupture – Whether you have saline or silicone implants, they can sometimes rupture after surgery. If you have saline implants, the saline (sterile salt water) will leak out and be absorbed by the body, with no resulting harm. The implant can then be replaced. Surprisingly, rupture and deflation is most common when the implants have NOT been overfilled. This concept is counterintuitive, but rupture happens when a small section of the implant shell folds repeatedly due to your natural body movements. Eventually the area where it keeps folding can form a tiny tear and then the saline will leak out, causing the implant to deflate.

The risk of deflation is about 4% during the first year after the implants are put in and then goes down to 1% per year per implant after that.

The same body movements that cause a saline implant to rupture can also cause a silicone implant to rupture. The major difference is that with the new silicone gel implants approved in 2006 by the FDA, the silicone does not leak. It sticks to itself despite the small tear in the shell. Therefore you may not know that the implant has ruptured. In some cases the body can create capsular contracture after a rupture. Once you are aware that your silicone implant has ruptured, you will need to have it taken out along with any tightened connective tissue the rupture has caused, and have it replaced.

Rippling – Rippling is wrinkling or waviness of the skin over the saline implant. It is caused by the saline shifting inside of the implant, and for that reason, is very uncommon if the implant is overfilled. Placing the implant under the muscle will also reduce your chances of having this complication.

Infection – In roughly 1% of all breast augmentation procedures an infection will occur within the first two months. If this happens, you will need to go on antibiotics and it may require implant removal. Carefully following your post-surgery self-care instructions will go a long way towards preventing any infection.

Nipple Numbness – The risk for some level of nipple numbness is about 15% for breast augmentation patients in the U.S. Although many cosmetic surgeons have a much lower percentage of patients who have experienced this problem, this should be a major consideration before you schedule your surgery. Talk with your cosmetic surgeon about this risk in detail and ask how many of his or her patients have ever experienced it.

Mammogram Interference – The most effective way to detect breast cancer is through self-exams, which your implants will not interfere with. But implants can interfere with mammograms, because they block the view of roughly 10-25% of your breast tissue, depending on whether your implant is over or under the muscle (under the muscle interferes the least). If this is a major concern for you, you should discuss it with both your cosmetic surgeon and OBGYN.

Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by - 04/27/2010 at 7:41 pm

Categories: Breast Cancer Recovery Tags: Augmentation, breast, Complications, Potential, surgery

Complex back surgeries skyrocket, raising concerns about cost, complications

Complex back surgeries skyrocket, raising concerns about cost, complications
NPR: “Too many complex back surgeries are being done and people are suffering as a result, according to a study in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The general tendency noted in the study — that many patients and doctors think more medical care is always better — has implications for the new health overhaul law.

Potential Breast Implant Complications

Breast implants deflate when the saline solution leaks either through an unsealed or damaged valve or through a break in the implant shell. Implant deflation can occur immediately or slowly over a period of days and is noticed by loss of size or shape of your breast. Some breast implants deflate (or rupture) in the first few months after being implanted and some deflate after several years.

Causes of deflation include damage by surgical instruments during surgery, overfilling or underfilling of the breast implant with saline solution, capsular contracture, closed capsulotomy, stresses such as trauma or intense physical manipulation, excessive compression during mammographic imaging, umbilical incision placement, and unknown/unexplained reasons. You should also be aware that the breast implant may wear out over time and deflate/rupture. Deflated breast implants require additional surgery to remove and to possibly replace the breast implant.

Capsular Contracture

The scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the breast implant may tighten and squeeze the breast implant and is called capsular contracture. Capsular contracture may be more common following infection, hematoma, and seroma. It is also more common with subglandular placement (behind the mammary gland and on top of the chest). Symptoms range from mild firmness and mild discomfort to severe pain, distorted shape, palpability of the breast implant, and/or movement of the breast implant. Additional surgery is needed in cases where pain and/or firmness is severe.

This surgery ranges from removal of the breast implant capsule tissue to removal and possibly replacement of the breast implant itself. Capsular contracture may happen again after these additional surgeries.

Pain

Pain of varying intensity and duration may occur and persist following breast implant surgery. In addition, improper size, placement, surgical technique, or capsular contracture may result in pain associated with nerve entrapment or interference with muscle motion. You should tell your surgeon about severe pain.

Additional Surgeries

You should know that there is a high chance that you will need to have additional surgery at some point to replace or remove the breast implant. Also, problems such as deflation, capsular contracture, infection, shifting, and calcium deposits can require removal of the breast implants. Many women decide to have the breast implants replaced, but some women do not. If you choose not to, you may have cosmetically unacceptable dimpling and/or puckering of the breast following removal of the breast implant.

Dissatisfaction with Cosmetic Results

Dissatisfying results such as wrinkling, asymmetry, implant displacement (shifting), incorrect size, unanticipated shape, implant palpability, scar deformity, hypertrophic (irregular, raised scar) scarring, and/or sloshing may occur. Careful surgical planning and technique can minimize but not always prevent such results.

Infection

Infection can occur with any surgery. Most infections resulting from surgery appear within a few days to weeks after the operation. However, infection is possible at any time after surgery. Infections with a breast implant present are harder to treat than infections in normal body tissues.

If an infection does not respond to antibiotics, the breast implant may have to be removed, and another breast implant may be placed after the infection is resolved. In rare instances, Toxic Shock Syndrome has been noted in women after breast implant surgery, and it is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, dizziness, and/or sunburn-like rash. A surgeon should be seen immediately for diagnosis and treatment for this condition.

Hematoma/Seroma

Hematoma is a collection of blood inside a body cavity, and a seroma is a collection of the watery portion of the blood (in this case, around the breast implant or around the incision). Postoperative hematoma and seroma may contribute to infection and/or capsular contracture. Swelling, pain, and bruising may result.

If a hematoma occurs, it will usually be soon after surgery, however this can also occur at any time after injury to the breast. While the body absorbs small hematomas and seromas, large ones will require the placement of surgical drains for proper healing. A small scar can result from surgical draining. Implant deflation/rupture can occur from surgical draining if damage to the breast implant occurs during the draining procedure.

Changes in Nipple and Breast Sensation

Feeling in the nipple and breast can increase or decrease after breast implant surgery. The range of changes varies from intense sensitivity to no feeling in the nipple or breast following surgery. Changes in feeling can be temporary or permanent and may affect your sexual response or your ability to nurse a baby.

Breast Feeding

At this time it is not known if a small amount of silicone may diffuse (pass through) from the saline-filled breast implant silicone shell and may find its way into breast milk. If this occurs, it is not known what effect it may have on the nursing infant. Although there are no current methods for detecting silicone levels in breast milk, a study measuring silicon (one component in silicone) levels did not indicate higher levels in breast milk from women with silicone-filled gel breast implants when compared to women without breast implants.

With respect to the ability to successfully breast feed after breast implantation, one study reported up to 64% of women with breast implants who were unable to breast feed compared to 7% without breast implants. The periareolar incision site may significantly reduce the ability to successfully breast feed.

Calcium Deposits in the Tissue Around the Breast Implant

Deposits of calcium can be seen on mammograms and can be mistaken for possible cancer, resulting in additional surgery for biopsy and/or removal of the implant to distinguish the calcium deposits from cancer.

Delayed Wound Healing

In some cases, the incision site takes longer to heal than normally.

Extrusion

Unstable or compromised tissue covering and/or interruption of wound healing may result in extrusion, which is when the breast implant comes through the skin.

Necrosis

Necrosis is the formation of dead tissue around the breast implant. This may prevent wound healing and require surgical correction and/or breast implant removal. Permanent scar deformity may occur following necrosis. Factors associated with increased necrosis include infection, use of steroids in the surgical pocket, smoking, chemotherapy/radiation, and excessive heat or cold therapy.

Breast Tissue Atrophy/Chest Wall Deformity

The pressure of the breast implant may cause the breast tissue to thin and shrink. This can occur while breast implants are still in place or following breast implant removal without replacement. In addition to these complications, there have been concerns with certain systemic diseases, of which you should be aware.

Connective Tissue Disease

Concern over the association of breast implants to the development of autoimmune or connective tissue diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis, was raised because of cases reported in the literature with small numbers of women with implants. A review of several large epidemiological studies of women with and without implants indicates that these diseases are no more common in women with implants than those in women without implants. However, a lot of women with breast implants believe that their implants caused a connective tissue disease.

Cancer

Published studies indicate that breast cancer is no more common in women with breast implants than those without breast implants.

Second Generation Effects

There have been concerns raised regarding potential damaging effects on children born of mothers with breast implants. A review of the published literature on this issue suggests that the information is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.

Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by - 03/21/2010 at 6:43 pm

Categories: Breast Cancer Symptoms Tags: breast, Complications, Implant, Potential

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Posts Tagged ‘Complications’

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Symptoms and Complications

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Possible Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery

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Potential Breast Implant Complications

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