What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled division of cells within breast tissue. If detected in late stages, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. There are many forms of breast cancer. Your doctor will be able to inform you of the different types.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Abnormal lump in the breast
  
  
• Changes in the nipple
  
  
• Dimpling of the skin
  

Which test(s) and/or procedure(s) may be requested to determine if I have breast cancer?

To diagnose breast cancer, your doctor will perform a breast exam. In addition, he or she may order a mammogram, which is an x-ray of the breast that is performed by a radiologist. A breast biopsy may also be performed to remove a section of the tumor and test it for cancer.

How is this condition surgically treated?

The treatment of breast cancer varies depending upon the individual and the type, size and location of the tumor. The surgeons at Valley Baptist Health System practice “breast conservation” whenever possible.

• A lumpectomy is a type of mastectomy in which the surgeon removes the tumor and part of the breast tissue surrounding the tumor.
   
• Axillary node dissection is the removal of the axillary lymph nodes located beneath the armpit. The axillary lymph nodes are responsible for filtering fluid from surrounding tissue including the breast.
   
• A simple mastectomy includes the complete removal of the breast with no removal of lymph nodes.
   
• A subcutaneous mastectomy is where the subcutaneous breast tissue is removed and the overlying skin and nipple are left intact.
   
• A modified radical mastectomy includes the removal of the breast as well as all of the lymph nodes.

In addition to a mastectomy, a dissection of the lymph nodes is usually performed to rule out the spread of cancer. Today, the sentinel lymph node dissection is an alternative to a complete auxiliary node dissection.