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Breast Scan (Breast Scintigraphy, Scintimammography, Radionuclide Breast Imaging, Molecular Breast Imaging) Procedure Overview What is a breast scan? A breast scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to assess the breasts when other examinations have been inconclusive. Click Image to Enlarge A breast scan is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the breasts. The radioactive substa...

Breast Ultrasound (Breast Ultrasonography, Breast Sonogram, Mammographic Ultrasound, Sonomammography, Ultrasound Mammography) Procedure Overview What is breast ultrasound? Breast ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the breasts. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the breast tissue. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts. The examination is often used along with mammography. Click Image to Enlarge Breast ultr...

Lumpectomy (Breast Conservation Therapy, BCT, Quadrantectomy) Procedure Overview Click Image to Enlarge A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery that may be used as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. During a lumpectomy, the cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed. However, the breast itself remains intact. The surgeon may also remove some of the lymph nodes under the arm to determine if the cancer has spread. Lymph nodes are bean-sha...

Mammogram Procedure (Mammography, Breast X-ray) Procedure Overview What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints. The procedure allows detection of breast cancers, benign tumors, and cysts before they can be detected by palpation (touch). Mammography cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer, b...

Mastectomy Procedure Overview What is a mastectomy? A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of a breast is removed as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. In some cases, mastectomy is performed prophylactically (to prevent cancer from occurring) in women with a high risk for developing breast cancer. Surgical treatment for breast cancer is generally divided into two categories: breast-conserving therapy (BCT) or mastectomy. BCT involves removing the least possible amount ...

Breast Biopsy (Biopsy-Breast) Procedure Overview What is a breast biopsy? A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. A breast biopsy is a procedure in which samples of breast tissue are removed with a special biopsy needle or during surgery to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. Biopsies may be performed under local or general anesthesia. There are several types of breast biopsy procedures. The type of biopsy perform...

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) There are mutations in some genes that potentially give a small predisposition to develop breast cancer. One example is ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). The risk for breast cancer may be increased for carriers of the A-T gene. Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system and other body systems. A diagnosis of A-T is made when the following characteristics are present (symptoms often start by age 10): poor balance and slurred speech ataxia (lac...

Breast Cancer Overview What is cancer? The body is made up of various kinds of cells, which normally divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when they are needed. Cancer is a group of diseases - more than 100 types - that occur when cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. What is a tumor? When cells divide when new cells are not needed, too much tissue is formed. This mass of extra tissue, called a tumor, can be benign or malignant. benign tumors: are not cancerous can usu...

Cowden Syndrome The risk for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and thyroid cancer is increased with Cowden syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is also associated with a number of specific noncancerous features. Cowden syndrome is associated with the following characteristics: multiple hamartomatous lesions (benign, or noncancerous, tumors of normal organ tissue) of the skin and other organs, usually present by the late 20s macrocephaly (increased head size) increased risk of breast ...

Genetics of Breast Cancer According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the lifetime risk for a woman to develop breast cancer is 12.8 percent or one in eight, while the lifetime risk to develop ovarian cancer is 1.5 percent, or one in 67. Approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of breast and ovarian cancers are due to known predisposing genetic factors. This means that the majority of breast and ovarian cancers are, in fact, not inherited. A gene is a basic unit of heredity that determines a person’s...

Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1 / BRCA2) What is hereditary breast ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome? Hereditary breast ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome is characterized by the following features in a family: an early age of onset of breast cancer (often before age 50) family history of both breast and ovarian cancer increased chance of bilateral cancers (cancer that develop in both breasts, or both ovaries, independently) or an individual with both breast and ovarian cancer an autosomal dom...

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome The risk for breast cancer and many other forms of cancer is increased with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a genetic autosomal dominant cancer syndrome. A diagnosis of LFS is made when all of the following characteristics are present in a family: sarcoma at less than 45 years of age and a first- degree relative with cancer at less than 45 years of age and a first- or second-degree relative with cancer at less than 45 years of age or sarcoma at any age The majority of LFS (about 70 perc...

Mammography What is mammography (mammogram)? Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints. The procedure allows detection of breast cancers, benign tumors, and cysts before they can be detected by palpation (touch). Mammography cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer, but if it raises a significant suspicion of ...

About Clinical Trials: Information from the National Cancer Institute What are clinical trials? Clinical trials are studies, managed by government agencies, educational institutions, private not-for-profit organizations, or commercial businesses, to develop, produce, and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies for diseases. What are some types of clinical trials? According to the National Cancer Institute, there are different types of cancer clinical trials, including: prevention tria...

About Tamoxifen What is tamoxifen? Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a drug that reduces and/or stops the effects of estrogen (a female hormone) in the body. It was developed over 20 years ago and has been used to treat both advanced and early stage breast cancer. More recently, tamoxifen is being used as an adjuvant, or additional, therapy following primary treatment for early stage breast cancer. Tamoxifen is taken by mouth in tablet form and is usually prescribed as a single daily dose. How is tamoxifen used f...

About Taxol What is Taxol? Taxol, or paclitaxel, is a drug used for treating certain women who have advanced breast or ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is a compound that is extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. In December of 1992, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Taxol for treatment of ovarian cancer that had not responded to standard chemotherapy. Subsequent clinical trials demonstrated that Taxol was also effective in treating advanced breast cancer. In April of 1994, the FDA ...

Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT) In Spring 1998, the National Cancer Institute announced positive results from the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT), a clinical trial that studied tamoxifen as a prevention therapy for those at high risk for breast cancer. The BCPT, part of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), began in April 1992 to determine whether the non-steroidal anti-estrogen tamoxifen could reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women who were at high risk fo...

Breast Cancer Statistics Statistics on breast cancer: Consider the following statistics related to breast cancer: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates for 2010 include 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer being diagnosed in women in the US. In addition, carcinoma in situ will be responsible for 54,010 new cases this year. Of these, about 85 percent will be ductal carcinoma in situ. In 2010, it is estimated that 1,970 men will be d...

Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care The thought of having breast cancer is frightening to everyone, and especially devastating to women. However, ignoring the possibility that you may develop breast cancer or avoiding the processes to detect cancer can be dangerous. Although there are some women who are at higher risk, the fact is that all women are at risk for breast cancer. That is why it is so important to follow this three-step plan for preventive care. Although breast cancer cannot b...

Breast Reconstruction What is breast reconstruction surgery? With advances in breast reconstruction surgery, many women undergoing breast removal choose to have their breast(s) rebuilt. Even though medical, surgical, and radiation therapy treatments for breast cancer have increased the number of breast-sparing procedures available, some breast cancer patients may still need a mastectomy - removal of the breast(s). In addition, other women have their breast(s) removed due to other diseases. Breast recons...

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to treat cancerous cells. Chemotherapy reaches all parts of the body, not just the cancer cells. The oncologist will recommend a treatment plan for each individual. Specific treatment will be based on: your overall health and medical history your age and whether you are menstruating the type and stage of the cancer your tolerance for specific medications and procedures expectations for the course ...

Diagnosis Procedures for Breast Cancer How is breast cancer diagnosed? It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems. To determine the cause of any signs or symptoms, your physician will perform a careful physical exam that includes a personal and family medical history as well as determining current overall health status. In addition, an examination may include the following: palpati...

Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms What are the benefits of screening mammography? Today's high-quality screening mammography is the most effective tool available to physicians in detecting breast cancer before lumps can be felt or symptoms of cancer appear. Early detection of breast cancer not only helps provide a woman with more options, but also increases the possibility of a favorable prognosis. Is there a risk of radiation exposure from having regular mammograms? You may want to ask your physic...

General Information About Breast Cancer Listed in the directory below you will find some additional information regarding breast cancer, for which we have provided a brief overview. Breast Cancer Overview Symptoms and Signs Statistics Risk Factors Genetics of Breast Cancer Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1 / BRCA2) Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Cowden Syndrome Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) Diagnostic Procedures Stages Treatments Surgery Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Ly...

Glossary - Breast Health | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] ablative therapy - treatment that removes or destroys the function of an organ, such as surgical removal of an organ or some types of chemotherapy. abscess - a hole filled with pus that forms as a result of a local infection. adenocarcinoma - cancerous tumors of the glands, such as in the ducts or lobules of...

Topic Index Anatomy of the Breasts Normal Breast Development Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care Common Breast Conditions Breast Cancer About Breast Cancer in Men Glossary Routine care is the best way to keep you and your breasts healthy. Although detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages is the main goal of routine breast care, other benign conditions, such as fibrocystic breasts or cysts, are often discovered during routine care. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amon...

Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system consists of many vessels that carry lymph (a clear, colorless fluid containing water and a few blood cells that originates in many organs and tissues) throughout the body. The lymphatic system helps to protect and maintain the fluid environment of the body by filtering and draining lymph away from each region of the body. Often during a lumpectomy or mastectomy, some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm may be remove...

Mammogram What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who either have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge, as well as for women who have no breast complaints. Mammography cannot prove that an abnormal area is cancer, but if it raises a significant suspicion of cancer, tissue will be removed for a biopsy. Tissue may be removed by needle or open surgical biopsy and examined under a microscope to det...

National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) is a cooperative group that had its start in 1958, but was officially formed in 1971, to conduct clinical trials in breast and colorectal cancer research. The National Cancer Institute is the primary source of funding for NSABP member institutions to conduct NSABP clinical trials. Current membership includes research sites at more than 1,000 medical centers in the United States, Ca...

Online Resources - Breast Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains links to other World...

Other Treatments for Breast Cancer There are several other different types of treatment for breast cancer, for which we will provide a brief overview. These include: hormone therapy Hormone therapy is used to prevent the growth, spread, and recurrence of breast cancer. The female hormone estrogen can increase the growth of breast cancer cells in some women. Hormones are chemicals produced by glands, such as the ovaries and testicles. Hormones help some types of cancer cells to grow, such as breast cance...

Post-Mastectomy There are many considerations a woman needs to take following a mastectomy. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Breast Reconstruction Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis

Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis What is a prosthesis? There are various types of post-mastectomy and lumpectomy prostheses, also called breast forms. Manufacturers make a wide selection of types, shapes, sizes, and colors. The type of prosthesis required is determined by the amount of breast tissue that is removed. A prosthesis can be worn against the skin, inside the pocket of a mastectomy bra, or attached to the chest wall. Prosthetic devices are designed to look feminine while ensuring comfort. What are t...

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment What is radiation therapy? Radiation therapy is a process that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. Radiation done after surgery can kill cancer cells that may not be seen during surgery. Radiation may also be done: prior to surgery to shrink the tumor. in combination with chemotherapy. as a palliative treatment (therapy that relieves symptoms, such as pain, but does not alter the course of the disease). There are various wa...

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer What is a risk factor? A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors. Knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease. What are the risk factors for breast cancer? ...

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? The following are the most common symptoms of breast cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain and may cause no symptoms at all. And, some breast cancers never cause symptoms or other indications of a problem. As the cancer grows, however, it can cause changes that women and men should watch for, such as: a lump or thickening (a mass, swelling,...

Cancer Types - Stages of Breast Cancer What is staging of breast cancer? When breast cancer is diagnosed, tests will be done to find out if the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. This is called staging , and is an important step toward planning a treatment program. What are the different stages of breast cancer? As defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), stages of breast cancer are: Carcinoma in situ or Stage 0 There are two types of breast cancer in situ. Th...

Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) The Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene, or STAR, is a clinical trial that began at an estimated 500 sites across the United States and Canada early in 1999. Participants in STAR included more than 19,000 postmenopausal women who are at increased risk for breast cancer. They have received a drug that could reduce their chances of developing breast cancer. STAR built upon the success of the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT), which showed that high-risk women tak...

Surgery for Breast Cancer Treatment How is surgery used in breast cancer treatment? Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the primary treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options and choices. The type of surgery performed depends upon: the size and location of the breast lump or tumor the type and stage of the breast cancer (If the cancer has spread within the breast or has spread outside of the breast to the lymph nodes, or to other parts of the body.) the size ...

Topic Index - Breast Health Breast Health Home Anatomy of the Breasts Normal Breast Development Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination Mammography Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms Common Breast Conditions Mastalgia (Breast Pain) Common Benign Lumps Fibrocystic Breast Changes Nipple Problems and Discharge Breast Infections and Inflammations Diagnosing Benign Breast Conditions Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Overview Symptoms and Signs Statistics Risk...

Treatments for Breast Cancer There are many different treatments for breast cancer that involve the clinical care of a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Surgery Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Other Treatments About Tamoxifen About Taxol™

Types of Breast Exams It's important to remember that every woman should consider herself at risk for breast cancer. A woman's best tool in fighting this disease is knowledge of her body through clinical breast exams and mammograms, her family history, and other risk factors. Mammogram A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are useful in two ways. They can be used to screen for breast disease, and they can be used to help diagnose a condition when a lump is found or a tumor is suspected. Mamm...

After Breast Cancer, Challenges Remain "You get through the tornado, and then afterward you say, 'Good heavens, what happened to me?'" That's how Hester Hill Schnipper, L.C.S.W., describes the feeling women may have when the acute phase of breast cancer treatment ends and the road to survivorship begins. Schnipper knows the feeling well. She's a clinical oncology social work specialist in Boston, author of After Breast Cancer —and a two-time breast cancer survivor. When treatment is over and you can cat...

Stay Healthy After Breast Cancer Thanks to regular screenings and new treatments, more women are beating breast cancer today than ever before. Although about one in eight American women will be diagnosed with this illness in her lifetime, if the disease is caught in its early stages, almost 100 percent of those diagnosed will be alive five years later, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). If you've just completed treatment for breast cancer, you're probably eager to put that phase of your lif...

A Closer Look at 3 Breast Cancer Myths With so much information out there about breast cancer, sometimes it's difficult to separate myth from reality. But, without a realistic picture of the disease, you may not recognize whether you're at risk and take steps to protect yourself. That's why knowing the truth is so important. Here are three common beliefs about the disease followed by what you really need to know: Myth: A family history of breast cancer is the number one risk factor for the disease. Real...

Hope on the Horizon for Breast Cancer Except for nonmelanoma skin cancer, breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. But cancer experts say that women should feel encouraged by the current breakthroughs in detection and treatment. In recent years, researchers have discovered new and better ways to detect and treat breast cancer--and to keep it from coming back, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says. These new developments stem from a vast body of research. Recent advances, alo...

Reducing Your Risk for Breast Cancer Common myths about breast cancer abound, relayed through word of mouth and the Internet, frightening women unnecessarily. Despite the rumors, you can't get breast cancer from electric blankets, deodorant, microwave-oven use, or under-wire bras, says the American Cancer Society (ACS). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has found no association between induced and spontaneous abortions and breast cancer, dispelling another popular myth. That's not to say your lifestyl...

This Doctor Linked Genes to Breast Cancer After two decades of research, geneticist Mary-Claire King, Ph.D., theorized in 1990 that mutated genes cause some forms of breast cancer. That revolutionary finding was later confirmed by other researchers, who pinpointed breast-cancer-triggering genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Although genetic mutations cause just 5 to 10 percent of the 192,000 annual U.S. cases of breast cancer, Dr. King's discovery showed the importance of understanding how gene-linked protein...

Solving the Breast Cancer Puzzle Investigators report headway against breast cancer, the disease that worries some women more than any other. The suspects they've identified -- from heredity to lifestyle -- may point you toward precautions. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, except for non-melanoma skin cancers. After lung cancer, it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Anatomy of an enigma To understand the puzzle of bre...

Good News for Breast Cancer Detection and Care If you think you've been hearing a lot more positive news about breast cancer care and prevention, you're right. And if you support prevention and research efforts, you're part of the reason. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer incidence has decreased by 2 percent per year from 1999 to 2006. Overall, the risk of breast cancer has remained relatively stable over the last 10 years; one in eight women still develops it. A woman's chan...