8 Questions
Which of the following is a diagnostic test used in breast cancer diagnosis?
All of the above
Early symptoms of breast cancer are always present and noticeable.
False
What is the purpose of hormone therapy in breast cancer treatment?
To reduce estrogen levels or block estrogen receptors.
The TNM system is used to classify breast cancer stages based on tumor size and extent (T), lymph node involvement (N), and _______________________.
distant metastasis (M)
Match the following breast cancer stages with their descriptions:
Stage 0 = Non-invasive Stage I = Early, invasive, small tumor Stage III = Locally advanced, invasive Stage IV = Metastatic, cancer has spread
Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
What is the purpose of sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer treatment?
Removes lymph nodes.
Breast cancer can only be diagnosed through a biopsy.
False
Study Notes
Diagnosis
- Breast cancer diagnosis involves a combination of:
- Clinical breast examination (CBE)
- Mammography
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Biopsy (core needle or surgical)
- Diagnostic tests may include:
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
- Ductal Lavage
- Genetic testing (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
Symptoms
- Early symptoms may not be present or noticeable
- Common symptoms:
- Lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin changes (redness, swelling, or dimpling)
- Nipple discharge or changes
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Less common symptoms:
- Swelling of the arm or hand
- Nipple retraction or inversion
- Breast skin changes (ulceration, ridging, or crusting)
Treatment Options
- Surgery:
- Lumpectomy (removes tumor and surrounding tissue)
- Mastectomy (removes entire breast)
- Sentinel node biopsy (removes lymph nodes)
- Radiation therapy:
- External beam radiation
- Internal radiation (brachytherapy)
- Chemotherapy:
- Systemic therapy (targets entire body)
- Targeted therapy (targets specific cancer cells)
- Hormone therapy:
- Aims to reduce estrogen levels or block estrogen receptors
- May be used alone or in combination with other treatments
- Targeted therapy:
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets HER2 protein
- Other targeted therapies (e.g., lapatinib, pertuzumab)
Stages
- Breast cancer stages are classified using the TNM system:
- T (tumor size and extent)
- N (lymph node involvement)
- M (distant metastasis)
- Stages:
- Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ, non-invasive)
- Stage I (early, invasive, small tumor)
- Stage II (early, invasive, larger tumor)
- Stage III (locally advanced, invasive)
- Stage IV (metastatic, cancer has spread)
Risk Factors
- Non-modifiable risk factors:
- Female gender
- Age (increases with age)
- Family history (first-degree relatives)
- Genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
- Personal history of breast cancer or benign breast disease
- Modifiable risk factors:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Oral contraceptive use
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diet high in fat and calories
- Alcohol consumption
Diagnosis
- Combination of clinical breast examination, mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy is used for diagnosis
- Diagnostic tests may also include fine needle aspiration, ductal lavage, and genetic testing (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
Symptoms
- Early symptoms may not be present or noticeable
- Common symptoms include:
- Lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin changes (redness, swelling, or dimpling)
- Nipple discharge or changes
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Less common symptoms include:
- Swelling of the arm or hand
- Nipple retraction or inversion
- Breast skin changes (ulceration, ridging, or crusting)
Treatment Options
- Surgery options:
- Lumpectomy (removes tumor and surrounding tissue)
- Mastectomy (removes entire breast)
- Sentinel node biopsy (removes lymph nodes)
- Radiation therapy options:
- External beam radiation
- Internal radiation (brachytherapy)
- Chemotherapy options:
- Systemic therapy (targets entire body)
- Targeted therapy (targets specific cancer cells)
- Hormone therapy:
- Aims to reduce estrogen levels or block estrogen receptors
- May be used alone or in combination with other treatments
- Targeted therapy options:
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets HER2 protein
- Other targeted therapies (e.g., lapatinib, pertuzumab)
Stages
- Breast cancer stages are classified using the TNM system:
- T (tumor size and extent)
- N (lymph node involvement)
- M (distant metastasis)
- Stages include:
- Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ, non-invasive)
- Stage I (early, invasive, small tumor)
- Stage II (early, invasive, larger tumor)
- Stage III (locally advanced, invasive)
- Stage IV (metastatic, cancer has spread)
Risk Factors
- Non-modifiable risk factors:
- Female gender
- Age (increases with age)
- Family history (first-degree relatives)
- Genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
- Personal history of breast cancer or benign breast disease
- Modifiable risk factors:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Oral contraceptive use
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diet high in fat and calories
- Alcohol consumption
Learn about the diagnostic tests and symptoms of breast cancer, including clinical examinations, imaging tests, and genetic testing.
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