Breast Cancer - Risk Factors, Genetics of the Disorder, Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment - Research Paper Example

Breast cancer, one of the most common carcinomas specifically in females occurs most commonly in postmenopausal women but can also occur atan early age depending on various genetic makeup and mutations. As per the Histological study, breast carcinoma is lobular or ductal in nature, and then depending on whether being an invasive type or non invasive carcinoma depending on the invasion of the surrounding tissue in the breast. Screening criteria have been proposed depending on the genetic makeup as well as local guidelines. Diagnosis depends on certain clinical features along with histological findings as well as some radiological investigations. Treatment plans have modified from time to time with the aim to conserve as much as normal breast tissue and reduce the recurrence rates. Different strategies have evolved ranging from modified radical mastectomy to radiation to hormonal and chemotherapy. Having a varied prognosis depending on the histo pathological appearance as well as the grading, staging and receptor status of the breast carcinoma. Early diagnosis and treatment yields better results, while late diagnosis and treatment results in widespread disease. Introduction Breast cancer one of the most common and ancient carcinoma in female occurring most commonly in postmenopausal woman and in individuals with BRCA mutation. The screening, diagnosis and treatment are rapidly changing areas with more and more advances in the diagnostic tests and resulting specific therapies depending on the histo-pathological and bio-markers. From diagnosis to treatment it needs a multidisciplinary approach with physicians, radiologists, oncologists, histo-pathologists on board. This article focuses on the etiological factors, genetic mutation, diagnosis, treatment plans and prognostic factors. . Breast cancers being more common in women but can also occur in men and have a poor prognosis as in men there is always delay in diagnosis as opposed to women. Unlike other carcinomas it can be picked up early as it presents with a lump in the breast, for the same reason it has also been documented as an ancient disease as unlike other carcinomas it could become visible and could be picked up as a lump in breast. Etiology /risk factors: Onset of menses at early age Late menopause. Nulliparity First pregnancy at late age. Increasing age. Female sex. Obesity. Low socioeconomic status. Family history of breast /ovarian cancer. Oral contraceptive pills. Life style, smoking, high alcohol intake. If we look at the above risk factors, most of them can be explained by the fact that excessive exposure to sex hormones can lead to breast cancers. Early onset of menses and late menopause, both of these cases leads to over exposure to sex hormones (same can be explained with obesity). One of the studies being carried out concluded that if estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone in combination were given to women prior to hysterectomy, their chances for breast cancers were more than if given after hysterectomy. Regarding Age, sporadic breast cancers are rarely seen before the age of 40 (Davis & Rose, 2009). All these factors of excessive sex hormone contribution also lead to the treatment corresponding to this statement which will be discussed later on. Genetics of the disorder As cancer by itself is the result of certain genetic and environmental manifestations, there exists a group of breast cancers which are genetically determined and the genes responsible for them are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes predisposes to breast cancers/ovarian cancers. It is so important to identify individuals with these mutations so as to have early screening and diagnosis and thus management. The Question is: ‘Who are to be sent for screening of genetic mutation?’ The Answer: Lies in the following lines: Breast cancer at an early age to be screened for genetic mutation as sporadic cases occur at late age. Receptor-negative breast cancer Breast cancer at any age but with a close relative who had breast cancer at age Read More