The Impact of Recent Technology In Breast Cancer - Assignment Example

The Impact Of Recent Technology In Breast Cancer Introduction Breast cancer is the most well-known type of cancer and has led tomany deaths among women living in the United States as well as worldwide. The increase in deaths caused by breast cancer has led to people developing new technologies to detect as well as diagnose breast cancer. Judith (2002) suggests that Breast cancer emerges when abnormal cells separate uncontrollably and form tumors. Breast cancer can either be Noninvasive where the cancer has not spread away from its initial position or invasive where the cancer has spread beyond its initial position and into or outside the breast. There are two types of breast cancer; ductal carcinoma as well as lobular carcinoma. These two types of breast cancer can either be noninvasive or invasive. According to Judith (2002), Ductal carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is the most common form of noninvasive cancer. This kind of cancer is often known as a pre-cancer condition. DCIS consists of abnormal cells that can grow to be invasive. Rather than balling up to form lumps, ductal carcinoma In Situ cells spread out along the milk duct. DCIS appears as small fragments of calcium either on a special x-ray or mammogram. Lobular carcinoma In Situ (LCIS) is considered a pre-cancer condition as well and is typically noticed while another breast lump is being studied (Judith, 2002). Judith (2002), points out that Invasive Ductal carcinoma (IDC) makes up approximately seventy percent of invasive breast cancer. Invasive Ductal carcinoma can cause changes in the skin, for instance, puckering or dimpling. Lobular Ductal carcinoma (LDC) is usually noticed after a tissue sample has been taken out from the breast (Judith, 2002). Causes of Breast Cancer Judith (2002) points out that there are numerous causes of breast cancer, however, radiation and Heredity are the two well-known causes of breast cancer. Heredity described as the transmission of traits from parents to offspring through genes. According to Judith 2002, five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are caused by being born with damaged or mutated breast cancer genes. An individual’s characteristic is determined by his or her genes. The breast cancer genes Breast Cancer 1 (BRCA 1) as well as Breast Cancer 2 (BRCA 2) are expected to prevent the growth of a tumor. Thus, it is impossible for these genes to perform their role when they are abnormal. Radiation refers to particles emitted out from radioactive materials. Judith (2002) points out that exposure to high amounts of electrically charging, or ionizing, radiation as been proven to amplify cancer risk. Scientists too believe that people’s diet, the environment, and estrogen, might have something to do with breast cancer. Estrogen makes the number of cells inside the breasts increase during menstruation. Moreover, estrogen may fuel breast cancer cells’ growth. A high-fat diet can contribute to breast cancer through the levels of estrogen inside the body (Judith, 2002). Technologies used in detection and treatment of breast cancer. According to Marchionni et al (2008) Gene expression profiling is an up-and-coming technology used to identify those genes whose activity can be useful when assessing disease diagnosis and guiding therapy. The ribonucleic acid transcripts’ identity which structure these populations as well as the number of these transcripts inside the cell offer information in relation to the overall activity of genes that create them. ‘‘The number of messenger ribonucleic acid transcripts originating from a particular gene is that gene’s measure of expression ’’ (Marchionni et al, 2008). Because the molecules of the messenger ribonucleic acid are converted into proteins, any alteration in mRNA levels are in the end associated with changes in the cells’ protein composition, and accordingly to changes in the functions and properties of tissues as well as cells in the body. But, only two percent of the genome is converted into proteins, and not much is known with reference to how this two percent’s expression is controlled (Marchionni et al, 2008). Investigators have come up with strategies to gene expression study that has brought about significant advances in how people understand the basic biology. Marchionni et al (2008) suggest that Gene expression profiling technology has been applied to many mammalian tissues, in addition to plants, bacteria and yeast. These studies have studied the consequences of treating cells using chemicals as well as the effects of over expression of regulatory factors within transected cells. These studies have also compared parental strains with mutant strains to define functional pathways. Such investigation has been employed during cancer research to spot diagnostic markers, to uncover gene expression changes inside transformed cells and metastases, as well as to categorize tumors according to their gene expression profiles (Marchionni et al, 2008) According to Humphrey (2002), Computer-aided detection (CAD) technology involves the making using of computers to spot suspicious parts on a mammogram after the mammogram’s first review by a radiologist. This technology double-checks the radiologist’s work to help prevent possible errors. This device is able to either acquire images straight from a digital mammography system, or scan a mammographic film using a laser beam and transform it into a digital picture. The radiologist is able to spot any of the highlighted parts that were overlooked on the first review or call for further assessment. Preliminary studies demonstrate CAD technology might boost the screening mammography accuracy by decreasing the number of cancers that were missed. The greatest clinical importance of Computer-aided detection technology probably lies in its potential to elevate the general radiologists’ performance level to match that of specialists in breast imaging (Humphrey, 2002). Digital mammography obtains and records a breast’s digital image which is stored electronically. The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial screened asymptomatic women using digital as well as film mammography. Both digital and film mammography diagnostic accuracy is the similar; but, digital mammography accuracy is considerably higher among women below the age of fifty, those with heterogeneously or exceedingly dense breasts on mammography, as well as those who were perimenopausal or pre-menopausal. Other benefits of digital mammography are; lower doses of radiation, transferring images to readers who are far-away from the site where the images were taken, more efficient storage and the ability to digitally manipulate images, for instance, change the magnification or contrast. Double reading a mammogram boosts the rate at which cancer is detected by ten percent however; it has not been broadly adopted in North America (Holloway, et al 2010). Digital mammography provides the chances of computer-aided detection (CAD) of malignant illness, which can prove useful in lessening inconsistency among radiologists with differing skills (Holloway, et al 2010). Film mammography technology is the best technology when it comes to screening populations for breast cancer. ‘‘Film mammography is the only breast imaging modality which has been verified to reduce death’’ (Jatoi & Miller, 2003). Nevertheless, mammographic breast density lessens the sensitivity of mammography. As a result, there have been significant attempts to improve as well as refine breast imaging technology (Holloway, et al 2010). Jatoi & Miller (2003) point out that population statistics show that age-adjusted breast cancer rate of mortality started diminishing early in the 1990s in several developed countries. In these countries, the rates of mortality due to breast-cancer had either been increasing or stable. Several investigators say that the reduction in breast cancer deaths can be attributed to mammography screening (Jatoi & Miller, 2003). Elmore et al (1997) argue that the increased utilization of screening mammography has had a significant change in detecting ductal carcinoma, in situ cases of breast. In 1993 only, there were approximately 23,276 newly diagnosed cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the United States. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) made up roughly 14.7 percent of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases among women of between 40 and 49 years, and 40 percent of the mammographically detected breast cancer cases in this group were DCIS. In women aging between 40 and 49, an approximated 2,707 lumpectomies and mastectomies were conducted for DCIS (Barclay, 2011). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is powerful magnet connected to a computer. It creates detailed breast images without the utilizing radiation. Each MRI creates hundreds breast images from top-to-bottom, front-to-back, and side-to-side. The images are then interpreted by a radiologist for identification of abnormal regions which may need more investigation. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is utilized in; assessing of irregularities that are ambiguous on a mammogram, finding out the extent of the growth of the tumor after the first diagnosis, as well as in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. This technology can also be helpful in imaging dense breast tissue which is frequently noticed in younger women, enlarged breast tissue, as well as in viewing abnormalities inside the breast which can be felt although these abnormalities are not visible when viewed by an ultrasound or conventional mammography (Joy, 2010). Imaging plays a very important role in monitoring, diagnosing, as well as treating breast cancer. The developments in this field continue to have a big impact in breast cancer’s clinical management. This disease has currently turn into an "outpatient cancer" (Bartella, Smith, & Dershaw, 2007). A study conducted to evaluate the sensitivity as well as the specificity of four methods used in breast cancer surveillance that is, MRI, mammography, CBE and ultrasound, in women with hereditary vulnerability to breast cancer because of a BRCA1 mutation or BRCA2 mutation, revealed that, between the four methods Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology is more sensitive for identifying breast cancers (Warner et al, 2004). According to Can (2010), Positron emission tomography (PET) is exceptional when compared to the other diagnostic imaging techniques utilized in the managing breast cancer since it recognizes disease based on the identification of changed physiology instead of anatomy. Breast cancer cells often contain increased glucose metabolism, which can be identified through increasing the uptake of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-a radiolabelled glucose compound (Can, 2010). However, presently Positron emission tomography lacks any useful role in breast screening cancer. Investigational use of Positron emission tomography for distinguishing scars from reappearance, and monitoring response to chemotherapy has been reported (Holloway, et al 2010). Penhoet (2005) suggests that Infrared thermography technology is founded on the principle that blood vessel and chemical activity within precancerous tissue as well as the areas encircling a growing breast cancer is frequently higher when compared to inside the normal breast. The metabolic rates of cancerous and precancerous masses are very high in addition to them requiring plentiful supply of nutrients to develop. To facilitate this, cancerous and precancerous masses amplify circulation to their cells through sending out chemical signals so as to maintain those blood vessels existing open, take on dormant vessels, as well as producing new ones. The domino effect of the increased vascular activity over and over again, is a rise in the breast’s surface temperatures close to the position of tumor. During 1982, the first breast thermography device as an adjunctive breast cancer screening procedure was approved. Since then, several devices have been approved. Though, up to now, no thermographic device has attained clinical acceptance (Penhoet, 2005). Conclusion A study conducted by Glass and Carreone (2007) revealed that breast cancer cases had been rising between 1935and 1939. However, with the use of improved technology, recent US data disclose a statistically considerable decline in breast cancer cases from 2003 through 2004. Smith, Hall, and Marcello (2004) advocate that new technologies offering better and improved detection of breast cancer may be utilized to the detect breast cancer during its early stage. The major limitation of these new technologies is the high cost incurred when acquiring them. These new technologies can only be accessed by those individuals with money. There is no equity of access. Furthermore, when these technologies are introduced, they are often first placed in major city areas, thus, certain groups such as rural and remote communities, have limited access. Introduction of new technologies of breast cancer ought to be carried out with the assurance of safety as well as minimal side effects for the short and long term. However, quality assurance consumes a lot of time since it must guarantee safe procedures and outcomes on individuals. Despite the fact that screening makes earlier detection of cancer possible, it also can produce false positives. For example, Mammograms at times can show an abnormal area in the breast and when further tests are conducted afterward, they reveal that the abnormality is not a cancer. This is why women who take part in the screening program run the risk of having to go through examinations that would not have been required if they did not go for screening. Occasionally screening identifies cancers that would by no means have been diagnosed if the patient had not been screened, that is, those cancers that would never have had any impact on the patient’s health. This phenomenon is referred to as over diagnosis. Between cancers that are detected, it is impossible to establish which ones are in reality cases of over diagnosis. Any cancers that are detected will therefore need to need to be treated. Another limitation of some of these technologies is that not all cancers are capable of being detected. For example, Screening mammograms do not permit people to detect each instance of breast cancer. A patient who partakes in the program can be diagnosed with breast cancer subsequent to having a normal mammogram. This may perhaps be because of the fact that at the time of the screening mammogram the cancer was present, but it had not yet become visible, and also because various cancers are grow rapidly, for instance, they could develop during the two years following a normal mammogram. Furthermore, some breast cancers are not curable, even if they are detected. References Bartella L, Smith C, & Dershaw D. (2007). Imaging Breast Cancer. Radiol Clin North Am. 45:45–67. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17157623 Barclay J. (2011). Increase In Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Of The Breast Cancer In Relation To: Mammography A Dilemma. Journal of Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 22:151–6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3149836/ Can, S. (2010). Technology As A Force For Improved Diagnosis And Treatment Of Breast. Disease. Journal list, Can J. Surg, v. 53(4); August2010. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912014/?report=classic Glass A, Lacey J, & Carreon J. (2007). Breast Cancer Incidences, 1980–2006, Combined Roles Of Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Estrogen Receptor Status, And Screening Mammography. Journal of Natl Cancer Inst, 99: 1152–61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17652280 Holloway, C., Easson, A., Escallon, J., Liang, W, Lynn, M, Reedjik, M., Wright, F., & McCready, R. (2010). Technology As A Force For Improving Diagnosis And Treatment Of Breast Disease. Can J Surg, 53(4):268-277. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912014/?report=classic Humphrey L. (2002). Breast Cancer Screening: A Summary Of The Evidence For The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2002; 137: E-347–E-367. Jatoi I, & Miller A. (2003). Why Is Breast-Cancer Mortality Declining? Lancet Oncol; 4: 251-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12681269 Joann, G. Elmore, MP, Armstrong, K., Constance, D., & Fletcher, S. (1997). Increase In Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Of The Breast Cancer In Relation To Mammography: A. Dilemma. Journal of Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 22:151–6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3149836/ Joy E, Penhoet E, & Petitti B. (2005). Saving Womens Lives: Strategies for Improving Breast. Cancer Detection and Diagnosis. Retrieved From http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22310/ Judith, P. (2002). Breast Cancer: Perspectives On Diseases And Illness. Minnesota; Capstone Press. Marchionni L, Wilson RF, Marinopoulos SS, et al. (2008). Impact Of Gene Expression Profiling Tests On Breast Cancer Outcomes. Retrieved From http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK38451/#A257767 Smith A, Hall P, & Marcello D. (2004). Emerging Technologies In Breast Cancer Detection. Radiol Manage, 26:16–24. Warner E, Plewes D, Hill K. (2004). Surveillance Of BRCA1 And BRCA2 Mutation Carriers With Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, Mammography, And Clinical Breast Examination. JAMA; 292: 1317–25. http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=199438&resultClick=3 Read More