Breast Cancer

Each type of cancer has unique characteristics and responds differently when treated. Our highly trained staff and physicians combine their skills with the latest equipment and techniques to treat all forms of cancer. The webpages below contain detailed information about specific types of cancer, related issues and the treatment options available.

Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Anatomy

The basic structure of the breast consists of milk-producing lobules connected by lactiferous ducts, which in turn then collect and drain at the nipple. These lobules are surrounded by fat. Physiologically speaking, the breast is an extremely active structure. During the premenopausal years, hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle result in marked variations in breast size and texture due to the effect of hormones on the substance of the breast. During pregnancy and the immediate postnatal period, the lobules swell and generate milk that is constantly replenished during breast-feeding. During the postmenopausal years, the lobules atrophy with decreasing hormonal production, and breast size decreases.

The most common site of breast cancer to arise is within the lactiferous ducts. Typically, a breast cancer will arise within a duct and then spread along its surface until it finally penetrates through its lower layer to invade the surrounding breast structures.

Epidemiology

Breast cancer is predominantly a disease that occurs among postmenopausal women, although with the widespread use of mammography, younger women have become increasingly diagnosed with early stages of the disease. Currently, roughly 70% of all cases are observed among women older than 55 years.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide, and is the most common malignancy among women in the United States today. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 12% of all women will be diagnosed with a form of breast cancer some time during their lifetimes. Breast cancer is also a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide and in this country. However, increasing use of mammography has been demonstrated in several large studies to substantially reduce the rate of cancer mortality by one-third. With increasing use of mammography, it is hoped that breast cancer-related death will decline substantially in the near future.