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Breast cancer: What you should know?

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  Everyone contains at least a small amount of breast tissue composed of connective and fatty tissues. In women, it consists of specialized milk producing glands (lobules) which are further connected to nipples by a series of small channels (ducts). Any abnormal growth within breast tissues can lead to breast cancer .  What is Breast cancer? Breast cancer occurs when any of the cells of breast tissues grow uncontrollably creating a mass of cells and formation of tumor. This cancer is the 2nd most common gynaecological cancer after skin cancer and 2nd leading cause of death after lung cancer among women, according to NCI (National cancer institute) data. It may also occur in 1% of men.  It originates in the breast or can invade nearby lymph vessels and other parts of the breast. This cancer spreads to other surrounding tissues such as skin or chest wall and other parts of the body through the bloodstream (metastatic breast cancer) in some cases.  Causes and risk factors  The exact caus

Cancer causes you need to be aware of!

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  Abnormal cell growth in the body starts with precancerous variations to malignant tumours, which leads to cancer development. While some cancer causes remain unknown, others have been associated with one’s genetic makeup, poor lifestyle choices or even environmental carcinogens . Studies have shown that there is no one cause to be accountable for the growth of cancer instead it is an amalgamation of numerous factors. Without much ado, let’s read about some of the major causes of cancer: 1. Changes in the genetic makeup: Changes or alterations in the genetic constitution called ‘genetic mutations’ could cause a cell to become cancerous. The factors that may contribute to genetic mutations are as under: Inborn or a family history of gene mutations: These genetic mutations are hereditary or are inherited from the parents. This type of mutation comprises a small percentage of cancers. After birth gene mutations: These types of mutations account for a majority of cancers that are not her

Cancer diagnostic tests: What you need to know!

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  Cancer is suspected as per the person’s symptoms. The next step that follows is the thorough diagnosis of cancer which is crucial before initiating personalized therapy. Different tests are available to detect the type, location and staging of cancer. These tests are performed either by a physician, radiologist or oncologist. Time and again, new diagnostic tools have been developed along with improvements in the prevailing methods. Some of the commonly used diagnostic tests or methods are as under: Biopsy: A biopsy is done by obtaining a small tissue surgically from the speculated area and examining it under the microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells. As this is an outpatient procedure, there is no need for a hospital stay at night. As biopsies can be painful, a local anaesthetic can be used. There are several ways to perform Biopsies; these are: Needle biopsy: Here, the tissue or fluid is removed via a needle. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) can be effective for fluid