Breast Cancer Basics: A Definition
Breast cancer is most obviously cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. It can be found, contrary to popular belief, in both men and women, but is more common in women. Cancer cells grow out of control in the breast tissue, most often forming a malignant tumor; however the cancer can spread if tumor cells break away from the main mass and attach themselves to other nearby tissues, converting them to their dark purpose. Breast cancer can also be found in the lymph nodes near the breast. Through metastasis breast cancer can enter the blood or lymph vessels that branch out to the rest of the body, spreading to other areas.
Breast cancer can start in various areas of the breast. A woman's breast consists of lobules-the glands that produce breast milk, ducts that carry the milk to the nipple, fatty and connective tissue, and blood and lymph vessels. Most breast cancers begin in the cells that line the ducts and some begin in the lobules. A smaller amount begins in other locations.
The lymph system plays a major role in the condition of the breast, and is one of the primary ways that breast cancers spread. Lymph nodes are small clusters of immune system cells located under the arms. Lymphatic vessels attached to these clusters of cells carry lymph, a clear fluid, away from the breast. Cancer cells can enter the lymphatic vessels and travel to the axillary nodes, located under the arm. Once there, they can cause the nodes to swell. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes there is a greater chance that cancer cells have reached the bloodstream and spread to other systems in the body.
There are many types of breast cancer, and each has its own way of presenting itself. In future posts we'll get into the types of breast cancer, common symptoms, breast cancer terminology, risk factors, treatment, and more.
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