Breast cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
The therapies will vary on a case to case basis.
There are many factors to consider including size, nature, stage of the cancer, womans age, health, menopausal status and other factors.
The goal of surgery today is to remove the original tumor so that it cannot send cancer cells to distant organs.
It is common for the surgeon to remove the surrounding lymph nodes as well.
This is done for assessing the stage of the cancer.
One of the major decisions a women with breast cancer will face is how much tissue to remove.
If a cancerous lump is removed it should be followed by radiation therapy.
Radiation destroys cancer cells that may be present in the remaining breast tissue.
Radiation is sometimes given after a total mastectomy to eradicate cancerous cells that may be in an adjoining tissue.
There may be side effects from radiation which include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, redness and other effects.
Chemotherapy invoves the administration of drugs for up to six months that interfere with with the growth of cancer cells.
Classic chemotherapy is called CMF representing the three drugs, cyclophosophamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluoprouracil.
This course usually causes nausea, hair loss and other side effects.
Hormonal therapy is often recommended for women over the age of fifty.
What Is Breast Cancer
Stages Of Breast Cancer
What Are The Symptoms
How Is The Condition Evaluated
How Breast Cancer Is Treated
Who Is Likely To Develop Breast Cancer
Breast Biopsy
Benign Breast Lumps
Glossary Of Cancer Related Terms
Be A Survivor
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