Diagnosing and Breast Cancer Staging
When cells in the chest grow and multiply abnormally and spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, it is identified as breast cancer. These cancerous cells, by multiplying, form a malignant tumor within the breast. Breast cancer goes unnoticed in the initial stage and is discovered at a later stage when a big lump or continuous tenderness is noticed.
Diagnosing breast cancer
People with breast cancer have more chances of survival if the disease is detected at an earlier stage. The first step for curing this condition, or preventing further damage, is to diagnose it as soon as possible. Before you take any treatment, it is necessary to understand how diagnosing and breast cancer staging works. Here is the complete process of diagnosing breast cancer.
Exam –
The first step is undergoing a complete checkup. The doctor checks for any lumps in both breasts and lymph nodes present the armpits.
Mammogram –
A mammogram is an X-ray procedure to screen the problematic area in the breast. This is most commonly used to detect any abnormality, which can help doctors decide upon the treatment after diagnosing breast cancer.
Ultrasound –
During the mammogram, if any abnormality is found, an ultrasound can help the doctor understand whether this abnormality is solid or fluid-filled.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) –
An MRI gives a detailed image of the affected body part through strong magnetic rays. An MRI does not use X-rays or any other radiation, but requires an injection of a contrast agent inserted into the veins.
Biopsy –
Biopsy is a way to sample or check the abnormal area for diagnosis. Based on reports from the X-ray, mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, the doctor uses a specialized needle to sample the affected area. This is often referred to as core needle biopsy.
Stages of breast cancer
Staging of breast cancer helps doctors determine the required treatment and understand the stage to which the cancer has progressed. The stages of breast cancer are determined on three factors, namely the size of the tumor, the number and location of lymph nodes affected, and whether cancer has spread to any other part of the body (also called metastases). Here are the four stages of breast cancer.
Stage 0 and 1 –
At this stage, the cancer cells are confined to a small or limited area. This is the earliest stage when breast cancer develops.
Stage 2 (II) and 2A (IIA) –
The second stage of cancer is still at an early stage with the difference being that the cancer cells have begun to grow and spread. Breast cancer treatment can be effective even at this stage.
Stage 3 (III) A, B, and C –
At this advanced stage, one cannot ignore the fact that the cancer cells have advanced and spread to surrounding tissues near the breast.
Stage 4 (IV) –
This is the last stage, where cancer has moved to other organs, including skin, bones, lungs, liver, distant lymph nodes, and even the brain. This stage is also called as metastatic breast cancer.
After proper diagnosing and breast cancer staging, the doctor determines further treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation to treat the disease.
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