What is cancer?
The disease that results from the uncontrolled division of some cells in the body, which have been damaged and behave abnormally, is called cancer. Malignant tumors can arise in all tissues of the human body. Breast malignancies in women are the most common, and also among the best treated today.
Why is it also called invasive breast cancer?
Cancer cells reproduce and begin to invade surrounding tissues, penetrating the natural boundaries set by the tissues. In the breast, cancer cells penetrate the basement membrane of the ducts and lobules, establishing the histological diagnosis of having invasive breast carcinoma.
When is breast cancer called metastatic?
In addition to local expansion, invasive breast cancer spreads to distant parts of the body. In the breast, extension to the lymph nodes in the armpit is common, while from other organs, extension with metastases to the lung, liver, bones and brain is common. All of these ought to be checked with extensive radiological examinations requested by your mammologist before the operation.
How do I protect myself?
Your main protection is screening. Of course, monthly breast self-examination is also important. On the Breast Care Clinic page you will find guidance on how to choose the optimal screening schedule, how to choose it according to your personal medical history and family history of breast cancer. You’ll find out what the risk factors for breast cancer are and which ones you can influence with your lifestyle.
What is the importance of early – early diagnosis of breast cancer?
- In early stage breast cancer, if treated correctly, is completely curable
- In early stages breast cancer can be operated on with excellent aesthetic results
- With few exceptions, early breast cancer will not require mastectomy
- Typically a small breast cancer will not require chemotherapy (and its aftermath)
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
The most modern method of diagnosis is the so-called Triple Breast Screening:
- Clinical examination by a specialized breast surgeon – mammologist
- Breast X-ray examination (digital mammography or tomosynthesis and breast ultrasound)
- Histological confirmation by percutaneous biopsy guided by invasive ultrasound
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How is breast cancer surgery performed?
A surgery for breast cancer includes surgery on the breast and surgery on the lymph nodes in the armpit.
- Breast cancer surgery may be performed with oncoplasty or mastectomy in case of extensive disease. Mastectomy may be followed by breast reconstruction, in the first or second year.
- In the axilla, the surgical procedure is sentinel lymph node biopsy if no lymph node metastasis has been demonstrated preoperatively or otherwise complete level 1 to 3 lymph node cleansing of the axilla
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How important is aesthetic outcome in breast cancer surgery?
It is an outdated belief that we do not care about aesthetic outcome in breast cancer surgery. Today, without sacrificing the oncological completeness of the operating room, we can give a very good aesthetic result.
- Every effort is made to avoid mastectomy, even if it requires a complex method of breast oncoplasty
- If breast asymmetry occurs after a successful oncoplastic procedure, symmetry of the healthy breast may be performed at a second time
- In cases where mastectomy cannot be avoided, there is an option for surgical breast reconstruction immediately or in a second year
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