The Journey of Breast Cancer
Originally uploaded by Social Butterfly Jewellery (SBJ) by Melissa Ingram
Breast cancer has been deemed as the most common type of cancer among women today. There are many documented cases of men experiencing this condition as well. Normally, this specific type of cancer is related to normal changes that occur within the breast of a female on a monthly basis. While these changes are normal, it is important to understand that the growth, or tumors, that can develop may prove to be cancerous. It is also important to remember that not all growths in the breast area are cancerous.
Cancerous growths that occur as a result of breast cancer can quickly spread to other locations throughout the body. This is why medical professionals stress the importance of conducting basic self-examinations of the breast on a monthly basis. If this disease is discovered in the early stages of development, there are a few basic treatment options available. If it is discovered in the later stages, there is still hope for successful treatment. Here, you will learn about these treatment options.
There are a few basic breast cancer treatment options. Before selecting a treatment for this condition, it is important for you to understand the ultimate goals behind them. The first goal, naturally, is to eliminate all traces of breast cancer in the body. The second is to ensure that the effective steps have been taken to reduce the possibility of the cancer returning. The determination of the treatment normally depends on the extent of the cancer, as well as the areas of the body that are affected.
Surgery is a common treatment option when it comes to breast cancer. Medical professionals will examine the type of cancer that is being experienced, as well as the progression of the disease before suggesting surgery. If a person is suffering from a growth in the breast area that is cancerous, they may need to participate in a surgery that works to save the breast. This type of breast cancer surgery results in the lump, growth, or 'cancer' to be extracted from the breast while the breast is kept in place.
Many individuals who experience breast cancer may have a large amount of cancerous cells in the breast itself. These cancerous cells may be so immense that they are starting to spread to other areas in the body. Many professionals who deal with this type of breast cancer will suggest a 'mastectomy'. This is a surgery that requires the entire breast to be removed from the body. This is normally performed in the advanced stages of breast cancer. However, if it is deemed as an appropriate procedure in the early stages of breast cancer, it will be done then too.
Many medical professionals have found that by providing a person who is infected with breast cancer various types of hormones, the cancer is stopped. This is a very productive treatment when it comes to preventing this type of cancer. As a matter of fact, if an individual has breast cancer surgery, most doctors will implement the treatment of hormone therapy in order to ensure that the cancer does not return. If you suffer from this type of cancer, it is important to discuss this option with your physician.
Radiation is also a common treatment for breast cancer patients. This is an important procedure for sufferers because of the fact that this treatment can effectively eliminate the amount of cells that are cancerous in the body. Many times, this procedure is most commonly used after an individual has had breast cancer surgery. This treatment will work to destroy any lingering breast cancer cells after surgery has been concluded.
As you can see, there are a number of treatment options available for those who experience breast cancer. If you suffer from this devastating disease, it is important that you learn as much as you possibly can about the condition.
You should work closely with your doctor to ensure that you experiment with a treatment that will be most effective for your specific needs when it comes to breast cancer. For individuals with this disease, there is a lot of hope. Most treatment methods are effective, and many will recover from the disease successfully.
About The Author-- Alex Olson is a professional journalist. Many of her articles are written about health issues. If you want to find out some information on cancer and breast cancer in particular, you can find it at in her articles.
