From: healthline.com Stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, is where the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. It can cause symptoms like breast lumps, swelling, and skin changes. Treatment options at this stage focus on quality of life choices. Doctors typically categorize breast cancer by stages, numbered 0 to 4. Stage 4 breast …
Breast Cancer Surgery: Types, Cost, and More
From: healthline.com Which breast cancer procedure you get depends on a few factors and your doctor’s recommendations. The cost of mastectomies, breast-conserving surgery (BCS), and breast reconstruction can also vary. Which breast cancer procedure you get depends on a few factors and your doctor’s recommendations. The cost of mastectomies, breast-conserving surgery (BCS), and breast reconstruction can also vary. Surgical options …
Your Guide to Understanding a Double Mastectomy
From: healthline.com A double (bilateral) mastectomy is the surgical removal of both breasts. This procedure is used to treat breast cancer or to reduce the risk of breast cancer in people with a high risk. What is a double mastectomy, and why have one? Double mastectomy is the surgical removal of both breasts. The purpose is to: remove breast cancer …
How Does Breast Cancer Spread or Metastasize?
From: healthline.com Breast cancer can spread through your lymph circulatory system to your lymph nodes. In later stages, it can also spread to other organs, like your brain or lungs. When breast cancer spreads to other sites in the body, doctors call this “metastasizing.” There are several ways cancer can spread in the body. Breast cancer can spread lymphatically from …
5 Things You Need to Know About Ports
From: healthline.com For those who need frequent blood draws or IV (intravenous) treatments, a port can make it easier to access a vein and reduce the number of needle pricks you receive. Most of us are familiar with chemotherapy and radiation as common treatment options following a breast cancer diagnosis. But there are other aspects of treatment you may not have heard of, …
Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy: Which is Best for You?
From: healthline.com A lumpectomy preserves more of your breast compared to a mastectomy. But you can choose a mastectomy that removes the entire breast or preserves the nipple and areola. Lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures are both performed to remove breast cancer. While both are effective, they have different benefits and risks. A lumpectomy preserves the breast, while a mastectomy removes all of …
How to Navigate Metastatic Breast Cancer Test Results
From: healthline.com If your breast cancer has metastasized, or spread, it will be classified based on three receptors, like all invasive cancers are. Several treatments are available, but their effectiveness might vary based on your MBC subtype. Not all breast cancers are the same. If you’ve already received an MBC diagnosis, your doctor will likely perform additional tests. This information …
What Causes Breast Cancer?
From: healthline.com Genetic mutations passed from family members have a big role in your risk of developing breast cancer. But lifestyle and environmental factors play a role, too. Breast cancer is caused by gene mutations to the DNA in breast cells. Exactly what triggers this change is unknown. What is known is that there are risk factors that may increase …
A Guide to Vitamins and Supplements During Breast Cancer Treatment
From: healthline.com Vitamins and dietary supplements can help you get the micronutrients your body needs to stay strong during a cancer diagnosis, but when it comes to breast cancer treatment, it’s important to discuss safety and appropriate use with your doctor first. Breast cancers begin in any tissue of the breast. They’re one of the most commonTrusted Source types of cancer …
What Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates?
From: healthline.com Although the type of breast cancer you have plays a large role in its recurrence, it’s not the only factor. Breast cancer variables such as tumor size and stage at diagnosis can also influence your risk. Personal factors such as your age and your weight can affect your risk as well. In this article, we take a closer …