Breast cancer symptoms

January 16, 2018

Breast cancer symptoms and signs: What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer symptoms. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor which is a collection of cancer cells arising from the cells of the breast.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor which is a collection of cancer cells arising from the cells of the breast. Although breast cancer mainly take place in women, it can also affect men. But for the purpose of this article, we are going to focus on women breast cancer beginning with the symptoms. Identifying breast cancer symptoms is not always immediate since breast cancer rarely show indications of signs and symptoms. It is possible for women have every cancers without the production of masses that can be felt or yields recognized changes in the breast. However, when symptoms appears, it will be a lump or mass in the breast which is always the most common symptom. Nonetheless, and according to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, besides the lump, there are other possible symptoms including:

Swelling of part of the breast.
Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
Nipple discharge or redness,
Changes in the skin such as puckering or dimpling,
Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
A newly reversed nipple
A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue

The use of screening mammography becomes necessary to detect any formation of cancer in good time. The difficulty in reorganizing early symptoms and signs of breast cancer is not limited to small breast cancer but extends to even the larger breast cancers. And as has been stated, when they do appear, the most common symptom is a lump or mass in the breast or underarm area says doctor Akoury. And though not so common, we have some types of cancers known as inflammatory breast cancers that are likely to produce redness and warmth of the affected breast. Breast pain is also not a typical symptom, but breast or nipple pain may occur in certain cases.

Breast cancer symptoms and signs: Breast cancer causes and risk factors

In understanding this point, it is true that we have several risk factors that can increase the chances of developing breast cancer, it is important to appreciate that, the exact reason for cancer development is not known scientifically. However, factors like family history of breast cancer and the presence of certain inherited genes like BRCA1, BRCA2 can increase the risk for developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer symptoms and signs: Available statistics on male breast cancer

Breast cancer is rare in men. Like for instance, only an approximately of 2,400 new cases are diagnosed per year in the U.S. which typically has a significantly worse outcome. This is partially related to the often late diagnosis of male breast cancer, when the cancer has already spread. Symptoms are similar to the symptoms in women, with the most common symptom being a lump or change in skin of the breast tissue or nipple discharge. Although it can occur at any age, male breast cancer usually occurs in men over 60 years of age. And because we care about your health, AWAREmed health center doors are open for you at any time for further consultation with our experts.

Breast cancer symptoms and signs: What is breast cancer?

Angiosarcoma cancer

January 16, 2018

Angiosarcoma cancer: Blood vessels and Lymph vessels

Angiosarcoma cancer. when symptoms appears, it will be a lump or mass in the breast which is always the most common symptom

Angiosarcoma is a rare type of cancer normally affecting the lining of the blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lymph vessels are part of immune system responsible for collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products from the body and disposes of them. Experts’ at AWAREmed health and wellness resources center, explains that, this type of cancer can occur anywhere in your body. But quit often it affects the head and neck skin. Rarely, angiosarcoma cancer may form in the skin on other parts of your body, such as the breast. Or it may form in deeper tissue, such as the liver and the heart. Angiosarcoma treatment depends on where the cancer is located. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and we will be discussing then shortly.

Angiosarcoma cancer: Symptoms

The signs and symptoms often vary depending on where the cancer forms.

Angiosarcoma that affects the skin – like stated in most cases angiosarcoma affects the head and neck skin and particularly the scalp. Its signs and symptoms of this form of angiosarcoma include:

A raised, purplish area of skin that looks like a bruise
A bruise-like lesion that grows larger over time
A lesion that may bleed when scratched or bumped
Swelling in the surrounding skin

Angiosarcoma that affects organs – it affects organs like the heart and the liver and when this happens, the patients feels a lot of pain. In all these, doctor Akoury advices that when the signs and symptoms are persistent, you may want to see your doctor. And if you’re around, you can schedule an appointment with us at AWAREmed health center at convenience.

Angiosarcoma cancer: Causes

Scientifically, it’s not clear what causes most angiosarcoma. However, there’re certain factors that can facilitate the risks. When the cells in the blood vessels multiply abnormally this should be an indicator. The abnormal cells outgrows the other cells resulting in cells breaking off and spreads or metastasize to other parts of the body.

Angiosarcoma cancer: Risk factors

The risks may increase due to the following factors:

Radiation therapy – when radiation is used for treatment, this increases the risks. A rare complication of radiation therapy, angiosarcoma typically occurs between 5 to 10 years after treatment.

Swelling caused by lymph vessel damage (lymphedema) – Lymphedema is swelling caused by a backup of lymph fluid that forms when the lymphatic system is blocked or damaged. This is becomes a risk whenever lymph nodes are removed during surgery (a technique that’s often used to treat cancer). Lymphedema can also occur in response to infection or other conditions.

Chemicals – Liver angiosarcoma has been linked to exposure to several chemicals, including vinyl chloride and arsenic.

Angiosarcoma cancer: Blood vessels and Lymph vessels

Breast cancer types

January 16, 2018

Breast cancer types: Where does breast cancer come from?

Breast cancer types. In fact experts reports that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells grows abnormally

We have several breast cancer types and each of them is a threat to life. There are many types of breast cancer. Some are more common than others, and there are also combinations of cancers. We will look at several types of breast cancer but for now let’s look at where the disease come from. Experts have established that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells grows abnormally. Such cells multiplies very fast than healthy ones and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Speaking to doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, she adds that, the growth of such cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). This can also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) as well as in other cells or tissue within the breast.

Breast cancer types: Inherited breast cancer

It is estimated that up to 10% of breast cancer linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family. The inherited mutated genes like gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Therefore, if you have breast cancer history in your family, it may be necessary that you take a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family. The following are some common types of cancer:

Ductal carcinoma in situ: The most common type of noninvasive breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This type of cancer has not spread and therefore usually has a very high cure rate.

Invasive ductal carcinoma: This cancer starts in a duct of the breast and grows into the surrounding tissue. It is the most common form of breast cancer at about 80%.

Invasive lobular carcinoma: This starts in the glands of the breast that produce milk. Approximately 10% of invasive breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinoma. The rest of breast cancers aren’t common and may include:

Mucinous carcinoma are formed from mucus-producing cancer cells. Mixed tumors contain a variety of cell types.
Medullary carcinoma is an infiltrating breast cancer that presents with well-defined boundaries between the cancerous and noncancerous tissue.
Inflammatory breast cancer: This cancer makes the skin of the breast appear red and feel warm (giving it the appearance of an infection). These changes are due to the blockage of lymph vessels by cancer cells.
Triple-negative breast cancers: This is a subtype of invasive cancer with cells that lack estrogen and progesterone receptors and have no excess of a specific protein (HER2) on their surface. It tends to appear more often in younger women and African-American women.
Paget’s disease of the nipple: This cancer starts in the ducts of the breast and spreads to the nipple and the area surrounding the nipple. It usually presents with crusting and redness around the nipple.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma: These cancers have both glandular and cystic features. They tend not to spread aggressively and have a good prognosis.
Lobular carcinoma in situ: This is not a cancer but an area of abnormal cell growth that can lead to invasive breast cancer later in life.

Breast cancer types: Where does breast cancer come from?

Breast cancer truths

January 16, 2018

Breast cancer truths: Established facts about breast cancer

Breast cancer truths. Breast cancer is that type of cancer whose formation begins in the cells of the breasts

As the name depicts, breast cancer is that type of cancer whose formation begins in the cells of the breasts. Professionally, experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center among other experts has established that one of the breast cancer truths is that, it is second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women after skin cancer. This fact does not mean that men are free from it. Men too can contract breast cancer, it’s only that women are more vulnerable.

Because of aggressive awareness campaigns and support for breast cancer, a lot of ground has been covered in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It’s is rewarding to note that, because of such efforts, breast cancer survival rates have increased. The number of deaths resulting from breast cancer has been on a downward trend because of various factors including early detection, better personalized treatment approach and a better understanding of the disease.

Breast cancer truths: So how best do you understand breast cancer?

There are a lot more to know about this disease. These are essential facts which are proven scientifically in the United State and across the globe, like for instance:

We have several types of breast cancer.
For every eight women, one will develop cancer in the United States.
Different types of breast cancer are uniquely different in the way they spread (metastasize) to other body parts and organs.
Besides the risks factors, the distinct causes of breast cancer are not known.
Among other types of cancer, breast cancer is the most common among American women and beyond.
Breast cancer symptoms and signs may include
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit,
- Orange-peel texture or dimpling of the breast’s skin,
- Inverted nipple,
- Breast pain or sore nipple,
- Bloody nipple discharge,
- A lump in the breast or armpit,
- A change in the size or shape of the breast or nipple.
The diagnosis is done during a physical exam through self-examination of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy.
Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage and may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Breast cancer truths: America Cancer Society

According to the American Cancer society the following facts have been established scientifically.

Over 250,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed each year in women in 2017 and over 2,400 in men;
Approximately 40,000 women and 440 men died of breast cancer in 2015;
There are over 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States;
Although breast cancer awareness and survival has increased significantly in the United States for all races, several studies have cited a significantly worse survival rate for African-American women compared to white women; and
Guidelines for mammography differ depending on the organization making recommendations. Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women aged 45-54 for women at average risk for breast cancer and mammograms every two years for women aged 55 and older, who should also have the option to continue yearly screening.

Finally, looking at these facts about breast cancer, it’s evident that we have a big problem to address. Therefore, if you’re reading this article right now and you or your loved one is suffering from this disease, you can be of help by scheduling an appointment with experts at AWAREmed health center now for a one on one discussion with doctor Akoury.

Breast cancer truths: Established facts about breast cancer

Understanding renal cancer

January 13, 2018

Understanding renal cancer: What is kidney cancer?

Understanding renal cancer is very important for your proper planning of your treatment

Understanding renal cancer is very important. It is also known as kidney cancer is as the name suggest a type of cancer affecting the kidney. This is a disease associated with the abnormal growth of kidney cells. In other words, the renal cells become malignant (cancerous) and multiply rapidly in an uncontrollable manner leading to the formation of a tumor. Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, it is evident that nearly all kidney cancers first appear in the lining of tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney.

Scientifically, this type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma. And unlike with the ovarian cancer, this type of cancer can be detected in good time before they spread (metastasize) to other distant organs in the body. The good news about early diagnosis is that successful treatment becomes very easy and effective. While these type of cancer is detectable easily, it is important to note that, before diagnosis is done, these kinds of tumors can grow very first to be quite large such that by the time the operation is done, it is quite a mountain.

Understanding renal cancer: The kidney’s functions

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They lie in the lower abdomen on each side of the spine. Their function is to clean the blood, removing waste products and making urine. Scientifically, the causes of kidney cancer are not known. However, some factors appear to increase the risk of getting kidney cancer. Like for instance, kidney cancer occurs mostly in aging people, normally age 40 and above. The following are some of the risk factors for kidney cancer:

Smoking – cigarette smoking increases the risk for contracting kidney cancer twice more than that of nonsmokers. Smoking cigars may also increase your risk as well.

Being male – Men are about twice as vulnerable as women to get kidney cancer.

Being obese – Extra weight may cause changes to hormones that increase your risk.

Administering certain pain medications for a long time – This includes over-the-counter drugs in addition to prescription drugs.

Having advanced renal disease or being on long-term dialysis, a treatment for people with kidneys that have stopped working

Having certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease or inherited papillary renal cell carcinoma

Having a family history of renal cancer – The risk is especially high in siblings.

Being exposed to certain chemicals, such as asbestos, cadmium, benzene, organic solvents, or certain herbicides

Having high blood pressure – Doctors don’t know whether high blood pressure or medication used to treat it is the source of the increased risk.

Being black – The risk in blacks is slightly higher than in whites. No one knows why.

Having lymphoma – For an unknown reason, there is an increased risk of renal cancer in patients with lymphoma.

Finally, doctor Akoury explains that having these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will get renal cancer. It’s also true that you can fail to have all these but still suffer from renal cancer. As AWAREmed health center, our doors are always open for you and just by a phone call, we will get to your needs professionally.

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