Question

what is/are the cause/causes of the disease breast cancer

Answer 1

The female breasts are grandular tissue composed of about 20 lobes. The grandular tissue is embedded in fibrous and adipose tissue. Each lobe contains clusters of glands known as lobules. The breasts are modified sweat glands and perform the function of secreting milk after child birth to nourish young infant. The breasts receive rich blood supply through lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic channels form into lymph nodes located in the arm pit or axilla above the clavicle and below the sternum. The breast is fixed to chest wall brands of fibrous tissues known as suspensory ligaments.

A lump in the breast may develop into three kinds of diseases such as benign cyst, fibroadenoma and breast carcinoma. A benign cyst in the breast tissue is known as benign cystic disease or benign fibrocystic disease. The proliferation of grandular and fibrous tissue is resulted with local dilation of ducts in the focal areas and may cause cystic changes and irregularities in breast tissue. This may lead to cyclic disturbances and variations of menstrual cycles in women.

Ultra sound examination of breast distinguishes the cystic form from a solid mass. Therefore, the mass as a cyst instead of a solid tumor can be aspirated with a needle. The fluid fill in the cyst is aspirated resulting in disappearance of the solid mass. When no fluid is obtained surgical excision is performed to remove the cyst.

Fibro adenoma is a benign tumor that is well circumscribed with fibrous and grandular breast tissues and is commonly observed in young women. Simple surgical excision is performed to remove fibroadenoma. Breast carcinoma may occur in both the sexes. It is rare tumor in men. It is common in women. The breast carcinoma as a tendency to run in families therefore, women are at higher risk whose sister or mother had breast carcinoma. The mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes result breast and ovarian cancers in women and these mutations are gentically inherited.

Women with no children or women having children after age 30 are at increased risk. Breast carcinoma is also observed in women who have had early onset of menses or late menopause. Breast carcinoma starts as a lump in the breast. It can be detected by mammogram. Total mastectomy or removal of breast along with axillary lymph node and removal part of breast (partial mastectomy) are the surgical treatments followed.

The main causes of breast cancer include mutations in BRCA genes, familial history, obesity, hormonal itrregularities and menstrual disturbances and changes thta may affect over period of time to result in development of breast cancer.