Puget Sound Surgical Center - Malignant Breast Lumps - Seattle Weight Loss Surgery and Bariatric Experts


	Breast Problems Advanced Malignant Breast Lumps: Malignant lumps are usually single, hard, and painless. They most commonly develop from glands or mammary ducts and are more commonly located in the upper, outer portion of the breast, but can occur anywhere in the breast. Unlike benign lumps, malignant (cancerous) lumps will continue to grow in an uncontrolled manner if left unchecked, will spread into other areas outside the breast. The risk of developing breast cancer is increased: • If breast cancer was previously present • If there is a family history of breast cancer • If a biopsy indicating a precancerous condition was found • If giving birth has never taken place • If the first time of giving birth took place after age 30 • With aging Early Breast Cancer: Generally a small tumor of less than an inch located in only the breast is considered "early". It is very important to note that even an "early" cancerous growth may have existed for several years prior to discovery. Women who self-examine their breasts each month, make regular visits to their health care professional for periodic breast examinations, and have periodic mammography are most likely to have breast cancer detected early. The earlier the diagnosis the better the chances are of successful treatment. Advanced Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is said to be "advanced" when it is spreading to other parts of the body. Most often the axillary lymph nodes are the first affected after the breast itself. Once this occurs, the chance for cure is substantially reduced. Treatment after involvement of the axillary lymph nodes may include chemotherapy. Disseminated Breast Cancer: This stage is when cancerous cells may have spread not only to the lymph nodes but to other areas of the body as well. This may include the bones, the lungs, and the liver. Cancerous cells usually spread through the lymph system and the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the cure rate is low, but prolonged control of the remaining cancerous cells is often possible. Mastitis: The term "Mastitis" refers to infection of the breast. It occurs when bacteria enter the mammary ducts through the nipple and causes localized pockets of infection known as "abcesses" that appear as warm, tender lumps. This is usually the result of suckling during breast feeding.

Malignant Breast Lumps: Malignant lumps are usually single, hard, and painless. They most commonly develop from glands or mammary ducts and are more commonly located in the upper, outer portion of the breast, but can occur anywhere in the breast. Unlike benign lumps, malignant (cancerous) lumps will continue to grow in an uncontrolled manner if left unchecked, will spread into other areas outside the breast. The risk of developing breast cancer is increased:
• If breast cancer was previously present
• If there is a family history of breast cancer
• If a biopsy indicating a precancerous condition was found
• If giving birth has never taken place
• If the first time of giving birth took place after age 30
• With aging

Early Breast Cancer: Generally a small tumor of less than an inch located in only the breast is considered "early". It is very important to note that even an "early" cancerous growth may have existed for several years prior to discovery. Women who self-examine their breasts each month, make regular visits to their health care professional for periodic breast examinations, and have periodic mammography are most likely to have breast cancer detected early. The earlier the diagnosis the better the chances are of successful treatment.

Advanced Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is said to be "advanced" when it is spreading to other parts of the body. Most often the axillary lymph nodes are the first affected
after the breast itself. Once this occurs, the chance for cure is substantially reduced. Treatment after involvement of the axillary lymph nodes may include chemotherapy.

Disseminated Breast Cancer: This stage is when cancerous cells may have spread not only to the lymph nodes but to other areas of the body as well. This may include the bones, the lungs, and the liver. Cancerous cells usually spread through the lymph system and the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the cure rate is low, but prolonged control of the remaining cancerous cells is often possible.

Mastitis: The term "Mastitis" refers to infection of the breast. It occurs when bacteria enter the mammary ducts through the nipple and causes localized pockets of infection known as "abcesses" that appear as warm, tender lumps. This is usually the result of suckling during breast feeding.