Breast disorders are prevalent in the population.
Approximately 80% of breast lumps are non-cancerous.
Breast tissue undergoes changes due to hormones, nutrition, and environmental factors.
Common premenstrual symptoms include tenderness and lumpiness of breasts.
Understand benign breast conditions, their causes, and treatments.
Explore causes of breast cancer, recognizing multiple types.
Learn recommended screening for breast cancer in normal and high-risk individuals.
Identify risk factors for breast cancer.
Discuss treatment options for breast cancer.
Review nursing care and patient education post-surgical procedures for breast cancer.
Common benign conditions include:
Fibrocystic breast changes
Fibroadenomas
Atypical hyperplasia
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
Characterized by fibrotic tissue and cysts.
Cysts are non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs in the breast ducts.
Changes mainly due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen.
Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly premenstrual.
Common in women aged 30-55, rare after menopause.
Possible occurrence among menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy.
Ceasing hormone therapy can reduce cyst formation.
Any cyst fluid should be tested for cancer cells, especially if formation is atypical.
Evaluations include history and physical examination, ultrasound, and mammography.
Needle biopsy may be required to rule out malignancy.
Recommendations:
Avoid caffeine and chocolate.
Quit smoking.
Consider Vitamin E supplementation.
Cysts may be aspirated to relieve pain.
Utilize mild analgesics and apply cold and heat therapy.
Solid benign tumors that are round, firm, and non-tender.
Characterized as movable masses.
Definitive diagnosis is obtained through biopsy.
Treatment may not be necessary as they are typically benign.
Denotes increased cell reproduction leading to a premalignant lesion.
Generally not detectable upon physical examination but identified via mammogram.
Confirmed through biopsy, with increased cancer risk requiring prophylactic treatment and high-risk screening.A
A rare condition featuring abnormal cell growth within lobules.
Management includes observation, hormone therapy, and preventive measures.
Associated with a heightened risk of invasive cancer.
Second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, following lung cancer.
Characterized by unregulated growth of abnormal breast cells.
Various types exist, with men also susceptible (less than 1% prevalence).
Includes cases where cancer cells have not spread, notably Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).
Accounts for 20% of new breast cancer diagnoses.
Primary treatment involves lumpectomy in conjunction with radiation.
Defined as cancer that spreads to adjacent tissues and potentially to lymphatic or circulatory systems.
Common forms include Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma and Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
Characterized by the obstruction of lymph vessels in breast skin leading to edema, warmth, and redness.
Considered a malignant form of breast cancer with a poor prognosis.
Genetic predispositions, especially with family history (first-degree relative).
Hormonal factors: obesity, high-fat diets, alcohol use, and hormone replacements.
Age is a significant risk factor with lower incidence in women under 40 years.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
BRCA1 can indicate up to an 80% risk of developing breast cancer; BRCA2 can indicate 45%.
Specific receptors facilitate cancer cell growth (e.g., HER2) and can be targeted with therapies like Trastuzumab.
Emphasize healthy weight maintenance and diet.
Routine screenings include self and clinical examinations, mammograms.
Recommendations to breastfeed for extended periods and avoid hormone replacement therapies.
Consideration of chemoprevention strategies for high-risk women.
Monthly self-breast exams starting at age 20.
Clinical breast exams every 3 years from age 20 to 39, annually post 40.
Annual mammograms starting at age 45, biennial screenings from 55 onward.
Various imaging and biopsy techniques such as mammograms, ultrasounds, PET scans, and cytological exams of nipple fluid are utilized in diagnosis.
Surgical options range from lumpectomies to mastectomies, including reconstructive options.
Lumpectomy focuses on tumor excision with conservation of breast tissue.
Mastectomy options include total, modified radical, and radical procedures.
Key postoperative care includes monitoring for lymphedema and supporting rehabilitation.
Addressing body image issues post-surgery is crucial, especially for younger women.
Assess emotional responses, including feelings of loss, fear, and depression post-diagnosis.
Provide education on managing physical and psychological aspects following mastectomy.
Monitoring for Lymphedema: Regular assessments to detect swelling in the arms or chest due to lymph fluid accumulation. Early interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Rehabilitation Support: Encourage participation in physical therapy to regain strength and mobility, and to address any limitations in arm movement post-surgery.
Body Image Issues: Address emotional and psychological impacts, particularly for younger women. Provide resources for counseling and support groups.
Emotional Responses: Assess emotional reactions such as feelings of loss, fear, and depression following diagnosis and surgery. Offer supportive communication and referral to mental health services as needed.
Education: Inform patients about postoperative care, including wound management, pain relief measures, and signs of complications. Provide guidance on self-examinations and future screening recommendations.