Oncology > Pathologies

Breast Cancer

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What is breast cancer?

First, it is important to know that a cell is the smallest unit of all living organisms. The collection of cells forms tissues, and these in turn form the organs of the body.

Breast cancer occurs when there is a change in the cells of the breast and they grow uncontrollably, forming lumps called tumors that grow inside the breast and can spread through the blood or a body fluid called lymph to other parts of the body. The most common places to which breast cancer cells travel are the bones, lungs, or liver.

Hormone-positive breast cancer

Not all types of breast cancer are the same. To determine the type of cancer, the doctor analyzes the breast biopsy tissue along with the results of molecular studies and determines the type of cancer.

Normally, cells can capture female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, that circulate in the body. When estrogen binds to its receptor (like a key entering a lock), it produces a signal in the cell to grow. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer uses these hormones to grow faster.

Breast cancer associated with BRCA mutations

There are many genes with different functions, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, which prevent the formation of tumors by helping to repair DNA damage, thereby keeping the body healthy.

When any of these genes is disturbed or mutated, it does not function properly. As a result, cells are more prone to alterations that can predispose them to develop into cancer.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Below are some signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

Breast cancer associated with BRCA mutations

The first step in diagnosing breast cancer is detecting a lump in the breasts and/or armpits, either through a mammogram, self-examination, or ultrasound. This swelling usually presents as a painless, solid, hard, irregular, immobile, and unilateral mass.

Breast cancer is diagnosed through various tests, including clinical examination, mammography, breast ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, genetic marker testing, among others.

CC-16881 MAY 2028

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