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Diagnosing Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can strike anyone, young or old, male or female, from all ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. Former First Lady Betty Ford, Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, singer Olivia Newton-John and actor Richard Roundtree are all breast cancer survivors. Their breast cancer experiences began when the disease was diagnosed because a symptom or screening test suggested breast cancer.

The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump or mass. Other common symptoms include breast swelling, skin irritation, the nipple turning inward, nipple discharge (not breast milk), and breast or nipple pain. These signs may be noticed during a breast self-exam, routine clinical breast exam or screening mammogram. If a suspicious-looking area is detected, additional testing will be used to either confirm a breast cancer diagnosis or identify a benign condition.

Three tests used to diagnose breast conditions are diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A diagnostic mammogram, which generates X-ray pictures, focuses on a specific area of the breast and takes more detailed pictures of the areas that look abnormal. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves, can help doctors determine if an abnormality is a benign fluid-filled cyst or a potentially cancerous solid mass. MRI, which uses radio waves and strong magnets, is sometimes used to look for tumors that did not appear on a mammogram.

Imaging tests can help locate a breast mass, but they cannot confirm a breast cancer diagnosis. This is done during a biopsy to remove cells or tissue samples for laboratory testing. There are three main types of biopsies:

  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy involves inserting a very thin needle into the suspicious area to withdraw cells. Ultrasound may be used to guide the needle if the lump cannot be easily located.
  • Core needle biopsy uses a slightly larger needle to remove three to five small cylinders of tissue from the breast abnormality. Larger core biopsies can be performed using suction to remove tissue samples.
  • Surgery may be recommended to remove all or part of a lump for examination. During an incisional biopsy, a sample is removed from the abnormal area. An excisional biopsy involves removing the entire mass as well as a surrounding margin of normal tissue.

If cancer cells are found after a biopsy, test results can determine the cancer type and whether it is invasive (likely to spread) or in situ (localized). Invasive cancers are assigned a grade based on how closely the sample resembles normal tissue and the likelihood the cancer will grow and spread. An estrogen and progesterone receptor test can determine if hormone therapy may help stop the cancer from growing. A human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 test can measure a growth factor protein that may cause cancer cells to spread more aggressively.

For more information about breast cancer, talk with your doctor or visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org.

For a physician referral, call Palm Beach Health Network at (561) 625-5070.

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5 Common Inherited Health Conditions and Their Symptoms

Every person has two sets of genes, one from the mother and one from the father. Genes are made up of DNA, the hereditary material in humans and other organisms. Aside from physical features and characteristics, genes also determine some health conditions that people inherit from their parents.

Here are some of the most commonly inherited health conditions according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

1. Heart Disease

It’s no surprise that heart disease is part of the list, considering it’s the top cause of death in the United States. The most common types of inherited heart diseases are coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension or high blood pressure.

CAD is caused by plaque and cholesterol build up on the inner walls of the arteries. It affects the blood and oxygen that go to the heart. CAD gets worse over time and is one of the leading causes of heart attack in the U.S. On the other hand, high blood pressure occurs when your heart works too hard in pushing the blood through your arteries. Without proper treatment or management, it may lead to stroke, kidney failure, heart attack and other health conditions.

How to Lower Your Risk

Although having parents who have heart disease may increase your risk of acquiring it, you may still lower your risk or at least properly manage your symptoms. Some lifestyle changes that may help include eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking and visiting your doctor for regular health checks.

2. Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease caused by triggers such as allergies, air pollutants, smoke, mold, dust mites, animals and exercise to name a few. The people who have asthma may suffer from an episode of chest tightness, coughing, breathing problems and wheezing once triggered.

How to Manage Your Symptoms

Limiting your exposure to triggers is the best way to avoid symptoms of asthma. You must also keep your medication at hand in case symptoms occur. If you do not know all your triggers yet, consult your doctor.

3. Diabetes

One in 13 people in the U.S. has diabetes. It can be caused by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Whether Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it is a chronic disease that must be detected and treated early as it may lead to serious complications such as blindness, amputation, heart disease and kidney failure.

How to Lower Your Risk

Children or siblings of people with diabetes are more likely to get the disease. However, you may lower your risk or manage your symptoms better by eating less sugar and fat, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding stress and consulting your doctor for proper medication/treatment.

4. Single Gene Disorders

A single gene disorder is a certain gene that causes a disease. There are over 6,000 single gene disorders and their symptoms vary in many ways. Some single gene disorders can be identified as soon as pregnancy or child birth, while others may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Such disorders can be passed down even when the mother and the father of the individual do not show symptoms.

How to Lower Your Risk

If you are aware of a family single gene disorder, speak with a doctor so he/she can refer you to a specialist. Otherwise, you may seek out a test or screening to determine if you have a single gene disorder.

5. Cancer

Cancer comes in various forms. It is caused by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in specific parts of the body. Aside from lifestyle choices, genes and environmental factors also contribute in having cancer. Some of the most common types of cancer include lung, breast and prostate cancer. Lung cancer leads to the most cancer deaths for both men and women in the U.S.

How to Lower Your Risk

The risks and symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer. Generally, you can help lower your risk by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and having routine health checks.

Final Thoughts

Have no idea about the history of your family’s health conditions? Do not hesitate to ask your parents or relatives as it can help you become more aware of your risks and prepare in advance for potential symptoms. Meanwhile, if you’re experiencing symptoms of any disease, please speak to a doctor so you can get the help and treatment you need as soon as possible.

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Sources:
National Center for Biotechnology Information
National Human Genome Research Institute
University of Miami
U.S. National Library of Medicine
KidsHealth

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