The most dangerous cancer in the world. What is cancer Cancer what does not happen

Cancer is a malignant tumor that has mutated cells in its structure, due to which they begin to divide and multiply uncontrollably, and as a result, the tumor grows and affects the nearest tissues, and subsequently metastasizes and spreads through the blood to all parts of the body. Consider how the disease develops, diagnosis, symptoms, types and treatment of cancer, and much more.

What is cancer?

The branch of medicine that deals with the study of both malignant and benign cells is called oncology. Scientists and doctors have recently found out that the direct cause of cancer is precisely the change in genes inside certain cells, but precisely in the code that is responsible for the division process. Therefore, diseased cells begin to act according to the wrong instructions and grow very quickly.

At the same time, the mutant cells themselves are slightly modified, they have a larger nucleus and a completely different behavior. Our immune system pays attention to this and tries to stop these revolutionary attempts. And if several such cells appeared in the body, they are destroyed. But the immune response does not always cope, especially in a weakened body with other diseases.

At the same time, when cells mutate, benign tumors can also occur - this does not mean that they are of any benefit to the body, but such neoplasms do not affect the nearest tissues and are not life-threatening. Unfortunately, but very often, such benign tumors develop into a malignant formation, which already has a dangerous behavior.

Doctors and scientists are looking for more and more new methods of treatment every year. But at the moment only a few are in use. Unfortunately, these methods do not give a 100% chance of recovery. And there is no clear weapon against cancer yet.

There are still many factors to take into account. First, at what stage the cancer was detected - the sooner the better. Secondly, how aggressive the tumor itself is and how quickly it grows and develops. Plus, doctors need to identify the neoplasm itself as soon as possible, find out its stage, size and depth of damage to nearby tissues. This way doctors will have a complete picture and will be able to create a strategy to fight the cancer enemy.

What does cancer look like? In general, he has different forms, which depend on the stage and zone of the lesion.

What causes cancer?

Unfortunately, but no direct evidence of which factors influence the appearance of this disease has not yet been proven. And doctors and scientists have only some assumptions and reasons for the appearance of malignant cells.

• Smoking gives a huge amount of chemicals that you breathe into yourself through the smoke. The substances themselves are mutagenic in nature and provide excellent ground for the development of the disease.
• Alcohol, affects almost all organs. It is clear that it all depends on the amount and frequency of use.
• Nutrition- food with a large amount of carcinogens, nitrates, food additives such as E121, E123, high-calorie food, makes it possible for unpleasant diseases to develop in your body, and they, in turn, can give the green light to cancer.
• Radiation- each city has its own radiation background, and with a strong increase in the norm in such cities, cancer is much more common than in ordinary ones.
• Ecology- in cities with poor ecology and settlements, which are located next to plants and factories - people get cancer more often.
• Wrong course of hormone therapy- can usually lead to cancer of the prostate, uterus, ovaries and breasts. Substances that directly affect the enlargement of these organs.
• HIV- contributes to an increase in the number of viruses and bacteria that affect the body with a weakened immune system.

You can also divide all factors into internal (drugs, food, etc.) - 30% and external (environment, radiation, etc.) - 70% of all impacts on cancer. As you can see, external factors have a fairly high percentage.

Food additives can also be attributed to cancer growth factors: E12, E 510, E 513U. Almost all the products you buy in stores have these substances, so it's best to check what is used in this or that product before using it.

How do cancer cells appear in the body?

There are a huge number of cells in the body. Each cell has its own job and function. All cells work like clockwork - clearly and according to the chosen program. But other factors also affect the body: such as disease, chemicals, radiation, ultraviolet radiation, etc.

As a result, one cell, under the influence of unfavorable conditions, turns into a mutant, changes its internal form, DNA damage occurs and the program of actions by which the cell used to work changes.

Let's look at healthy cells, as we already said, they work according to a clear instruction that is written in DNA. Muscle tissue, red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells - all perform their function. The lifespan of a cell is written in DNA. For example, red blood cells deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body and live for 125 days, but platelets, which help clog various wounds, live only 4 days, and then die.

Let's look at all the stages in the life of a healthy cell:

1. A cell is born and its further life and work in the body is predetermined.
2. After that, she grows up a little and already begins to perform basic functions.
3. Further, throughout the entire period of life, the cell itself works according to a certain scheme.
4. Next comes cell aging and death.

If the cell starts to become dull and self-willed, then the body immediately stops this and destroys it. But it happens when the body is weakened and cannot react in time, these cells begin to grow and turn into tumors.

Is a benign tumor a cancer or not? No, it's not cancer yet. Typically, such cells are not aggressive and do not interfere with the work of the nearest organs and tissues. But this tumor can later turn into cancer.

What is the difference between them? A benign formation grows slowly, does not enter healthy tissues and does not destroy them, it is quite easy to remove it surgically.

Tumor stages

1. Hyperplasia - when immature mutated cells begin to randomly divide.
2. Initially, the cells themselves are benign in nature and do not harm health and nearby tissues. But after some time, the tumor passes into the stage of dysplasia.
3. The cells themselves are fixed on the nearest tissues and pass into a new malignant phase - malignancy.
4. Precancerous condition is not a large number of malignant cells that do not go beyond the boundaries of a particular tissue and can still be defeated by immunity.
5. Invasive cancer - the tumor is already beginning to grow in the nearest tissues and grow rapidly, while the aggressiveness and growth rate increase.

Cancer stats.

Malignant neoplasms are mostly formed in elderly people after 50-60 years. Of course, this is also influenced by the rhythm of a person’s life and his state of health. The most common types of cancer:

1. development of lung cancer.
2. Mammary cancer.
3. Colon cancer.
4. Stomach cancer.
5. Liver cancer.

Many ask - How many years does the patient live after diagnosis and what is the percentage of survival?

It all depends on which cancer itself was found on and what character it has - aggressive or not. The higher the stage of the cancer, the lower the survival rate.

• 1 Stage 70-80%
• Stage 2 60-75%
• Stage 3 35%
• Stage 4 5% that the patient will live to 5 years.

What causes a person to die with cancer? Basically, from a combination of factors, when the tumor grows so strongly that it interferes with the work of the organs.

Symptoms of a malignant tumor

You must understand that they themselves depend on the place of development of the tumor itself in the body, as well as on the stage itself. Often, at first, the beast does not show itself in any way and sits very quietly in its lair.

• Unreasonable rise in temperature- there are no other symptoms, and medicines And antibiotics don't help.
• Loss of appetite and weight- when the tumor begins to grow rapidly and consumes a large amount of energy. It also produces various waste products that poison the body.
• Headache, nausea, vomiting (may be bloody)- the tumor poisons the body and intoxication increases.
• yellow skin Jaundice may indicate damage by liver cancer cells.
• Cough and shortness of breath- metastases reached the lungs and firmly settled there.
• General weakness and fatigue Cancer consumes a lot of energy and strength.
• Rashes on the skin and mucous membranes - often occurs with skin cancer and melanoma.

Types of cancer

Every year, scientists find more and more types and varieties of cancer cells. It is amazing that they can even adapt to the type of treatment and not respond to chemotherapy and radiation.

By type of fabric

By affected area

Name	What does it look like
testicular cancer
Pancreas cancer
Liver cancer
Stomach cancer
colon cancer
Brain cancer
Cancer of the larynx
thyroid cancer
Skin cancer
bone cancer
Mammary cancer

Classifications and stages

Why is it important to determine the stage of cancer? This is necessary for the doctor to understand how large the tumor itself is, what organs and tissues it involves, as well as the nature of the disease itself and the growth rate. All this is necessary in order to roughly build a strategy and fight against the enemy, to understand how to act in order to get the maximum result.

Here's an example for you - a patient has bowel cancer, and this was indicated both by tests for tumor markers and by direct examination using a colonoscopy procedure. Now the doctor needs to know the stage of cancer, because if it is stage 1 or 2, then metastases have not yet begun and you can do the usual removal of the tumor. The doctor will simply remove part of the intestine and sew the healthy halves.

If this is stage 4, then metastases have already spread to many organs and removal of the tumor itself will not help, then the only solution will be to conduct chemotherapy and radiation to reduce the aggressiveness of the tumor growth rate.

TNM system

Physicians mainly use the TNM system. It allows you to more accurately identify and classify the tumor. Usually three letters and additional symbols are used to clarify the properties of cancer.

• T- stage of the tumor
• N- Spread to lymph nodes
• M- Are there or not metastases, as well as which organs they affect.

Usually, when assessing metastases, the M field in brackets writes the name of the organ that was affected by the tumor. For example, M(PLE)- Metastases affect the pleura.

0 stage

A benign formation is formed with cells that divide and grow very quickly, but do not affect the functioning of the organ and do not harm nearby cells and tissues. Not every stage zero develops into cancer, but there is a chance.

1 stage

A benign formation develops into a malignant one and begins to actively develop. At the same time, the tumor itself does not go beyond the boundaries of the tissue itself and has clear boundaries.

2 stage

The tumor has already impressive dimensions and seals. Begins to germinate in the tissues of the body. Some oncological diseases already show some symptoms: pain, fever, etc.

3 stage

The tumor begins to touch the nearest lymph nodes and is already moving to neighboring organs. For example, with prostate cancer in a man, the cancer begins to affect the bladder and testicles. Also, metastases usually spread to the rectum.

4 stage

The last stage of tumor development, when metastases already reach distant organs through the blood: lungs, liver, brain, etc. At the same time, the cancerous neoplasm itself begins to grow even faster and the aggressiveness increases greatly. Functions in the body and health are greatly reduced.

Cancer diagnosis

The problem of a cancerous tumor is that it is detected rather late due to the absence of the first signs. Then subsequently it is much more difficult for doctors to treat this disease, and the chance of recovery decreases.

First of all, the doctor needs to understand the size of the tumor, its germination in the nearest tissues, the stage and degree of aggressiveness. Usually a good doctor begins to suspect the disease already with any deviations in.

The doctor may prescribe an addition. A tumor marker is a waste product of the tumor itself. With an increase in these proteins, it is possible to determine which organ is sick. Each tumor, be it lung cancer or prostate cancer, releases its own markers. If the amount of any tumor marker exceeds allowable rate, further research is underway.

1. At some stages, routine examination and palpation may reveal a tumor even in its early stages.
2. MRI and CT - gives more information and you can see the tumor itself and size.
3. Ultrasound is a good way to diagnose a tumor, although at stages 0 and 1 it is quite difficult to see it in some organs.

Cancer treatment

The type and choice of treatment itself depends both on the location of the cancer itself and on the stage. So after a complete diagnosis, a competent oncologist begins to select the right tactics to fight evil.

Surgery

Everything is quite simple here, doctors in the first stages simply remove part of the organ with the tumor, as well as the tissues closest to it. If there is a suspicion of damage to the entire organ, all tissues can be removed.

Chemotherapy

Chemicals are injected into the human body that try to act only on diseased cancer cells. At the same time, the impact is mainly at the DNA level, so that the cells stop dividing, grow old and die. But there is a downside in that the reagents themselves also affect healthy cells, which is why this method of therapy has many side effects.

Irradiation

The advantage of radiotherapy is that the nearest healthy cells suffer much less, which is why the effect itself falls on the cancerous tissues themselves. Recently, point irradiation has begun to be used, when they try to influence only the diseased area with a small beam, while reducing the irradiation of healthy tissues.

Photodynamic therapy

There are drugs that are injected into the human body, and then they affect it with light fluxes, and cancer cells are destroyed. Mainly used: Alasens, Radachlorin and Photohem.

Immunotherapy

The immune system is one of the first weapons against cancer cells, it is he who first notices suspicious tissue and destroys them. Usually this therapy begins with strengthening the immune system of the patient. After that, the protective human cells themselves begin to attack the cancer.

NOTE! Cancer is a disease that is very dangerous for human life and if it is not treated in a timely manner, then everything can end.

What to eat with cancer?

Nutrition is one of the most important components of proper treatment, since a properly selected diet will help not only improve immunity itself, but also improve the patient's condition, reduce side effects from drugs and improve tissue regeneration after surgery.

Consider products that contain the right substances and enzymes to fight cancer.

• Dulce, Kombu, Wakame, chlorella, spirulina.
• Green tea
• Chinese mushrooms - reishi, maitake, shiitake, cordyceps
• Walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Lentils, peas, soybeans, asparagus, chickpeas.
• Berries - cherries, cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, sweet cherries, currants, strawberries, mulberries, strawberries.
• Honey, royal jelly, pollen, perga, propolis
• White cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnip, radish, kohlrabi.
• Lemon, tomatoes, pumpkin, beets, tangerines, apples, peaches, plums, grapefruit, carrots.
• Mustard, wheat germ, parsnip, cumin, lettuce, parsley, celery, spinach, garlic, alfalfa, onion.

What is forbidden to eat and drink with cancer?

• Alcohol
• Meat, poultry, fish
• Margarine
• Sugar
• Vinegar
• Mayonnaise
• processed cheese
• Juices in packages
• frozen food
• carbonated sweet water
• Semi-finished products
• Salt and salty foods
• Fast food

Rehabilitation of the patient

The most important thing after treatment and therapy is to restore the overall tone of the body itself. Usually, after surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, the body is greatly weakened. Therefore, the most important thing is to first restore the former immunity, as well as bring all the functions of the organs back to normal.

Some crayfish are loved to be consumed with beer, others are looked after in aquariums, but few people remember that these creatures managed to survive for 130 million years, practically without changing their structure. The only thing that distinguishes them from their ancient counterparts is their size. During the Jurassic period, some types of crayfish reached 3 m in length and could stand up for themselves.

Today, there are about 55,000 representatives of the most varied lengths in the ranks of crustaceans, living in sea or fresh water, and some of them prefer to be terrestrial.

History of the delicacy

Crayfish have been used by people since antiquity, but then they were not served as a delicacy. It is obvious that the healers and healers of the ancient world knew about useful properties shells, as they made drugs from the bites of poisonous insects.

The first mention of river crayfish being a tasty dish was recorded in the 16th century, when one of the Swedish kings accidentally tasted them. Immediately a decree was issued for the peasants to catch and deliver them to the royal table, but did not dare to eat them themselves under pain of the death penalty.

Imitating the king, the Swedish nobles did the same, although the royal decree was perplexing for the poor people. They did not consider crayfish food and were content with them only in times of famine, which was extremely rare in this country.

Modern Sweden even has National holiday crayfish day when people gather big companies, these arthropods are boiled and washed down with strong liquor.

Today, some types of crayfish (the photo shows this) are considered a delicacy and are not just served with beer, but soups, salads are prepared from them, stewed with vegetables, sauces are made from them and even fried.

Their meat is considered one of the most environmentally friendly, despite the fact that they are sewers and "orderlies" of water sources. This is due to a balanced, self-purifying organism given to them by nature.

River arthropods

Exists different types crayfish, but this name is not entirely accurate, since they live in swamps, and in ponds, and in lakes, and in artificial reservoirs. It is more correct to use the term "freshwater".

All representatives of crustaceans living in fresh water have the same structure:

• their body can reach a length of 10 to 20 cm;
• the upper part of the body is called the cephalothorax;
• they have an elongated and flatter abdomen;
• the body ends with a caudal fin;
• they have 10 thoracic legs and gills.

The most famous types of freshwater crayfish are:

• Broad-toed (Astacus astacus) lives in the reservoirs of Western Europe and the high mountain rivers of Switzerland, prefers places with temperatures from +7 to +24 degrees Celsius.
• Thin-toed (Astacus leptodactylus) can live both in fresh running or stagnant water, and in brackish water with a maximum temperature of up to +30.

These types of crayfish are not suitable for keeping in aquariums, as they are very demanding in care, especially in terms of water filtration and temperature conditions.

Florida cancer

Well-known to many aquarists, the red Florida crayfish can actually be black, white, orange, and even blue. It lives both in swamps and flowing rivers, and in water meadows, and as the water subsides, it “leaves” into deep holes underground.

These are the most undemanding types of crayfish to the composition and quality of water. Appearance they are well known to the inhabitants of not only swampy Florida, but also Europe. Its distinguishing feature is the red spikes located on the claws.

This small arthropod (body length up to 12 cm) can easily tolerate water temperatures from +5 to + 30 degrees and breed year-round in an aquarium, laying up to 200 eggs. Incubation lasts for 30 days, and during this time the temperature in the aquarium should be maintained at +20...+25 degrees.

Red swamp crayfish get along well with fish, but remember that 1 pair will need an aquarium with 100 liters of water.

Blue crayfish from Cuba

Cuban blue crayfish may have other colors, as this directly depends on the natural conditions in their habitat and the color of their parents.

This tropical representative of arthropods lives in Cuba and Pinos. It has a small body up to 12 cm (excluding claws) and has a completely peaceful character, so it can be kept in aquariums with moving or large fish.

The fact that this crayfish is unpretentious and breeds well in captivity makes it a favorite of many aquarists. For 2 or 4 blue Cuban crayfish, you will need a 50 liter container with good ventilation and water filtration.

The female of this species can lay up to 200 eggs at a time. For this to happen, it is better to transplant the crayfish into another smaller aquarium before mating, so that there is no interference from the “neighbors”. Incubation lasts 3 weeks, during which the water temperature should be +25 degrees.

marine arthropod

The most popular among gourmets is lobster meat. These marine types of crayfish differ from their freshwater counterparts only in size and weight. They have a strong chitinous shell, which young individuals change as they grow older.

The molting of the lobster takes from 2 to 4 weeks, during which he is defenseless and forced to hide from his enemies in secluded places. The process of getting rid of tight coverage is interesting. The shell bursts on the lobster's back like a piece of clothing that is torn at the seams. To free itself, the cancer has to come out of it with its back, taking out one leg after the other.

The female lobster lays up to 4,000 eggs on her tail, after which the male fertilizes them. The incubation period lasts 9 months, during which the eggs remain on the mother's body. Individuals that have survived 25 molts are considered ready for mating and eating.

Gourmets are well aware of the European, Norwegian and American types of lobsters. The cost of their tender, healthy, dietary meat starts from $ 50 per kilogram, and 100 years ago it was used as bait for fishing.

Land representative of arthropods

If you think about the question of what types of crayfish are, then few people will remember that there are unique individuals that can climb trees.

These are coconut crayfish (Birgus latro), living on the islands of the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. During the day, these amazing creatures hide in the foliage of palm trees, and at night they descend to pick up fallen fruits or carrion from the ground. The islanders call these hermit crabs thieves, as they often pick up everything that they think is bad.

Although the coconut crayfish spends most of its life on the ground, it begins its life in water bodies, where females lay eggs, from which small and defenseless crustaceans emerge. To survive, they are forced to look for a protective covering for their bodies, which most often becomes some kind of shell.

After the young grow up, crayfish go outside and can no longer return to the aquatic environment, as their gills atrophy, and ventilated lungs become respiratory organs.

Those wishing to see these unusual creatures will have to go to the tropical jungle at night. Their meat is considered a delicacy and aphrodisiac, but "hunting" for them is extremely limited.

Rare crustaceans

The rarest types of crayfish that can live in aquariums are called apricot. They live in Indonesia and can be either a delicate orange or blue, which is extremely rare.

They are small in size, males rarely grow to 10 cm, and the female is 8 cm long. To keep them in aquariums, you should not only make sure that temperature regime kept within +25 degrees, but the bottom was correctly framed.

These crayfish love fine gravel sprinkled with bamboo, almond or oak leaves, which also serves as a good antiseptic. Numerous shelters in the form of snags, metal pipes and artificial houses will not interfere. For the most part, Orange Papua New Guinea lobster is a non-aggressive vegetarian, but it is still not recommended to “attach” small fish to it.

largest freshwater arthropods

The largest species of crayfish living in fresh water comes from Tasmania. In the rivers in the north of this Australian state, there are individuals reaching 60-80 cm in length with a weight of 3 to 6 kg.

Their favorite habitat is rivers with a calm flow, good air ventilation and a water temperature of +18 degrees. Depending on which river these giants live in, in the plains or mountains, they can have a color from green and brown to blue.

Since Astacopsis gouldi live up to 40 years and are considered long-lived among their relatives, all their life processes are somewhat delayed. For example, males are ready for breeding only at 9 years old, and females - by 14 years old, while they mate once every 2 years, and incubation period lasts from autumn to summer of the next year. In this regard, it is customary for Tasmanian giants to keep a harem of females of different ages.

Heraxes

Another representative of the Australian rivers is the herax crayfish. Surprisingly, these arthropods, numbering many species, include individuals with completely different dimensions. So, some of them can be 40 cm long and weigh up to 3 kg, while others grow up to 10 cm and are placed in aquariums up to 20 liters. Another home for these freshwaters are the rivers of New Guinea.

It is easy to create conditions for keeping heraxes in an aquarium. They love warm water and the opportunity to dig in the ground, so if there are such “tenants”, it is better to plant plants in pots. They don't eat them, but they can dig them up. Herax crayfish are indifferent to the neighborhood of fish, but if you breed larger individuals with large claws, it is better to keep them in a separate container.

Unusual types of crayfish

Although in general arthropods are very similar in appearance, their ability to adapt and survive is strikingly different. For example, river marble crayfish reproduce asexually, and a similar phenomenon in nature is called parthenogenesis.

Females of this type of crayfish are able to clone themselves without involving males in the process. A similar phenomenon could previously be observed only in higher crustaceans, but never in small river specimens, reaching a maximum length of 8 cm.

In order for freshwater aquarium crayfish to take root, it is necessary to constantly maintain cleanliness in water that is well enriched with oxygen.

When choosing a container for such "residents", one should proceed from the parameters that 15 liters of water will be required for 1 individual of 6-7 cm. To make pets feel at home, you should properly arrange the bottom. You will need driftwood, gravel or sand, ceramic or metal cylinders, where crayfish can hide during the day.

Planting plants in a container depends on the type of cancer, as well as whether fish will be together with it. Otherwise, the maintenance of these individuals does not cause trouble, the main thing is not to forget to close the aquarium with a lid, otherwise you can find your pet on the bed.

Malignant tumors are one of the most common diseases on the planet, every year they find millions of new victims. Cancer is responsible for 13% of all human deaths, in other words, every eighth person in the world dies from this disease.

What is this disease and what exactly is its danger?

In a nutshell, cancer is a disease in which a group of cells begins to grow uncontrollably, and so quickly that they do not have time to mature. A tumor is a chaotic heap of immature cells, which are also aggressive - they invade adjacent tissues, destroying them, or they can break away from the main tumor and spread through the blood, lymph or nerve pathways, settling in other parts of the body and giving rise to a new, daughter tumor. This process is called metastasis, and daughter tumors are called metastases. Metastasis is one of the main reasons cancer is so difficult to treat. The rate of tumor growth and its ability to metastasize determines the degree of cancer malignancy.

Different types of cancer differ in their degree of malignancy. Cancer with a low grade of malignancy is less aggressive, the disease proceeds slowly, metastases do not form for a long time, and in general this type of tumor has a favorable prognosis, as it responds well to treatment. Tumors with a high degree of malignancy metastasize early and are prone to rapid growth. Such aggressive tumors require the most active treatment possible, since the margin of time is very limited. The degree of malignancy depends on many reasons, the main of which is the degree of maturity of the tumor cells and what kind of cells they are.

Melanoma

Melanoma, the rarest type of skin cancer, is called the queen of tumors. This is an extremely aggressive type of cancer, which very quickly gives multiple metastases and is practically not amenable to any treatment other than surgery, and even then it is effective only until the tumor has had time to spread throughout the body. Although melanoma is easier to diagnose because in most cases, although not always, it is visible due to its superficial location, often the diagnosis is made only when it has already metastasized. The reason is that the tumor is almost no different from a small mole and does not attract much attention until the process has gone far enough. Suspicion should be caused by moles that appeared in adulthood, very black or having a heterogeneous color, dense and small, without hairs. Having found such a “birthmark” spot, it is better to take precautions and get checked, because the sooner the tumor is detected, the greater the chance of recovery.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the number one cause of death from cancer in the world. Almost one and a half million lives are claimed annually by this malignant disease. Its peculiarity is the fact that most cases of lung cancer, although not all, are directly related to smoking, that is, they are caused by a disregard for one's health by the person himself. Who has not heard about the dangers of smoking? There probably aren't any. Which smoker is sure that this will not affect him in any way? One hundred percent out of a hundred.

Lung cancer does not particularly manifest itself for a long time, except for a persistent cough and an increased tendency to bronchitis and pneumonia, but these signs appear already at advanced stages, and smokers do not pay attention to coughing until it becomes painful and constant. Often this alarming sign is evidence that cancer has already captured the lung.

brain cancer

Brain cancer is very dangerous because of its location. The brain is "hidden" in the skull, which serves as its protection, but in the case of a tumor, this factor plays a negative role - it is difficult to get close to it, surgical intervention is associated with high risks of damage to vital brain structures, because, in fact, there are no unimportant ones there. Tumor growth in a closed cranial space inevitably causes compression of neighboring brain structures, and then their destruction. That's why, without exception, all brain tumors are all considered malignant - they all lead to death if they are not removed on time. Unfortunately, this type of tumor is often found in children.

Intense headaches, aggravated in the morning and with a change in body position, nausea, vomiting without dysfunction gastrointestinal tract- those symptoms in which you need to immediately go for examination.

Pancreas cancer

A fairly common type of cancer, about 42.5 thousand new diseases are diagnosed in America every year, and more than 60 thousand in Europe. This type of tumor is extremely difficult to treat, surgery is possible, but involves significant difficulties and is not always effective, and in addition, pancreatic cancer develops for a long time without any special symptoms at all. A small habitual ailment in the form of wandering pains in the abdomen and back is in no way associated with either cancer or the pancreas, and the first serious signs often appear when there is nothing left to save.

Leukemia

Leukemia, it is also leukemia, it is also leukemia, it is also blood cancer - a malignant disease that affects the bone marrow, which gradually loses the ability to produce normal blood cells, filling with immature aggressive cells called blasts. Blasts are unable to perform the functions of blood cells, instead they only grow rapidly. Normal blood cells have a limited lifespan, when they are destroyed, they must be replaced by new ones that have matured in the bone marrow, and the number of those gradually disappears, being replaced by blasts.

Leukemia is caused by a mutation in a single hematopoietic cell. Children often suffer from leukemia, this disease is number one in pediatric oncology, acute leukemia is common in children. Acute and chronic leukemia are not two forms of the same disease, but two different diseases that never pass one into the other. Both forms are deadly, but, oddly enough, children with acute leukemia are more likely to succeed, of course, with active treatment.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes - organs of the immune system designed to protect the body from diseases, including malignant tumors. Therefore, it is clear that the defeat of this particular system is a mortal danger to the body, as it weakens it more than other types of cancer. In essence, lymphoma causes immunodeficiency, a condition in which the body loses its immune defenses, similar to AIDS. Lymphomas are extremely diverse, including varying degrees of aggressiveness. Some of them, called indolent ones, can develop very slowly, for decades, while others can kill a person in a matter of weeks. Enlarged lymph nodes, weakened condition, night sweats - these are the meager symptoms of lymphoma, which is not only diagnosed late, but also difficult to treat.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

A unique study by Professor Lisa Makovsky and his team at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine found that obese women have a higher risk of developing one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. An article describing the study performed, talks about the biological mechanisms of the process by which obesity creates the most favorable environment for the development of basal breast cancer.

Professor Makovsky notes: “Obesity is a widespread phenomenon and one of the risk factors for the appearance of breast tumors. Fortunately, each person is able to control their own body weight. During this experiment, scientists tried to clarify the molecular mechanisms of the development of breast cancer. In addition, an important task of researchers was to identify biomarkers that bind overweight and breast tumors.

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that includes several subtypes and varieties. Basal carcinoma is a cancer of the ducts of the breast. This is one of the most aggressive types of breast tumors, which is detected in 15-20% of patients with breast cancer. Most often this species neoplasms are detected in young women. Representatives of African-American nationality have a somewhat greater susceptibility to this pathology. Basal cancer determines a negative prognosis for life and recovery in such patients. Typically, these tumors do not respond well to ongoing hormonal and radiation treatment.

The uniqueness of this study lies in the fact that this time the researchers focused on the role of the stroma of the breast in the development of cancer. The researchers came to the conclusion that it is this weave that is the soil for the emergence of malignant tumors. The focus on the role of obesity in the occurrence of this pathology underlines the efforts of public health in the prevention of this disease.

Some interesting facts about breast cancer:

• breast cancer leads among other oncological diseases in women;
• breast cancer occurs in a wide variety of age groups;
• according to statistics, every eighth woman has a risk of breast tumors;
• about 1,250,000 new cases of this cancer are diagnosed every year in the world;
• over the past 20 years, the incidence of breast cancer has increased and continues to increase progressively;
• the likelihood of developing tumors increases after reaching the age of 40 and increases with each subsequent year;
• for every 100 cases of breast tumors in women, there is 1 sick man;
• cases of breast cancer due to genetic predisposition account for no more than 5% of cases;
• the exact causes of breast cancer are still not known, but among the risk factors are obesity, stress, poor diet, alcoholism, late delivery or no pregnancies;
• the most effective method of preventing the disease are regular preventive examinations;
• if cancer is detected in the early stages, the probability of recovery reaches 94%;
• early detection of neoplasms makes it possible to carry out surgical treatment of tumors while maintaining the original appearance of the breast.

It is also important to be aware of the unfoundedness of some myths about breast cancer, for example:

• contraceptives increase the risk of developing breast cancer;
• regular wearing of a bra contributes to the occurrence of cancer;
• antiperspirants and coffee lead to the development of breast cancer;
• women with small breasts have a low risk of developing cancer.

hospital-israel.ru

And again breast cancer: analysis of stage 1

Stage 1 breast cancer - the formation of cancer cells in the epithelial layer. Found early enough, which is extremely rare. The tumor in the first stage develops for about 1 year. Stage one cancer has another name - invasive breast cancer. This cancer has been quite common over the past few years, and is in first place in oncology in women.

Naturally, females are more often affected than males. According to statistics, it occupies not the last place - 30% of all oncological diseases are accounted for by breast cancer. In the first stage, the symptoms are not pronounced, so it is difficult to recognize the enemy. In this article, you will learn about the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

The first signs of breast cancer

• Breast swelling.
• Redness of some part of the gland
• Retraction of the nipple and areola.
• Consolidation in the chest.
• Discharge from the nipples of a bloody or purulent nature.
• Pain with pressure or pain throughout the localization of the gland.
• Increased subfebrile temperature.

NOTE! If a complex of symptoms is detected, it is necessary to contact one of the doctors: a mammologist, an oncologist and a general practitioner.

Causes

• Heredity
• Radiation
• Abortion
• late menopause
• Obesity
• Hormonal disbalance
• Already past cancer
• Hyperplasia of the epithelium
• Wrong course of contraceptives and hormonal medications.
• Age over 45
• Early menstruation up to 12 years
• Pathology of the thyroid gland
• Breast injury
• Long non-healing wounds on the chest
• Alcohol and drug addiction
• late pregnancy

The etiology of oncology has not been studied, there are many hypotheses of scientists around the world. Most often, the occurrence of a tumor is influenced not by one factor, but by several at once.

Forms of cancer

1. Paget's disease. The entire breast is covered with scarlet spots, the contour of the nipple does not have clear boundaries, peeling appears on the skin of the breast. There are ulcers and eczema. Metastases quickly spread throughout the body. Lymph nodes are enlarged to the touch, firm, not mobile. Survival in this form is about two years.
2. Erysipelatous form. The breast becomes hyperemic, the area of ​​the nipple loses its former appearance, and the nipple is deformed. The prognosis is unfavorable. Even the most highly qualified specialists will not be able to tell you about the exact life expectancy, since the disease is very aggressive.
3. Shell form. It is this form that has been revealed for a long time. The cancer is growing aggressively, in a few months it can move to the next stage. The chest is completely deformed, dimples appear on it. Already at the second stage, cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.
4. Mast-like form. One of the most common forms, aggressive growth of the neoplasm is characteristic. Edema appears and the breasts increase in size.

Substage 1st degree

1A - formation no more than 2 cm. Malignant cells do not extend beyond the breast, which means there are no metastases.

1B - divided into 2 types:

• The size of the tumor is about 2-2.5 cm, but there is already some accumulation in the lymph nodes.
• There is no formation in the mammary gland itself, but malignant cells are found in the lymph nodes, with a size of approximately 2 mm.

NOTE! Immediately dispel the myth that the risk of morbidity depends on the size of the breast. In fact, nothing depends on this.

Diagnostics

• Mammography is the main diagnostic method, but it does not give an accurate diagnosis, but only information about the location of the neoplasm.

• Ultrasound is one of the first diagnostics, they look at the condition of the breast as a whole, how far the tumor has penetrated and whether the lymph nodes are affected.
• Biochemical and clinical blood tests - may show a slight deviation in the balance in the red fluid, which may also indicate oncology.
• Radiography - exclude metastases in the lungs.
• Biopsy - selection of cells or a piece of education. At the first stage, a fine-needle biopsy is used for immunohistochemical studies. This method is carried out using a special needle, it penetrates into the neoplasm or lymph nodes and collects cells. A biopsy is the most accurate diagnosis of cancer.
• MRI - magnetic resonance imaging allows you to examine the tumor formation in three dimensions - size, shape, degree of invasion.

NOTE! At the first stage, cancer does not metastasize, so it does not require additional research.

Treatment

After standing, examining breast tissue and other types of diagnostics, oncologists select a treatment for the patient. The therapy will be gentle, as this is the very first stage. The malignant tumor is very small and has not spread throughout the breast.

The main methods of treatment:

• Surgical removal.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy.
• Sometimes chemotherapy and hormone therapy are used in combination.

Surgical intervention

In the first stage, the entire breast is not removed, as in stages 3 or 4. There are three types of organ-preserving operations:

1. Lumpectomy - removal of the tumor to the connective tissue sheath, which literally covers the nerves and blood vessels.
2. Tylectomy - the neoplasm is excised along with the skin, without touching the fascia.
3. Quadrantectomy - the tumor is removed along with the skin, touching the facies (connective tissue membrane).
4. Mastectomy is another type of surgical intervention, in this case, not only the tumor is removed, but also the breast itself along with the lymph nodes, but this is more often done in the later stages of the disease.

NOTE! When a tumor is removed, not only the neoplasm is always removed, but also 1-3 cm of its surrounding tissue. After resection, a piece of the neoplasm or lymph node is sent for cytological or histological examination.

Radiation therapy

After resection of the carcinoma, it is necessary to carry out chemotherapy, despite the fact that this is only the first stage. Even at the beginning, malignant cells are formed that can destroy the entire body. There is a possibility that during the operation a couple of cells were missed somewhere, radiation therapy will ruthlessly prevent their development.

Chemotherapy

Like radiation therapy, chemotherapy can destroy the remaining malignant tumor cells. Sometimes chemotherapy is used instead of radiation therapy, this is prescribed individually by the attending physician and is used only when there is a possibility of a recurrence of the neoplasm.

hormone therapy

It is prescribed when the level of the hormone receptor for progesterone and estrogen is increased in the woman's blood. Anti-inflammatory hormonal drugs prevent tumor growth. Women who have not reached the peak of menopause are prescribed ovarian ablation to temporarily stop the production of hormones.

Forecast

The prognosis of stage 1 breast cancer is very favorable - the survival rate is 97%. After treatment, the patient's body is easily restored. If the examination reveals genes that mutate, then Herceptin (monocloal antibodies) is administered during treatment, this drug is able to block the growth of pathogenic cells.

Herceptin can provoke shortness of breath and swelling of the heart, this is a complication, but it is easy to get rid of this, there are no serious consequences from this drug. In no case should you refuse this medicine, since it is he who is able to reduce the size of the tumor and completely get rid of it.

After the rehabilitation period

During this period, you should strictly follow the doctor's prescriptions, as well as adhere to proper nutrition. Cannot be eaten:

• Sweet, floury
• Fatty food
• Potato
• Alcohol
• fried food
• canned food
• sausages
• Food with dyes, carcinogens, flavor enhancers.
• Carbonated sweet drinks

If a woman follows all the rules, then the tumor will disappear completely in a few years and will be able to live fully. Subsequently, doctors advise to adhere to an anti-cancer diet so that the enemy will never return.

oncovered.ru

Breast cancer (mammary gland) 3 degrees: forms and stages of the disease (invasive, infiltrative and others), treatment, life expectancy prognosis

The most common cancer in women is breast cancer. When the disease is detected in the early stages, the survival rate and life expectancy of patients increase significantly. But statistics show that most often breast cancer can be detected already when it has entered aggressive grades 3 and 4. That is why it is recommended to undergo regular preventive examinations and examinations with the help of a mammograph.

What is stage 3 breast cancer, life expectancy

Breast cancer is synonymous with carcinoma. breast cancer grade 3 incurable disease, at which it is possible to extend the life of the patient by a maximum of 10 years. Life expectancy depends on the form and stage of oncological processes.

The third degree is expanded, has a progressive character. With it, atypical cells infiltrate neighboring tissues that go beyond the affected organ. Distribution to the greatest extent goes to the lymph nodes of the armpits and chest.

According to statistics, the incidence rate has significantly "aged" - the disease is most often found in women 60-70 years old. The five-year survival rate (that is, the chance that breast cancer will not return in the next 5 years) is under the condition of a normal drug treatment approximately 55-80% of the total number of patients. This indicator depends on a number of factors:

• stage of the disease at the time of contacting the clinic;
• neoplasm structures according to histology (some of them are more aggressive, and with some you can live for many years without even knowing about the disease);
• the level of hormone receptors in tumor cells (which affects sensitivity to certain types of treatment);
• the presence of concomitant diseases;
• general condition, etc.

At stage 3 breast cancer, atypical cells infiltrate neighboring tissues that go beyond the affected organ.

IN different situations various degrees of severity of this disease are fixed. The third degree is divided into several types:

1. 3A. The tumor is no more than 5 cm, secondary foci - no more than 6 cm. 1–3 lymph nodes are affected by cancer.
2. 3B. The tumor spread to the lymph nodes with pectoral muscles. The size of the neoplasm is no more than 8 cm. This stage leads to the development of aggressive cancer, ending fairly quickly in death.
3. 3C. The neoplasm occupies more than 8 cm. 10 lymph nodes are affected. The lesions are located on the collarbone and neck. A cure has low chances even with modern methods and drugs.

All these degrees differ in the level of malignancy. The disease is classified into a number of forms that differ in their manifestations, signs and prevalence.

Video: three signs of breast cancer

Classification of breast carcinoma grade 3: invasive and non-invasive forms

Invasive (infiltrative) is characterized in that the tumor cells, due to mutation, grow beyond the organ in which they grew. This type of tumor progresses quite quickly, penetrates into fatty tissues, ligaments and spreads with the flow of lymph and blood.

Non-invasive breast cancer grows only in the tissues of the organ, without going beyond it. It progresses slowly, gives metastases much later than its aggressive counterpart.

Based on this, a number of forms of invasive breast cancer are classified:

• invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form of cancer. In addition to seals in the tissues, there are pains in the lesion, a change in the shape, contour, size of the breast, there is discharge from the nipple;
• invasive lobular carcinoma (infiltrating lobular carcinoma): lumps in the breast that are located in the lobular regions (from the nipple to the armpit). It develops like an invasive ductal type;
• medullary cancer: women under 50 are most susceptible to it. The tumor grows rapidly, but behaves like a benign neoplasm. Metastasizes rarely. It is usually recognized already in those cases when it reaches a size of 2–3 cm;
• adenoid-cystic cancer: an extremely rare type of disease. Mostly in women aged 50-63. The node has a diameter of 1 to 3 cm. It is considered one of the least aggressive forms of cancer. Has favorable forecasts;
• secretory carcinoma (juvenile cancer): occurs in young people and children, both males and females. Children and adolescents have the most favorable prognosis;
• Cystic hypersecretory carcinoma: a rare disease, occurs in patients 34–79 years of age. Neoplasm can reach 10 cm. It has multiple cysts;
• apocrine cancer: a rare disease of the ducts of the breast. It is diagnosed most often in patients aged 50–70 years. Often this type is confused with benign tumors;
• cancer with signs of an endocrine neoplasm (primary carcinoid tumor, apudoma): a rare disease in the form of a single node 1–5 cm. Sometimes it can have a multinodular structure. Often confused with other types of cancer;
• triple negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Approximately ¼ of patients have this form. It does not respond to the three main types of hormones, and therefore is difficult to treat. Hormone therapy in this form is not used due to its inefficiency;
• cribriform cancer: a milder form of breast cancer that can be treated well if detected early. Neoplasms have an islet character, angular, clearly defined. This form is quite often combined with tubular cancer;
• There is also a special type of disease - Paget's disease. It affects the area around the nipple and the nipple itself. Quite often it is combined directly with one of the forms of breast cancer. This is a very rare type of cancer that develops during or after menopause. According to the symptoms, it resembles psoriasis - the skin exfoliates and becomes covered with scales in the affected areas, itches and burns. This form is usually treated with surgery;
• metaplastic cancer does not respond to various types of hormones. Therefore, in its treatment, hormonal therapy is not used due to the ineffectiveness of the technique. The tumor is aggressive, rapidly growing and metastasizing;
• squamous cell carcinoma often develops from metaplastic. Not amenable to treatment with estrogen and progesterone. The skin over the tumor can be motionless, swelling, redness and soreness of the skin at the site of the lesion, pain and discharge from the nipple appear. The secret is checked in the laboratory for the presence of cancer cells;
• cancer with osteoclast-like cells: rare. The age of patients is approximately 50–55 years. The formation is located in the upper outer quadrant of the chest in the form of red-brown spots on the skin with a clear border and increased density. A knot of 3 cm is felt in the tissues, and redness on the skin;
• colloid cancer (mucous, cricoid-cell): the tumor consists mostly of mucus, it is mobile and not associated with the skin. It is rare, responds well to hormone therapy;
• papillary cancer: develops infrequently, mainly in women over 60 years of age. The formation is localized near the nipple, causing discharge from it. Metastases of the lymphatic system are rare, but cysts can form in the chest. This form is also called papillary cancer;
• tubular carcinoma: This cancer can occur in women between 20 and 80 years old, but it most often develops in their 40s and 50s. With it, the structure of the lobules in the glands is disrupted, new growths resembling tubes are formed from the epithelial tissue.

Non-invasive cancer is divided in turn into several other forms:

• intraductal cancer (ductal carcinoma): about a third of patients with this form can develop infiltrative cancer within 5 years after treatment. The tumor is non-invasive, develops in the lactiferous duct, mainly from papilloma;
• lobular carcinoma is clearly visible along the line of the lobes. Can be in both breasts at the same time. Does not apply to surrounding tissues.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the inflammatory type of cancer, which doctors often find in younger patients. The symptoms are similar to mastitis. Cancer cells block the ducts of the lymphatic system in the chest, which provokes the development of inflammation in the tissues. The symptoms are reminiscent of infection.

A tumor can also be of a mixed type, when several forms of cancer are combined and create their own type of neoplasm. Treatment in such cases is planned taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease.

Causes and development factors

There are a number of reasons why any form of breast cancer can develop:

• smoking since adolescence;
• Not proper nutrition fried, fatty foods containing preservatives;
• injury to the mammary glands;
• hormonal changes (abortion, pregnancy, menopause, and so on);
• infertility;
• absence breastfeeding;
• late birth;
• lack of sexual life after 25 years;
• irregular sexual contacts;
• ecology;
• transferred inflammatory diseases: mastitis, mastopathy and so on;
• radiation exposure;
• disruption in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• obesity;
• genetic predisposition.

The hormonal background and its instability are the most common cause development of breast cancer. But the genetic factor or heredity plays a rather small role and rarely affects the occurrence of neoplasms of this particular type. Also, the factors for the development of tumors include problems of the reproductive system - starting with frequent diseases (including viral, bacterial, fungal), ending with long-term preservation of virginity.

If a woman previously had cancer of one breast, then after a while the disease can develop in the second. However, it is not insured reproductive system. So, previously transferred oncological diseases of these organs are also development factors.

Symptoms and signs of stage III breast cancer

Symptoms vary and depend on the form of the disease. The first signs of the disease are pain and the appearance of nodules. When metastasizing, nearby tissues, such as skin, can also be affected. The patient may experience:

• pain in the affected area;
• redness of the skin;
• discharge from the nipple, sometimes mixed with blood or mucus;
• change in the shape, size, shape of the breast;
• the presence of nodules or bumps in the chest;
• changes in the skin: peeling, growth, wrinkling, retraction (may resemble orange peel);
• retraction of the nipple (umbilization);
• swelling of the affected tissues of the organ;
• ulcers and erosions at the site of the lesion (for example, with Paget's cancer, they are localized in the nipple area);
• swelling, seals in the armpits, as well as around the nipple;
• weight loss;
• anemia;
• loss of appetite;
• fatigue, weakness, general malaise;
• inflammation in the body.

As a rule, a woman can suspect an oncological disease when atypical manifestations affect the skin - it wrinkles, retracts, and so on. This is usually a sign that the tumor has grown to a certain size, affecting the integument. Also, many people go to the doctor after palpation (by touch) they find bumps or nodules in the chest, especially if they regularly give pain.

The most certain symptoms of breast cancer: seals in the mammary glands, a change in the shape, size of the breast, the surface of the skin and an increase in the lymph nodes in the armpits

Classical and differential diagnostics

Diagnosis is especially important in determining not only cancer as a disease, but also its form. Some types of the disease are confused with less dangerous ailments: mastitis, mastopathy, benign neoplasms. Therefore, to determine the presence of grade 3 breast cancer, a number of diagnostic measures should be taken:

• osmor at the mammologist, who palpation determines whether there are seals in the mammary glands;
• Breast ultrasound. Gives you the opportunity to see a three-dimensional picture of the tumor;
• mammography. This is an x-ray of the mammary glands, which allows you to determine the shape, size of the tumor, exclude mastopathy;
• taking biopsy tests. If a seal is found, then a biopsy is taken, which is sent to the laboratory to determine the type and malignancy of the disease. a benign form of the disease is excluded in this way;
• urine and blood tests. Mandatory diagnostic study. Reflects the presence of a tumor and inflammatory processes in the body;
• computed tomography. It makes it possible to study the structure of the mammary gland and neoplasms;
• magnetic resonance imaging. Clarifies the data obtained in other studies.

This is a professional approach to diagnosing breast cancer. As a preventive measure, once a year or two, women from 35 to 80 years old should undergo an examination by a specialist, as well as a mammogram.

Self-diagnosis is also a good method of monitoring the situation, allowing you to warn in the early stages of cancer.

Breast cancer can also be found in children and men. Therefore, it is necessary at the first signs to consult a doctor for examination and diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Treatment

It has been proven that the treatment of breast cancer, started in the early stages, has a greater likelihood of a complete cure. At the same time, the survival rate increases, and the chance of getting oncology again decreases several times. Stage 3 breast cancer is most often metastatic. The effectiveness of treatment will largely depend on the form of the disease and the degree of malignancy, aggressiveness of growths.

Chemotherapy and hormone therapy

When breast cancer of the 3rd degree is detected, chemotherapy and hormone therapy is used in some cases. In fact, this is only the first stage of the treatment of carcinoma of this stage. Separately from other methods, they will not give a full result.

Studies have shown that even a small tumor size is not a guarantee that the cells will not spread beyond the affected organ. The above types of therapy are selected on an individual basis, based on the patient's condition, the prevalence of cancer and metastases, the menstrual cycle and the patient's ability to cope with side effect that drugs have on the body. These techniques allow at the third stage to reduce the size of the neoplasm, to reduce the effect of metastases on the lesions.

Chemotherapy kills and slows down the growth of cancer cells. The duration of the course depends not only on the stage, but also on the characteristics of the form of cancer. The preparations of this technique are either administered intravenously or orally in tablet form. Chemotherapy is carried out cyclically, that is, several courses. Helps with the vast majority of types of cancer. In the third stage, it can be carried out along with hormone therapy before surgery to reduce the size of the neoplasm. In some cases, women who are being prepared for mastectomy are given drugs in this category, which can shrink even large tumors. As a result, the surgical procedure may be replaced by a lumpectomy.

Chemotherapy can destroy and slow down the growth of cancer cells

hormone therapy allows you to slow down or stop the growth of the tumor, preventing the production of hormones by the cells of the neoplasm for growth. In fact, such drugs block the nutritional abilities of the disease, which allows not only to stop growth, but also to prevent development in the other breast. Hormone therapy is usually offered as a pill, but can also be given as an injection. This method of inhibition of cancer cells takes a long period of time - up to several years. But in the case of stage 3 breast cancer, hormonal (in fact, restraining) treatment is enhanced by chemotherapy in order to achieve a double effect: on the one hand, to restrain growth, and on the other, to destroy existing neoplasms.

Surgical treatment (mastectomy). Recovery after surgery

Surgical treatment is carried out only when it was possible to control the growth of the tumor with the help of chemotherapy and hormonal drugs. In such cases, a mastectomy is performed. This is an operation in which the breast affected by the neoplasm, as well as the lymph nodes, is eliminated. The mammary gland is completely removed. With a lumpectomy, the surgeon can remove the part of the organ that was affected by the neoplasm.

Mastectomy is classified as a radical type of surgical intervention. If the tumor has grown strongly, then along with the mammary gland and lymph node, part of the pectoral muscles can also be removed. In fact, the operation is divided into five types:

1. Radical mastectomy (according to Halsted) involves the removal of subscapular and axillary tissue, pectoral muscles.
2. According to Urban: the technique imitates the radical method, but parasternal lymph nodes are also removed (if there are metastases).
3. According to Patty-Dyson: the mammary gland, subscapular, axillary tissue, pectoralis minor are removed.
4. According to Madden: removal of subscapular, intermuscular, axillary tissue, lymph nodes and mammary gland at the same time.
5. Amputation of the breast only.

The operation is carried out in several stages, during which the affected tissues are removed:

1. Direct removal of the mammary gland.
2. Removal of tissue from the lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy).
3. Installing a drain for the outflow of blood and fluid residues from the operated tissues.
4. Suturing the wound.

Restoring the shape of the breast with plastic surgery is possible, but only after radiation therapy and a recovery period have been completed. To do this, you will need to consult with the appropriate doctors.

Mastectomy is an effective part of combination therapy that can save the patient's life.

Many women after a mastectomy are faced with the fact that they do not feel full, lose interest in social contacts, sexual life. This condition is often caused by changes in the hormonal background, which affects mental stability. In this case, antidepressants are often prescribed if the condition is assessed by the doctor as severe. Also, prosthetics will help in solving the aesthetic problem of the absence of a breast.

A mastectomy is not done if the patient has 3B and 3C breast cancer combined with inflammatory processes in the body or the tumor itself causes inflammation.

After the operation, it is especially important to monitor the patient's health, as there is a risk of developing a number of complications - from swelling of the lymph nodes to impaired mobility and curvature of posture. It is necessary to undergo a full course of recovery, physiotherapy, in order to begin to fully live and function in society again.

Mastectomy and lumpectomy. Comparison of two operations - video

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is sometimes prescribed instead of chemotherapy, and may combine various methods in complex treatment. This approach will ensure the death of cancer cells in the body, as well as reduce the possibility of recurrence of oncology. The entire course lasts 5-7 weeks. One procedure is supposed per day for irradiation with metastases. If there is a partial effect on the mammary gland, then two procedures are possible. Radiation inhibits the growth of tumor cells, preventing them from spreading to normal tissues.

Interruption of the course of treatment is possible for several days if the human body reacts too violently to radiation therapy, giving skin symptoms. Under the influence of radiation, normal cells are also destroyed, but at the end of the course, the body is gradually restored. Irradiation is carried out most often in those places where a tumor has formed, and lymph nodes are also susceptible to radiation, which can spread cancer cells throughout the body.

Radiation therapy for breast cancer - video

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a newer treatment for cancer. It is based on the impact not so much on the neoplasm itself, but on the genetic material of cancer cells. Thus, the tumor stops growing. The following categories of drugs are used:

• monoclonal antibodies:
• aromatase enzyme inhibitors:
  • Letrozole;
  • Anastozol;
  • Exemestane;
• antihormonal drugs:
  • tamoxifen;
  • toremifene;
  • fulvestran;
  • foreston;
  • phaslodex.

Targeted treatment is considered more gentle. As a separate therapy, this approach is not recommended, but as an effective element of combined treatment, it is suitable. Drugs that are used in the process of influencing the neoplasm have low toxicity. Therefore, they can be used even in cases where there are contraindications to other methods of treatment, for example, in old age or in a serious condition of the patient. Moreover, targeted drugs can also be used as cancer prevention.

Breast cancer treatment methods - video

Concomitant Diet

For stage 3 breast cancer, it is recommended to conduct fractional nutrition, in which a meal is taken every 3 hours and up to 6 times a day. This principle will allow you to unload the body, prevent overeating and gradually remove one of the risk factors - obesity. Portions are divided so that they are small, but do not leave hungry. The products that you use should not be harmful, contain preservatives, fragrances, flavorings. The best option is to switch to healthy foods. Among those allowed are:

• oily fish: mackerel, herring, sole, cod and so on.
• cabbage (all types);
• yellow and green vegetables;
• berries, fruits with a lot of vitamin C;
• fish fat;
• flax seeds;
• walnuts;
• vegetable oils;
• mineral waters: Truskavets, Mirgorodskaya, Rychal-Su and so on;
• fresh juices;
• vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, radish, pumpkin, ginger, and so on);
• cereals (brown rice, buckwheat);
• green tea;
• pumpkin seeds.

The most useful foods for breast cancer - photo

Berries, vegetables and fruits - best source vitamins, invented by nature Fatty fish will give the body the necessary proteins and fatty acids to fight breast cancer Fish oil is the main source of omega acids In case of breast cancer, freshly squeezed juice without preservatives and flavors will be the best drink Vegetable oils and flaxseed will also be an excellent addition to the diet against stage 3 breast cancer The main side dish is cereals rich in nutrients, vitamins, fiber

Foods to Avoid

It is necessary to observe a certain variety in the choice of products and know the measure. For example, if you get carried away with the use of flaxseed, you can provoke diarrhea, which leads to a deterioration in the absorption of the drugs taken. It is also worth excluding fried, fatty, smoked foods - that is, what causes direct harm to the body. It is unacceptable to use store-bought products such as mayonnaise and ketchup, juices, canned food, etc. You should not use the following products:

• refractory, animal fats, margarine;
• fatty dairy products;
• rich broths (it is better to give preference to analogues made from meat of domestic chicken or rabbit);
• marinades, smoked products, canned food, fast food, semi-finished products;
• too salty, sweet or spicy dishes;
• pickled vegetables and homemade preparations with vinegar;
• confectionery, bakery products;
• mushrooms and dishes from them;
• processed and salted cheeses;
• chocolate, coffee;
• alcohol.

The best option would be to switch to proper nutrition, which will give more benefits, heal you, nourish you with useful and necessary substances and help support the body in the fight against the disease.

With breast cancer, it is necessary to exclude such a bad habit as smoking.

Breast cancer and nutrition rules - video

Treatment prognosis: what complications and consequences are possible

The prognosis for the treatment of grade 3 breast cancer depends largely on the form of cancer, the patient's well-being, size, penetration of the tumor and the degree of metastasis. With the treatment of modern pharmacological agents and methods, there is a chance to recover from the disease. According to statistics, about 70% of patients were able to get rid of the neoplasm and gradually undergo a course of rehabilitation.

In 65–75% of cases, with proper treatment, prolonging the patient's life by 10 years becomes possible. but this is more true for cancer type 3A. Other types have a lower probability of ten-year survival: 3B - 10–40%, and 3C - no more than 10%. It also reduces survival and development possible complications after operation:

• lymphorrhea;
• violations of the mobility of the shoulder joint;
• violations of posture - curvature of the spine;
• pain syndrome;
• lymphostasis - lymphatic edema;
• suppuration of postoperative scars.

All these complications may not necessarily occur in the patient, especially if he follows the recommendations of the doctor in the postoperative and recovery period. To increase the chance of survival, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the attending physician, follow a diet and proper nutrition, undergo a recovery period and physiotherapy, and also pay attention to risk factors that may still remain at the time of treatment - smoking, obesity, contact with harmful substances, stress, and so on. All negative elements must be eliminated from the patient's life.

Prevention

Breast cancer prevention includes:

• elimination of risk factors for the occurrence of the disease again;
• maintaining a proper lifestyle;
• diet, restriction of harmful products;
• elimination of bad habits;
• solving the problem of obesity;
• elimination of stress from life;
• the beginning of sexual activity before the age of 25, the birth of a child under 30, breastfeeding for at least six months;
• examination of the mammary glands without fail, especially if the disease has already been once. Doctor visits once a year.

Health

The horror and fear that come to a person when he hears such a diagnosis can hardly be compared with anything. This is the number 2 cause of death among Americans, the primacy in this terrible category is occupied by cardiovascular diseases. Even with early diagnosis and treatment with the latest methods, he still has the power to kill a man.

Despite the fact that today there are such new methods of treatment that nothing was known about a few decades ago, the "cure for cancer" is still something that is still unattainable by science. There are about 100 types of cancer, as well as many causes that contribute to its development, ranging from radiation to various viruses and exposure to carcinogens.

Cancer cells, as well as the direction of their growth, are still unpredictable, and in some cases this process is generally mysterious. Even after it seemed effective treatment, cunning cancer cells can still make themselves felt.

About $200 billion has been spent on cancer research since the early 1970s, with patient survival rates rising from 50 percent to 65 percent.

"We wouldn't know so much about cancer today if basic clinical science research hadn't been funded," says Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, one of the American cancer community's experts. "Basic science tells us about how drugs work and how effective drugs can be, we absorb that information and put it to the test."

Below are the 10 cancers that killed the most people in the United States between 2003 and 2007, according to the National Cancer Institute.

1. Bronchial and lung cancer: 792,495 lives

This type of cancer is the worst killer of people in the United States. Smoking and the use of tobacco products is the main cause of its development, which most often affects people aged 55-65 years. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer, which is the most common, and small cell lung cancer, which progresses much faster. More than 175,000 people are expected to die from bronchial and lung cancer in 2010.

2. Colon and rectal cancer: 268,783 lives

According to the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer develops in the tissues of the colon, while rectal cancer develops inches from the colon. In most cases, cancer begins as a collection of small, benign tumors called polyps that become cancerous over time. It is recommended to undergo regular screening to detect polyps before they turn into malignant tumors. Colorectal cancer is projected to kill 51,000 people in 2010.

3. Breast cancer: 206983 lives

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the US after skin cancer. But this type of cancer also occurs sometimes in men, in the period from 2003 to 2008, about 2,000 cases of breast cancer were recorded in the stronger sex. Typically, this type of cancer develops in the channels that carry milk to the breast, or in the glands that produce it. It is estimated that 40,000 people will die from breast cancer in 2010.

4. Pancreatic cancer: 162,878 lives

This type of cancer begins to develop in the tissues of the pancreas, which helps digestion and is involved in the regulation of metabolism. It is extremely difficult to detect it in its early stages, as it often progresses quickly and imperceptibly. According to sad forecasts, this type of cancer in 2010 will take the lives of 37,000 people.

5. Prostate cancer: 144,926 lives

According to statistics, this type of cancer is the second most common cause of death among men after lung and bronchial cancer. Typically, cancer begins slowly in the prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid for "transportation" of sperm. Some types of this cancer are limited to the prostate gland and do not spread further, which makes it easier to treat, while others, on the contrary, are more aggressive, as a result of which cancer cells begin to colonize the entire body. In 2010, prostate cancer will kill about 32,000 men.

6 Leukemia: 108,740 lives

There are many types of this cancer, but each affects the body's blood-forming tissues, namely the bone marrow and lymphatic system, resulting in the production of abnormal white blood cells. Leukemia is classified by how quickly it progresses and which cells it affects. A type called "acute myeloid leukemia" killed the most people during the period under review (41,714 people). Nearly 22,000 people are predicted to die from leukemia in 2010.

7 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: 104,407 lives

This type of cancer destroys lymphocytes, the white blood cells, and is characterized by severe enlargement of the lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss. There are several types of this cancer, which are classified according to the rate of progression of the disease, as well as which type of lymphocyte is affected. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a very merciless disease that is projected to claim 20,000 lives in 2010.

8. Cancer of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts: 79,773 lives

Liver cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, but is quite rare in the US. However, in last years the disease is on the rise. Most often in the United States, this situation is observed: cancer begins to develop in another part of the body, and then spreads to the liver. Very close in symptoms to liver cancer and cancer of the intrahepatic bile ducts, which develops in the channels that carry bile from the liver to the colon. This type of cancer is predicted to kill nearly 19,000 Americans in 2010.

9. Ovarian cancer: 73,638 lives

Ovarian cancer is the number 4 cause of death among American women. The average age of a woman who is diagnosed with a similar diagnosis is 63 years. Cancer is easier to treat but harder to detect in its early stages. However, recent research in this area has been able to shed light on some of the early symptoms, which can be an indispensable aid in early diagnosis. These symptoms include discomfort in the lower abdomen, frequent pelvic pain, and frequent urination. The year 2010 is projected to kill 14,000 women suffering from ovarian cancer.

10. Cancer of the esophagus: 66,659 lives

This type of cancer begins in the cells lining the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach) and tends to occur most often in the lower part of the stomach. Dying from this type of cancer more men than women, and in 2010 it is projected to kill 14,500 people.