BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuBreast cancerCancer - breast; Carcinoma - ductal; Carcinoma - lobular; DCIS; LCIS; HER2-positive breast cancer; ER-positive breast cancer; Ductal carcinoma in situ; Lobular carcinoma in situBreast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that carry milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type. Lobular carcinoma starts in the parts of the breast, called lobules, which produce milk.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersIn rare cases, other kinds of breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Causes Breast cancer risk factors are things that increase the chance that you could develop breast cancer:Breast cancer risk factorsBreast cancer risk factors are things that increase the chance that you could get cancer. Some risk factors you can control, such as drinking alcoho...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some risk factors you can control, such as drinking alcohol. Others, such as age and family history, you cannot control. The more risk factors you have, the more your risk increases. But, it does not mean you will develop cancer. Most women who develop breast cancer do not have known risk factors or a family history. Understanding your risk factors can help you take steps to lower your risk.Some women are at higher risk for breast cancer because of certain genetic changes or variants that may be passed down from their parents.Genes known as BRCA1 or BRCA2 are responsible for most cases of inherited breast cancers. A screening tool with questions about your and your family's medical history can help your health care provider determine whether you are at risk for carrying these genes. If you may be at high risk due to a known variant gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, a blood test can show if you carry the genes. BRCA1 or BRCA2, a blood testThe BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test is a blood test that can tell you if you have a higher risk of getting cancer. The name BRCA comes from the first two ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Certain other genes may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer.Breast implants, using antiperspirants, and wearing underwire bras do not increase the risk for breast cancer. There is also no evidence of a direct link between breast cancer and pesticides.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Symptoms Early breast cancer often does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening is important, so cancers that don't have symptoms may be found earlier.As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not hurt. Breast lumpA breast lump is swelling, growth, or mass in the breast. Breast lumps in both men and women raise concern for breast cancer, even though most lumps...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple. For example, you may have redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange. Fluid from the nipple. Fluid may be bloody, clear to yellow, green, or look like pus. In men, breast cancer symptoms include breast lump, breast pain, and breast tenderness.In men, breast cancer symptomsBreast cancer is cancer that starts in breast tissue. Both males and females have breast tissue. This means that anyone, including men and boys, ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may include:Bone pain Shortness of breath Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit (next to the breast with cancer) Lymph nodes in the armpitAn armpit lump is a swelling or bump under the arm. A lump in the armpit can have many causes. These include swollen lymph nodes, infections, or cy...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss Exams and Tests Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersYour provider will ask about your symptoms and risk factors. Then they will perform a physical exam. The exam includes both breasts, armpits, and the neck and chest area.Women may choose to perform breast self-exams each month. However, the effectiveness of self-exams for detecting breast cancer is debatable.Breast self-examsA breast self-exam is something a woman does at home to look for changes or problems in her breast tissue. Many women feel that doing this is import...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Tests used to diagnose and monitor people with a breast lump or breast cancer may include:Mammography to screen for breast cancer or help identify a breast lump MammographyA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast ultrasound to show whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled Breast ultrasoundBreast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast MRI to help better identify a breast lump or evaluate an abnormal change on a mammogram Breast MRIA breast MRI scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. It does not...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Breast biopsy, using methods such as needle aspiration or ultrasound-guided, stereotactic, or open biopsy Breast biopsyA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biopsi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes Lymph node biopsyA lymph node biopsy is the removal of lymph node tissue for examination under a microscope. The lymph nodes are small glands that make white blood ce...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan to check if the cancer has spread outside the breast CT scanA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scan to check if the cancer has spread outside the breastPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for potential spread of brea...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If your provider learns that you do have breast cancer, more tests will be done. This is called staging, which checks if the cancer has spread. Staging helps guide treatment and follow-up. It also gives you an idea of what to expect in the future.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Breast cancer stages range from 0 to IV. The higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer.Breast cancer stagesOnce your health care team knows you have breast cancer, they will do more tests to stage it. Staging is a tool the team uses to find out how advanc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment Treatment is based on many factors, including:The type of breast cancer The stage of the cancer (staging is a tool your providers use to find out how advanced the cancer is) Whether the cancer is sensitive to certain hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone Whether the cancer overproduces (overexpresses) the HER2/neu protein Tests on the tumor's genes to see if you would benefit from chemotherapyCancer treatments may include:Hormone therapy. Hormone therapyHormone therapy to treat breast cancer uses drugs or treatments to lower levels or block the action of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cells. ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy, which is used to destroy cancerous tissue. Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery to remove cancerous tissue: A lumpectomy removes the breast lump. A mastectomy removes all or part of the breast and possibly nearby structures. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery. LumpectomyBreast lump removal is surgery to remove a lump that may be a breast cancer. Tissue around the lump is also removed. This surgery is called an exci...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MastectomyA mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast tissue. Some of the skin and the nipple may also be removed. The surgery is most often done to treat b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lymph nodesLymph nodes are part of the lymph system, a network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels that support the body's immune system. Nodes are little fil...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Targeted therapy which uses medicine to attack the gene changes in cancer cells. Hormone therapy is an example of targeted therapy. It blocks certain hormones that fuel cancer growth. Other targeted therapy medicines are not related to hormones.Targeted therapyTargeted therapy uses medicines to stop cancer from growing and spreading. It does this with less harm to normal cells than other treatments. Stand...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Cancer treatment can be local or systemic:Local treatments involve only the area of disease. Radiation and surgery are forms of local treatment. They are most effective when the cancer has not spread outside the breast. Systemic treatments affect the entire body. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are types of systemic treatment. Most women receive a combination of treatments. For women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer, the main goal is to treat the cancer and prevent it from returning (recurring). For women with stage IV cancer, the goal is to improve symptoms and help them live longer. In most cases, stage IV breast cancer cannot be cured.Stage 0 (for example, ductal carcinoma in-situ) and ductal carcinoma: Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy is the standard treatment. Stage I and II: Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy with lymph node removal is the standard treatment. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and other targeted therapy may also be used after surgery. Stage III: Treatment involves surgery, possibly preceded or followed by chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other targeted therapy. Stage IV: Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, other targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments. After treatment, some women continue to take medicines for some time, often several years. All women continue to have mammograms to monitor for the return of cancer or development of another breast cancer.Women who have had a mastectomy may have reconstructive breast surgery. This will be done either at the time of mastectomy or later.Reconstructive breast surgeryAfter a mastectomy, some women choose to have surgery to rebuild their breast. This type of surgery is called breast reconstruction. It can be perf...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) New, improved treatments are helping people with breast cancer live longer. Even with treatment, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, breast cancer returns, even after the entire tumor has been removed and nearby lymph nodes are found to be cancer-free.Some women who have had breast cancer develop a new breast cancer that is not related to the original tumor.How well you do after being treated for breast cancer depends on many things. The more advanced your cancer, the worse the outcome. Other factors that determine the risk for recurrence and the likelihood of successful treatment include:Location of the tumor and how far it has spread Whether the tumor is hormone receptor-positive or -negative Gene expression Tumor size and shapeAfter considering all of the above, your provider can discuss your risk of having a recurrence of breast cancer.Recurrence of breast cancerOne of the most common fears for people who have had cancer is that it may return after initial treatment. When cancer comes back, it is called a re...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications You may experience side effects or complications from cancer treatment. These may include temporary pain or swelling of the breast and surrounding area. Ask your provider about the possible side effects from treatment. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have a breast or armpit lump You have nipple dischargeAfter being treated for breast cancer, contact your provider if you develop symptoms such as:Nipple discharge Rash on the breast New lumps in the breast Swelling in the area Pain, especially chest pain, abdominal pain, or bone pain Prevention Talk to your provider about how often you should have a mammogram or other tests to screen for breast cancer. Early breast cancers found by a mammogram have a good chance of being cured.MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests to screen for breast cancerBreast cancer screenings can help find breast cancer early, before you notice any symptoms. In many cases, finding breast cancer early makes it easi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mammography is performed to screen women to detect early breast cancer when it is more likely to be cured. The recommendations of different expert organizations can differ.Mammography is generally recommended for all women starting at age 40, repeated every 1 to 2 years. Women with a family history of breast cancer should work with their provider to assess their risk of breast cancer. In some situations, additional testing may be considered.Mammograms work best at finding breast cancer in women ages 40 to 74. It is not clear how well mammograms work at finding cancer in women age 75 and older.Tamoxifen is approved for breast cancer prevention in women age 35 and older who are at high risk. Raloxifene is approved for breast cancer prevention in women after the menopause. Discuss this with your provider.Women at very high risk for breast cancer may consider preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy. This is surgery to remove the breasts before breast cancer is diagnosed. Possible candidates include:Women who have already had one breast removed due to cancer Women with a strong family history of breast cancer Women with genes or genetic mutations that raise their risk for breast cancer (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) Many risk factors, such as your genes and family history, cannot be controlled. But making healthy lifestyle changes may reduce your overall chance of getting cancer. This includes:Eating healthy foods Maintaining a healthy weight Limiting alcohol consumption to 1 drink per dayOpen ReferencesReferencesHarnden K, Mauro L, Pennisi A. Breast cancer. In: Ginsburg GS, Willard HF, Strickler JH, McKinney MS, eds. Genomic and Precision Medicine: Oncology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 9.Korourian S, Klimberg VS. Clinical prognosis and staging of breast cancer. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, et al, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 26.National Cancer Institute website. Breast cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-treatment-pdq. Updated March 14, 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): Breast cancer. Version 1.2025. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf. Updated January 31, 2025. Accessed February 11, 2025.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al. Screening for Breast Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2024;331(22):1918-1930. PMID: 38687503 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38687503/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Owens DK, Davidson KW, et al. Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2019;322(7):652-665. PMID: 31429903 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31429903/.AllVideoImagesTogFemale Breast - illustration The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.Female BreastillustrationNeedle biopsy of the breast - illustration A needle biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. Simple aspirations are performed with a small gauge needle to attempt to draw fluid from lumps that are thought to be cysts. Fine needle biopsy uses a larger needle to make multiple passes through a lump, drawing out tissue and fluid. Withdrawn fluid and tissue is further evaluated to determine if there are cancerous cells present.Needle biopsy of the breastillustrationOpen biopsy of the breast - illustration An open biopsy can be performed under local or general anesthesia and will leave a small scar. Prior to surgery, a radiologist often first marks the lump with a wire, making it easier for the surgeon to find.Open biopsy of the breastillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.Breast self-examillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.Breast self-examillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses. Breast self-examillustrationLumpectomy - illustration Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure performed on a solid breast mass to determine if it is malignant. The suspicious lump and some surrounding tissue is excised and analyzed. LumpectomyillustrationBreast lump removal - series - Normal anatomyPresentation Mastectomy - series - Normal anatomyPresentation Sentinel node biopsy - illustration Sentinel node biopsy is a technique which helps determine if a cancer has spread (metastisized), or is contained locally. When a cancer has been detected, often the next step is to find the lymph node closest to the tumor site and retrieve it for analysis. The concept of the sentinel node, or the first node to drain the area of the cancer, allows a more accurate staging of the cancer, and leaves unaffected nodes behind to continue the important job of draining fluids. The procedure involves the injection of a dye (sometimes mildly radioactive) to pinpoint the lymph node which is closest to the cancer site. Sentinel node biopsy is used to stage many kinds of cancer, including lung and skin (melanoma).Sentinel node biopsyillustrationFemale Breast - illustration The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.Female BreastillustrationNeedle biopsy of the breast - illustration A needle biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. Simple aspirations are performed with a small gauge needle to attempt to draw fluid from lumps that are thought to be cysts. Fine needle biopsy uses a larger needle to make multiple passes through a lump, drawing out tissue and fluid. Withdrawn fluid and tissue is further evaluated to determine if there are cancerous cells present.Needle biopsy of the breastillustrationOpen biopsy of the breast - illustration An open biopsy can be performed under local or general anesthesia and will leave a small scar. Prior to surgery, a radiologist often first marks the lump with a wire, making it easier for the surgeon to find.Open biopsy of the breastillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.Breast self-examillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses.Breast self-examillustrationBreast self-exam - illustration Monthly breast self-exams should always include a visual inspection, with and without a mirror, to note any changes in contour or texture, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses. Breast self-examillustrationLumpectomy - illustration Lumpectomy is a surgical procedure performed on a solid breast mass to determine if it is malignant. The suspicious lump and some surrounding tissue is excised and analyzed. Lumpectomyillustration Breast lump removal - series - Normal anatomyPresentation Mastectomy - series - Normal anatomyPresentation Sentinel node biopsy - illustration Sentinel node biopsy is a technique which helps determine if a cancer has spread (metastisized), or is contained locally. When a cancer has been detected, often the next step is to find the lymph node closest to the tumor site and retrieve it for analysis. The concept of the sentinel node, or the first node to drain the area of the cancer, allows a more accurate staging of the cancer, and leaves unaffected nodes behind to continue the important job of draining fluids. The procedure involves the injection of a dye (sometimes mildly radioactive) to pinpoint the lymph node which is closest to the cancer site. Sentinel node biopsy is used to stage many kinds of cancer, including lung and skin (melanoma).Sentinel node biopsyillustrationA Closer Look Breast cancer(Alt. Medicine)Breast cancer - InDepth(In-Depth)Talking to your MD Mastectomy and breast reconstruction - what to ask your doctor Tests for Breast cancer PET scan for breast cancerMammogramBreast MRI scanRelated Information Chemotherapy - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Radiation therapy - questions to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Mastectomy - discharge (Discharge)Mastectomy and breast reconstruction - what to ask your doctor(Doctor Questions)Lymphedema - self-care(Self-Care)Breast external beam radiation - discharge(Discharge)Breast cancer - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 2/3/2025 Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Breast cancerCancer - breast; Carcinoma - ductal; Carcinoma - lobular; DCIS; LCIS; HER2-positive breast cancer; ER-positive breast cancer; Ductal carcinoma in situ; Lobular carcinoma in situBreast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that carry milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type. Lobular carcinoma starts in the parts of the breast, called lobules, which produce milk.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersIn rare cases, other kinds of breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Causes Breast cancer risk factors are things that increase the chance that you could develop breast cancer:Breast cancer risk factorsBreast cancer risk factors are things that increase the chance that you could get cancer. Some risk factors you can control, such as drinking alcoho...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Some risk factors you can control, such as drinking alcohol. Others, such as age and family history, you cannot control. The more risk factors you have, the more your risk increases. But, it does not mean you will develop cancer. Most women who develop breast cancer do not have known risk factors or a family history. Understanding your risk factors can help you take steps to lower your risk.Some women are at higher risk for breast cancer because of certain genetic changes or variants that may be passed down from their parents.Genes known as BRCA1 or BRCA2 are responsible for most cases of inherited breast cancers. A screening tool with questions about your and your family's medical history can help your health care provider determine whether you are at risk for carrying these genes. If you may be at high risk due to a known variant gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, a blood test can show if you carry the genes. BRCA1 or BRCA2, a blood testThe BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test is a blood test that can tell you if you have a higher risk of getting cancer. The name BRCA comes from the first two ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Certain other genes may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer.Breast implants, using antiperspirants, and wearing underwire bras do not increase the risk for breast cancer. There is also no evidence of a direct link between breast cancer and pesticides.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Symptoms Early breast cancer often does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening is important, so cancers that don't have symptoms may be found earlier.As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not hurt. Breast lumpA breast lump is swelling, growth, or mass in the breast. Breast lumps in both men and women raise concern for breast cancer, even though most lumps...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple. For example, you may have redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange. Fluid from the nipple. Fluid may be bloody, clear to yellow, green, or look like pus. In men, breast cancer symptoms include breast lump, breast pain, and breast tenderness.In men, breast cancer symptomsBreast cancer is cancer that starts in breast tissue. Both males and females have breast tissue. This means that anyone, including men and boys, ca...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may include:Bone pain Shortness of breath Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit (next to the breast with cancer) Lymph nodes in the armpitAn armpit lump is a swelling or bump under the arm. A lump in the armpit can have many causes. These include swollen lymph nodes, infections, or cy...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weight loss Exams and Tests Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersYour provider will ask about your symptoms and risk factors. Then they will perform a physical exam. The exam includes both breasts, armpits, and the neck and chest area.Women may choose to perform breast self-exams each month. However, the effectiveness of self-exams for detecting breast cancer is debatable.Breast self-examsA breast self-exam is something a woman does at home to look for changes or problems in her breast tissue. Many women feel that doing this is import...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Tests used to diagnose and monitor people with a breast lump or breast cancer may include:Mammography to screen for breast cancer or help identify a breast lump MammographyA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast ultrasound to show whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled Breast ultrasoundBreast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast MRI to help better identify a breast lump or evaluate an abnormal change on a mammogram Breast MRIA breast MRI scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. It does not...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Breast biopsy, using methods such as needle aspiration or ultrasound-guided, stereotactic, or open biopsy Breast biopsyA breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. There are several types of breast biopsi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes Lymph node biopsyA lymph node biopsy is the removal of lymph node tissue for examination under a microscope. The lymph nodes are small glands that make white blood ce...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan to check if the cancer has spread outside the breast CT scanA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scan to check if the cancer has spread outside the breastPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for potential spread of brea...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If your provider learns that you do have breast cancer, more tests will be done. This is called staging, which checks if the cancer has spread. Staging helps guide treatment and follow-up. It also gives you an idea of what to expect in the future.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Breast cancer stages range from 0 to IV. The higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer.Breast cancer stagesOnce your health care team knows you have breast cancer, they will do more tests to stage it. Staging is a tool the team uses to find out how advanc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Treatment Treatment is based on many factors, including:The type of breast cancer The stage of the cancer (staging is a tool your providers use to find out how advanced the cancer is) Whether the cancer is sensitive to certain hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone Whether the cancer overproduces (overexpresses) the HER2/neu protein Tests on the tumor's genes to see if you would benefit from chemotherapyCancer treatments may include:Hormone therapy. Hormone therapyHormone therapy to treat breast cancer uses drugs or treatments to lower levels or block the action of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Chemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cells. ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy, which is used to destroy cancerous tissue. Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery to remove cancerous tissue: A lumpectomy removes the breast lump. A mastectomy removes all or part of the breast and possibly nearby structures. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery. LumpectomyBreast lump removal is surgery to remove a lump that may be a breast cancer. Tissue around the lump is also removed. This surgery is called an exci...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MastectomyA mastectomy is surgery to remove the breast tissue. Some of the skin and the nipple may also be removed. The surgery is most often done to treat b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lymph nodesLymph nodes are part of the lymph system, a network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels that support the body's immune system. Nodes are little fil...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Targeted therapy which uses medicine to attack the gene changes in cancer cells. Hormone therapy is an example of targeted therapy. It blocks certain hormones that fuel cancer growth. Other targeted therapy medicines are not related to hormones.Targeted therapyTargeted therapy uses medicines to stop cancer from growing and spreading. It does this with less harm to normal cells than other treatments. Stand...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Cancer treatment can be local or systemic:Local treatments involve only the area of disease. Radiation and surgery are forms of local treatment. They are most effective when the cancer has not spread outside the breast. Systemic treatments affect the entire body. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are types of systemic treatment. Most women receive a combination of treatments. For women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer, the main goal is to treat the cancer and prevent it from returning (recurring). For women with stage IV cancer, the goal is to improve symptoms and help them live longer. In most cases, stage IV breast cancer cannot be cured.Stage 0 (for example, ductal carcinoma in-situ) and ductal carcinoma: Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy is the standard treatment. Stage I and II: Lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy with lymph node removal is the standard treatment. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and other targeted therapy may also be used after surgery. Stage III: Treatment involves surgery, possibly preceded or followed by chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other targeted therapy. Stage IV: Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, other targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments. After treatment, some women continue to take medicines for some time, often several years. All women continue to have mammograms to monitor for the return of cancer or development of another breast cancer.Women who have had a mastectomy may have reconstructive breast surgery. This will be done either at the time of mastectomy or later.Reconstructive breast surgeryAfter a mastectomy, some women choose to have surgery to rebuild their breast. This type of surgery is called breast reconstruction. It can be perf...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) New, improved treatments are helping people with breast cancer live longer. Even with treatment, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, breast cancer returns, even after the entire tumor has been removed and nearby lymph nodes are found to be cancer-free.Some women who have had breast cancer develop a new breast cancer that is not related to the original tumor.How well you do after being treated for breast cancer depends on many things. The more advanced your cancer, the worse the outcome. Other factors that determine the risk for recurrence and the likelihood of successful treatment include:Location of the tumor and how far it has spread Whether the tumor is hormone receptor-positive or -negative Gene expression Tumor size and shapeAfter considering all of the above, your provider can discuss your risk of having a recurrence of breast cancer.Recurrence of breast cancerOne of the most common fears for people who have had cancer is that it may return after initial treatment. When cancer comes back, it is called a re...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications You may experience side effects or complications from cancer treatment. These may include temporary pain or swelling of the breast and surrounding area. Ask your provider about the possible side effects from treatment. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You have a breast or armpit lump You have nipple dischargeAfter being treated for breast cancer, contact your provider if you develop symptoms such as:Nipple discharge Rash on the breast New lumps in the breast Swelling in the area Pain, especially chest pain, abdominal pain, or bone pain Prevention Talk to your provider about how often you should have a mammogram or other tests to screen for breast cancer. Early breast cancers found by a mammogram have a good chance of being cured.MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests to screen for breast cancerBreast cancer screenings can help find breast cancer early, before you notice any symptoms. In many cases, finding breast cancer early makes it easi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mammography is performed to screen women to detect early breast cancer when it is more likely to be cured. The recommendations of different expert organizations can differ.Mammography is generally recommended for all women starting at age 40, repeated every 1 to 2 years. Women with a family history of breast cancer should work with their provider to assess their risk of breast cancer. In some situations, additional testing may be considered.Mammograms work best at finding breast cancer in women ages 40 to 74. It is not clear how well mammograms work at finding cancer in women age 75 and older.Tamoxifen is approved for breast cancer prevention in women age 35 and older who are at high risk. Raloxifene is approved for breast cancer prevention in women after the menopause. Discuss this with your provider.Women at very high risk for breast cancer may consider preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy. This is surgery to remove the breasts before breast cancer is diagnosed. Possible candidates include:Women who have already had one breast removed due to cancer Women with a strong family history of breast cancer Women with genes or genetic mutations that raise their risk for breast cancer (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) Many risk factors, such as your genes and family history, cannot be controlled. But making healthy lifestyle changes may reduce your overall chance of getting cancer. This includes:Eating healthy foods Maintaining a healthy weight Limiting alcohol consumption to 1 drink per dayOpen ReferencesReferencesHarnden K, Mauro L, Pennisi A. Breast cancer. In: Ginsburg GS, Willard HF, Strickler JH, McKinney MS, eds. Genomic and Precision Medicine: Oncology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 9.Korourian S, Klimberg VS. Clinical prognosis and staging of breast cancer. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, et al, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 26.National Cancer Institute website. Breast cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-treatment-pdq. Updated March 14, 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025.National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): Breast cancer. Version 1.2025. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf. Updated January 31, 2025. Accessed February 11, 2025.US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, et al. Screening for Breast Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2024;331(22):1918-1930. PMID: 38687503 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38687503/.US Preventive Services Task Force, Owens DK, Davidson KW, et al. Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2019;322(7):652-665. PMID: 31429903 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31429903/.
