Breast Cancer- What is it and What are the Different Breast Cancer Stages

 

Today, we are focusing on Different Stages of Breast Cancer and symptoms of these stages. Cancer is essentially the development of cells which are not considered normal. Cells are the basic blocks that lead to the development of tissues. Every moment, cells are formed in the body and old cells which have outlived their utility, die off. But, when these old cells that should be replaced, do not die natural, they start getting accumulated in the tissues. This is what finally results in a mass of tissues. This mass is a lump or is also often referred to as a tumor.

To Know What is Breast Cancer and everything else related to it follow the link.

When this tumor and its cells start expanding and invading as well as affecting other parts of the body, it is called cancer. This is exactly what happens in case of breast cancer. The lump formed in the breasts started increasing and affecting other areas of the human body. Please note that contrary to the common misconception that only women are likely to be affected by breast cancer, men too can be at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. This is so because both the sexes have breasts tissues. The difference only lies in the fact that over time, this tissue grows in women while it remains little in men.

Different Stages of Blood Cancer and Survival Rate

  • Stage 0: This is for explanation and understanding non-invasive breast cancers, such as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). These, are believed to not invade, that is, not spread. This means that only the breast where the cells first started multiplying will be affected by it. It has no effects on other parts of the body and does not impact their smooth function. It remains in the area or region of origin. The 5-year survival rate* is 98%.
  • Stage I: This is related to invasive breast cancer, that is, it spreads to other regions around the affected breast. It is usually divided into two sub-categories, namely IA and IB. In IA, the tumor measures up to 2 centimeters but it has not yet spread outside the breast. On the contrary, in IB, either tiny clusters of cancerous cells are diagnosed in the lymph nodes or tumor is found in the breast along with the cells in the nodes. The 5-year survival rate* is 85%.
  • Stage II: At this stage, the tumor measures between 2 to 5 centimeters and gradually affects the axillary lymph nodes. A biopsy is needed for detection. The 5-year survival rate* is 55%.
  • Stage III: Divided into III A, B, and C, the tumor has increased in size and spread to adjoining regions such as the underarms and the breastbone. The 5-year survival rate* is 55%.
  • Stage IV: Spreading to areas other than the breast, cancer reaches and impacts other body parts as well which then fail to perform their functions and eventually the body stops working. The 5-year survival rate* is 10%.

* The 5-year survival rate explains the percentage of affected individuals who are able to survive for at least five years after detection.

stages of breast cancer

Symptoms of Breast Cancer Stages

Few Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast cancer stages are discussed below for complete and detailed Breast cancer symptoms follow the link provided-

  • Changes in the size of your breasts are common. Either one of them increases in size due to the formation of the lump, or both of them are affected due to the spread of the malignant (cancer) cells.
  • There may be a visible lump in your breasts. At times, the lump is not too visible or protruding but it can be clearly felt as an additional mass when it is touched.
  • There may be a change in the texture of your skin. This means that there is a possibility of puckering or dimpling. This is likely to look like the outer peel of an orange.
  • There may be the development of rashes or redness and patches on/around the nipples.
  • Other than the shape of the breast, the shape of the nipple may also appear to be different than it was earlier. It may seem to be going inwards instead of protruding outwards like it usually does.  
  • There may be sudden discharges from the breasts and this will be other than the breast milk which is the food for babies. The source of this will be unknown.
  • There may be a painful swelling or lump in the armpits or collarbone area.
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of energy and lack of willingness to move or engage in any physical activity.
  • Rapid loss of weight even after maintaining a balanced diet.

It is very important to understand that not all the symptoms of breast cancer stages have been listed. It also goes without saying that if you have any of the following symptoms or a combination of these, then it is true that you have breast cancer and need to start treatment immediately. These are general breast cancer stages symptoms that are often noticed amongst those with breast cancer.

A symptom is only a sign which may or may not be accurate. Thus, before deciding for yourself and letting the internet and its search engines be your doctor, it is imperative to visit a genuine and certified general practitioner. Only after obtaining results of the tests, you reach a conclusion and then make a sound and informed decision regarding the Breast Cancer treatment you wish to undergo in order to cure yourself.

 

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