Breast cancer is the malignant proliferation of the epithelial cells lining the milk ducts or lobule...

1. Breast Cancer Stages Life Expectancy
Breast cancer is the malignant proliferation of the epithelial cells lining the milk ducts or lobules of
the breast. It is a heterogeneous disease, i.e. the production of cells within the tumor may vary in
women, as per their age groups. Person having a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer
can also be at the risk of developing this disease. A period at an age of 11 or having late menopause,
and excessive exposure to radiations are some other causes that may lead to breast cancer in
women.
Symptoms
The most significant symptom is the formation of a lump or thickening of the breast, and swollen
lymph nodes in the underarm (axillary area). Though, not all breast lumps are cancerous, lumps
found in the area above the collarbone (supraclavicular area) indicate that the cancer has spread to
the lymph nodes. Following are some common symptoms which are observed:
Change in color and texture of areola (dark pigmented area surrounding the nipple)
Swelling and tenderness around the nipple or in the breast
Scaling or itching (called pruritus) on the nipple.
Increase in the size of the breast
Sudden discharge from the nipples, or pulling in of the nipples or other areas of the breast
Development of a breast lump and breast ulcer
Stages and Prognosis
The life expectancy of breast cancer generally depends on its stage, and there are typically five
stages (0 to 5) with sub-stages:Stage
TNM
Description
5-year Survival
0
Tis N0 M0
Carcinoma in situ, i.e. in place, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant metastases
99%

2. I
T1 N0 M0
Tumor is less than or equal to 2 centimeters, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant
metastases.
92%
IIA
T0 N1 M0
T1 N1 M0
T2 N0 M0
No evidence of primary tumor, metastases to movable ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases.
Tumor is less than or equal to 2 centimeters, metastases to movable ipsilateral nodes, no distant
metastases.
Tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant metastases
82%
IIB
T2 N1 M0
T3 N0 M0
Tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, metastases to movable ipsilateral nodes, no distant
metastases.
Tumor is over 5 centimeters, no tumor in the regional lymph nodes, no distant metastases.
65%
IIIA
T0 N2 M0
T1 N2 M0
T2 N2 M0
T3 N1, N2 M0
No evidence of primary tumor, metastases to fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases.

3. Tumor is less than or equal to 2 centimeters, metastases to fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant
metastases.
Tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, metastases to fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases.
Tumor is over 5 centimeters, metastases to movable or fixed ipsilateral nodes, no distant metastases.
47%
IIIB
T4 Any N M0
Any T N3 M0
Tumor extends to chest wall, any nodal involvement, no distant metastases.
Any primary tumor involvement, metastases to ipsilateral internal mammary nodes, no distant
metastases.
44%
IV
Any T Any N M1
Any primary tumor involvement, any nodal involvement, distant metastases.
14%
T= Status of Primary tumor; N = Regional lymph nodes; M = Distant Metastases
Stages and Treatment
The treatment and it's possibility for cure, mainly depends on factors like location of the tumor, it's
size and shape, rate of cell division, genetic factors, how far the tumor has spread, etc. The
treatment primarily involves surgery, followed by radiation, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy.
The surgery involves removal of the lump and the lymph nodes in the armpits. During chemotherapy,
the medicines that intervene with the growth of cancer cells and divisions are given to the patient.
High dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplantation has also been used to
improve the response rates. Hormonal therapy or radiation, involving X-rays or high energy rays are
applied to stop or slow down the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Recurrences of breast cancer
normally occur within 5 years of treatment. However, studies have shown that 25% of recurrences
and half of new cancers in the opposite breast, usually occur after 5 years.
Research shows that the 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is nearly 80%,
and approximately 88% of affected women do live longer for next 10 years. Unfortunately, women in
lower social and economic groups still have statistically less survival rates than women in higher
groups. However, the estimated increase in the life expectancy per woman screened during
screening detection of breast cancers on an average has been modest.

4. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a
replacement for expert medical advice.