What are fibroadenomas? Although it is rare, complex fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumors have a chance to develop into malignant breast cancer. A fibroadenoma is the most common type of benign, non-cancerous lump of the breast. It usually occurs in young women between the ages of 15 and 40. They may also arise during pregnancy or...
What is arterial chemotherapy infusion and chemoembolization of liver? Arterial chemotherapy infusion of the liver and chemoembolization of the liver (transarterial chemoembolization or TACE) are similar procedures that are used for the treatment of cancers in the liver. In both procedures, chemotherapy is injected into the hepatic (liver) artery that supplies the liver tumor. The...
What is cancer prevention? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered. Hopefully, this will lower the number of deaths caused by cancer. Cancer is not a single...
What is bone marrow? The soft spongy tissue in the center of bones is the bone marrow. The bone marrow contains the different types of cells (stem cells) that give rise to the red cells, white blood cells, and platelets found in our blood. The marrow may also contain abnormal cells, proteins, or inflammatory reactions...
Introduction to Breast Cancer Recurrence Breast cancer can recur at any time, but most recurrences occur in the first three to five years after initial treatment. Breast cancer can come back as a local recurrence (in the treated breast or near the mastectomy scar) or as a distant recurrence somewhere else in the body. The...
What Is a Clinical Trial? A clinical trial is a research program conducted with patients to evaluate a new medical treatment, drug or device. The purpose of a breast cancer clinical trial is to find new and improved methods of treating the disease. Clinical trials make it possible to apply the latest scientific and technological...
What is CEA? CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen. CEA is a substance found on the surface of some cells. It is a type of glycoprotein produced by cells of the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. It is produced in very small amounts after birth. The level of CEA in the bloodstream is thus relatively low unless...
Breast Cancer and Genetic Testing Introduction Intensive genetic counseling is required before undergoing genetic tests for breast cancer. During this educational counseling session, the health care provider can fully explain the benefits and risks of genetic testing and answer any questions you may have. You will also be required to sign a consent form prior...
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Your stress levels may skyrocket. You may worry about finances. And you may be asking yourself difficult questions, such as whether to write a living will. Education and supportive care can help you deal with the many issues and emotions you're facing. What Causes Stress Among Breast...
What is the life expectancy after a bone marrow transplant? Pictured is an illustration of a healthy bone marrow cell — the kind doctors harvest from donors to use in bone marrow transplantation. The life expectancy, survival rate and quality of life after a bone marrow transplant have improved considerably with more accurate genetic matching...