What Is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells develop in the breast. The breast is composed of lobes and ducts. Each mammary gland contains 15 to 20 lobes, which are further divided into smaller lobules. At the end of the lobules are small bulbs that produce milk. The lobes, lobules, and bulbs are connected by thin tubes called ducts.
Externally, the breast consists of the nipple and areola, while internally it contains ducts, lobes, lobules, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system plays a critical role, as lymphatic vessels transport lymph—a clear fluid that drains into the lymph nodes. These bean-shaped nodes filter harmful substances and help the body fight infection. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the armpit, above the collarbone, and inside the chest.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. In Romania, its prevalence is higher than that of any other cancer except skin cancer, and it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women after lung cancer. Statistically, breast cancer is more common among Caucasian women than among black women, but mortality is higher in black women. Although rare, breast cancer also occurs in men.
Risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, while protective factors reduce it. Both play an important role in determining individual risk.
What Is Breast Cancer Screening
Screening is the process of looking for cancer before symptoms appear. For breast cancer, three main screening methods are used: mammography, the clinical breast exam, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly in women at high risk.
Other screening methods are being studied in clinical trials, including thermography and tissue sampling. Some tests are already proven to detect breast cancer early and lower mortality rates, while others are still under evaluation.
Ongoing research focuses on whether detecting cancer before symptoms appear improves survival. In some cancers, early detection clearly increases the chances of recovery, and large-scale clinical trials worldwide continue to evaluate the benefits and risks of different screening strategies.
What Tests Are Used To Identify Breast Cancer
Mammogram
Mammography is the most widely used screening tool for breast cancer. During the exam, the breast is compressed between two plates while X-rays are used to create detailed images. Mammography can identify tumors that are too small to be felt and can also detect ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a precancerous condition that can progress to invasive cancer.
Mammography is more effective in women over 50. Younger women often have denser breast tissue, which appears white on a mammogram. Since tumors also appear white, distinguishing between the two is more difficult.
The accuracy of mammography depends on tumor size, breast tissue density, and the skill of the interpreting physician. Women between the ages of 40 and 70 who undergo regular mammograms are less likely to die from breast cancer compared to those who are not screened.
Clinical Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam is performed by a physician or trained healthcare professional, who carefully examines the breasts and underarms for lumps or other abnormalities. It is not yet proven whether clinical breast exams reduce breast cancer mortality.
Breast self-examination can also be performed at home by women and men. Knowing how the breasts normally look and feel is important, but self-examination alone does not reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Any detected changes should be promptly reported to a doctor.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce highly detailed images of internal structures. Unlike X-rays, MRI does not use radiation.
MRI is particularly useful in evaluating women at high risk of breast cancer, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, a strong family history of the disease, or hereditary cancer syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni or Cowden syndrome. MRI is more sensitive than mammography in detecting cancer, but it can sometimes produce false-positive results, identifying abnormalities where no cancer is present.
Other Screening Tests Under Evaluation
Thermography
Thermography uses a special camera to measure temperature changes on the surface of the breast. Tumors can cause localized heat differences, which appear as color variations on thermal images. However, thermography has not been proven in clinical trials to detect breast cancer effectively or to reduce mortality.
Tissue Sampling
Breast tissue sampling involves collecting cells for microscopic examination. Some studies suggest that abnormal cells in breast fluid may be linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. Researchers are evaluating whether tissue sampling can help in early detection or risk prediction.
Methods being studied include:
- Fine Needle Aspiration: inserting a thin needle into the breast near the areola to withdraw cells and fluid.
- Percutaneous (Closed) Aspiration Biopsy: using suction, similar to a breast pump, to collect fluid.
- Ductal Lavage: inserting a hair-thin catheter into the nipple, flushing with saline solution, and retrieving fluid containing breast cells for analysis.
Learn more about what screening is and how it helps diagnose cancer.
Risks Of Breast Cancer Screening
Screening carries certain risks. It is possible that early detection may not improve survival in every case. False negatives may miss cancer, while false positives can cause unnecessary anxiety and lead to additional testing. Mammograms also expose the breast to low doses of radiation, and the procedure can cause temporary pain or discomfort.
The balance of risks and benefits depends on age and individual risk factors. Patients should discuss their personal risk profile with their doctor and make informed decisions about which screening tests are appropriate.
Clinical Services
VenArt Clinic specializes in gynecological surgery and gynecological oncology. In Cluj-Napoca, the clinic offers breast cancer screening and treatment, including breast ultrasound, elastography, fine needle aspiration, breast lump excision, sector resection, and mastectomy. Comprehensive gynecological oncology services are also available.
Request an appointment today to learn more about screening and treatment options.
