Overview:
Breast cancer is, unfortunately common today. It is the second most prevalent form of cancer behind lung cancer in the United States. Fortunately, most women and men facing breast cancer survive the disease. Increased awareness of breast cancer, screening, and early diagnosis are in part responsible for the success in identifying and treating breast cancer successfully. New advances in the way treatment is coordinated and delivered are also largely responsible for the improved outcomes.
The effective treatment of breast cancer requires the participation of a multidisciplinary team of physicians comprised of radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. Each plays an important role in the treatment of breast cancer as each has a certain specialty and expertise. The integration and communication between this team is important, as treatment of breast cancer is process which involves each of these various specialties at various stages in treatment.
The Breasts:
The breasts sit on the chest muscles that cover the ribs. Each breast is made of 15 to 20 lobes. Lobes contain many smaller lobules. Lobules contain groups of tiny glands that can produce milk. Milk flows from the lobules through thin tubes called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the lobules and ducts.
The breasts also contain lymph vessels. These vessels lead to small, round organs called lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are near the breast in the axilla (underarm), above the collarbone, in the chest behind the breastbone, and in many other parts of the body. The lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells, or other harmful substances.
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| These pictures show the parts of the breast and the lymph nodes and lymph vessels near the breast. |
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Source: National Cancer Institute |
