Breast Cancer Research Paper Outline

Introduction

Breast cancer is a malignant growth of tissue (tumor) in the breast. Unlike noncancerous (benign) tumors, malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. The most common type of female breast cancer begins in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of female breast cancer is unknown.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

Age older than 55 years.

Family history of breast cancer.

Having the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Personal history of radiation exposure.

Obesity.

Menopause that begins after age 55 years.

Menstrual periods that begin before age 12 years.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed by:

Medical history.

A physical exam. This will involve feeling the tissue around the breast and under the arms.

Taking a sample of nipple discharge. The sample will be examined under a microscope.

Performing some imaging tests, such as breast X-rays (mammogram), breast ultrasound exams, or an MRI.

Taking a tissue sample (biopsy) from the breast. The sample will be examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Your cancer will be staged to determine its severity and extent. Staging is a careful attempt to find out the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body. You may need to have more tests to determine the stage of your cancer:

Stage 0—The tumor has not spread to other breast tissue.

Stage I—The cancer is only found in the breast. The tumor may be up to ¾ in (2 cm) wide.

Stage II—The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The tumor may be up to 2 in (5 cm) wide.

Stage III—The cancer has spread to more distant lymph nodes. The tumor may be larger than 2 in (5 cm) wide.

Stage IV—The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, liver, or lungs.

How is this