(^498) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Despite the research and advances in medicine, the cause of breast cancer is un-
known. Some studies have implicated a higher-fat diet. Some medications, like
estrogen, seem to increase the risk of breast cancer. Exposure to radiation also
increases the risk. Childlessness and delayed childbirth also may be factors.
PROGNOSIS
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women and the num-
ber one cancer in women. Prognosis depends on the stage at which the cancer is
discovered. Those with no involved lymph nodes have the best expectations.
With lymph node involvement, survival ranges from 50 to 75 percent for five
years.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Mass in breast, usually painless
- Nipple inversion, drainage
- Bone pain from metastasis
- Cough from lung metastasis
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Mammography may show mass.
- Biopsy is confirmative for cancer.
- Ultrasonography to further delineate the mass.
- MRI of breast.
- CT scan to check for metastasis.
TREATMENTS
Treatment for breast cancer is either curative or palliative, depending on the stag-
ing of the tumor and involvement of lymph nodes.- Lumpectomy for small tumors.