Introduction
Adenocarcinoma of the breast is currently one of the major diseases affecting mainly women worldwide. According to an article by MedlinePlus (2012) titled “Breast Cancer”, it is reported that one out of eight women is affected by breast cancer during their lifetime. Essentially, this shows how much the disease has affected women in society. The article adds that more women in the United States of America die from breast cancer compared to other types of cancer like lung cancer. From this, it is clear that breast cancer has become a leading killer disease among women in the world. This paper explores the Adenocarcinoma of the breast by looking at the etiology of the lesion, macroscopic and microscopic findings, symptoms and signs, and laboratory findings caused by the lesion. Moreover, the paper will examine the treatment and prognosis, as well as its relevance to dental practice.
Etiology of the lesion
Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that starts in the glandular tissue of the breast (America Cancer Society 5). The occurrence of breast cancer can be attributed to genetic factors. Here, Brennan in her article titled “Breast Cancer Etiology” states that whenever there are random changes to one’s DNA, then chances are that cancer cells result. These cells multiply in the body having damaged DNA. Through inheritance, these cells with damaged DNA are passed on to the next generation. For instance, it is said that 5% to 10% of cases of breast cancer reported are hereditary (American Cancer Society 10).
On the other hand, if a family has a history of breast cancer, this increases the risk. Thus, if one has a relative that has breast cancer, then this doubles their risk of breast cancer. However, whatever increases the exact risk is not clearly known. Thus, approximately 15% of women with breast cancer are said to have a disease history in the family. Furthermore, one breast is affected by the disease, they are likely to develop new cancer in the other breast too. In addition, race and ethnicity play a crucial role in the development and effects of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that the occurrence of breast cancer is high among white women as compared to African-American women. However, more African-American women die from the disease compared to white women (11-12).
Women who start their menstrual cycle early are said to have a high risk of breast cancer. This is for those that start menstruating at an age of 12 until after menopause at around 55 years. Normally, the risk is attributed to the fact that these women have longer exposure to progesterone and estrogen (American Cancer Society 14). On the other hand, breast cancer is attributed to lifestyle, as well as dietary causes. Here, an increase in the intake of fats, resulting in overweight or obesity, increases the risk of breast cancer. Evidence shows that engaging in physical activity like exercise substantially reduces the chances of breast cancer (American Cancer Society 16). According to Brennan in her article “Breast Cancer Etiology”, risks also increase in women who take alcoholic drinks, as well as smokers.
Macroscopic and microscopic findings
At the microscopic level, it has been found that tumors are maladjusted entities that are living but not merely aggregates of malignant cells. These living entities recruit host stromal cells that they later intermingle with and interact with. This results in the formation of an expanded and distorted organ, which is recognizable, that destroys normal tissue adjacent to them. These tumors then acquire metastatic capability having unique powers that enable these tumors to parasitize other organs in the living host. In most cases, the tumor shares a genetic identity with the living host. As a result of this resemblance, it means that the parasitic cells are invisible to body immunity. The survival of the host is thus put in danger. These tumors are so similar to the normal cells hence fighting them becomes extremely difficult. Consequently, these tumors fight the immune system because they have the capacity to multiply in the body.
Symptoms and signs and laboratory findings caused by the lesion
The key symptom of breast cancer is a lump or new mass. This is normally painless and hard with irregular edges. However, in other victims, the mass is soft, tender, or rounded. On the other hand, some of these lumps are painful. Thus, it becomes vital for one to seek medical attention as soon as they experience a lump in their breast. This is to help in early diagnosis. In case one does not feel a distinct lump, any swell in the whole breast or part of it can be a possible sign of breast cancer. Other vital signs here include irritation of the skin, a discharge from the nipple, pain in the breast or nipple, as well as thickening of the nipple (American Cancer Society 37).
Treatment and prognosis
The key therapy for breast cancer is surgery. However, the surgery to be performed is determined by various factors like one’s overall health, location of the tumor, personal wishes, type, as well as the size of the tumor. Moreover, staging of cancer is done in order to classify the extent and how far the tumor has spread. Brennan states that two types of surgeries are undertaken. In a case where only part of the breast is removed, it is referred to as breast-sparing. On the other hand, mastectomy is where the entire breast is removed. Furthermore, there is the removal of the lymph nodes found under the arms. This is in the determination of the extent of the spread of cancer. Over years, there has been improved screening and awareness on breast cancer. Additionally, there has been improvement in therapy. This has gone a long way in reducing death rates from breast cancer. Early detection is the key to cancer treatment as it will ensure that the disease is treated while still at its early stages.
Relevance to dental practice
Survivors of breast cancer, as well as patients who are on chemotherapy, are at higher risk of tooth decay. This is attributed to the fact that when one is on chemotherapy, the amount of saliva in the mouth significantly reduces. As a result, this creates an atmosphere for tooth problems. For instance, it is said that root canals create a safe environment for microbes. This is mainly no blood will reach the tooth. These microbes thrive well in the root canals. These microbes are known to cause cancer. Thus, it becomes necessary for breast cancer survivors to seek dental advice from time to time. Moreover, patients on chemotherapy are advised to visit a dentist in order for regular checks up to determine if they have dental problems.
Works Cited
American Cancer Society. “Breast Cancer”. American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book. 2011.Web.
Brennan, Jennifer. “Breast Cancer Etiology”. BreastCancer.co Information and Resources. 2011.Web.
MedlinePlus. “Breast Cancer”. National Institute of Health 2012. Web.