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Table 12.1
Stages of Breast Disease Leading to Breast Cancer |
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1. Normal breast epithelial cell |
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Normal and healthy tissue. |
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2. Intermediate or mutant cell |
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Exposure to a carcinogen, such as radiation, or the result of acquired genetic alterations. |
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Atypical appearance of cells. Various promoting factors, such as hormones and/or dietary influences can cause atypia. Hyperplasia, a condition in which there are too many cells in the tissue, precedes atypia. |
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Cancer is confined to a particular site and has not formed a rumor mass that can be detected by examination. These cancers are usually detected by mammography. |
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5. Invasive or infiltrating cancer |
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Cancer cells have penetrated the membranes that surround the duct or lobule. They will eventually form a lump that can be felt. |
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6. Angiogenesis/dissemination |
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The cancer has spread out of its primary tumor site. |
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7. Axillary lymph node metastases |
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There is lymph node involvement. |
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8. Distant micrometastases |
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The cancer has spread outside the lymph nodes and has invaded an organ. |
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9. Overt metastatic disease |
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The cancer has spread to more than one site. |
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