It is reasonable to assume that a lot of women are afraid of breast cancer. Their fears may be well founded because as of today, it is the second major reason for cancer related deaths of women in the US. What exactly is breast cancer and how do you detect it? 

Causes of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can affect both men and women but the condition is definitely more common among women. Breast cancer is the result of genetic abnormalities that make the cells in the breast grow at a faster rate. Cancer cells that may originate in only one small area of the breast may then begin to invade neighboring cells. These cancer cells may eventually spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. It could spread first to the lymph nodes under the arm pit which is the drainage area for the lymph that bathes the breasts. From there, the cells could move to other parts and organs in which case the cells are said to be in metastasis. Surprisingly, research has revealed that only a very small percentage of breast cancer cases are due to family background. The abnormal genes that cause the disease in most women seem to develop due to other factors such as age. Researchers are also trying to carefully determine environmental factors that have a hand in breast cancer formation. 

Symptoms
Since breast cancer is the result of fast cell growth, one of the most obvious symptoms would be a lump in the breast area or in the lymph nodes under the arm pits. Not all lumps though always mean that you automatically have breast cancer. A breast lump has to undergo a biopsy first before a doctor can conclude that you have a malignant growth. Aside from lumps, you should also watch out for bloody discharge from the nipples and dimpling of the nipples or breast skin area. Be watchful too for dramatic changes in the size and shape of your breasts that is more than the usual changes that are a result of your menstrual cycle. 

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Once a person has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctor may have to require a sentinel lymph node biopsy. This procedure is crucial for helping determine the stage of cancer and the appropriate treatment. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which the breast cancer cells spread to. In breast cancer, these are the lymph nodes in the arm pit. If cancer cells are found there, it means that your disease may already be on its way to spreading to other nodes. In any case, your doctor may have to look into other succeeding nodes to determine the true state of your condition. 

Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options for breast cancer patients. Your doctor will determine the best one depending on your condition. Overall treatment includes a combination of different methods. Mastectomy and lumpectomy for example may be accompanied by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. You may also opt for reconstructive surgery after your surgery for breast cancer.