Breast Cancer

Breast cancer risk factors and symptoms

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells invade healthy cells in the breast. These cells group together to form a mass of tissue, also known as a growth, lump or tumor. The cells can then spread, affecting other areas of the body as well. There are several types of breast cancer, but the most common are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.

Breast cancer usually first presents as a lump or mass in the breast. However, in the early stages, symptoms may not be present. That’s why cancer screenings are a vital part of your health.

Other symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple retraction
• Red, dry, flaky or thickened skin around breast or nipple
• Skin dimpling
• Swelling of the breast
• Swollen lymph nodes

Breast cancer affects one out of every eight women in the United States. While it’s not completely preventable, it is important to know your risk and the early signs to catch it as early as possible.

There are many factors to consider when determining your risk of developing breast cancer. Risk factors include your age and gender, race, family and genetic history, personal health history, menstrual and reproductive history, and whether you have dense breast tissue. 

If you are concerned you may be at risk of breast cancer, our team will guide you through the screening process. Should you receive a positive diagnosis, rest assured that our breast care team will provide compassionate and comprehensive care you can depend on.

Breast cancer screenings

The best way to detect breast cancer early is through a mammogram screening. Annual mammogram screening should begin at age 40. The incidence of breast cancer increases substantially around age 40. Women at higher risk for breast cancer due to family history or other factors should speak to their doctor about initiating annual screening early than age 40.

It’s important to receive a mammogram annually. According to board-certified diagnostic radiologist, Dr. Michael Klouda, even for women ages 50 and older, skipping a mammogram every other year would miss up to 30% of cancers.

The UT Health East Texas HOPE Breast Center offers a variety of screening services, including:

• 3D mammography: Digital mammography is the best tool for early detection. We offer digital and 3-D mammography, offering sharper images than film and no wait time for film to be developed. The computer enhancements help detect signs of early cancer, as well as abnormalities in dense breast tissue.
• Bone density tests: During this simple test, the patient lies on a padded table while the unit scans the body. No injection or invasive procedure is involved. The patient remains fully clothed. The test can detect osteoporosis and provides your doctor with information regarding your bone strength.
• Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance breast imaging is a supplemental tool to help us diagnose breast cancer. It is often used to investigate breast problems first detected by mammography or other imaging exams. Younger women at high risk of breast cancer also may benefit from this screening. MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the breast. Breast MRIs can image breast implants and look for leaks and ruptures. They are also used effectively for dense breasts. In addition, breast MRIs may be useful in screening women at high risk for breast cancer. They can also locate primary tumors where cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
• Breast ultrasounds: An ultrasound of the breast is used to confirm the presence or absence of a mass in women who have dense breast tissue, which could make the mass difficult to see. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to scan the tissue of the breast. Radiologists sometimes use this painless method to distinguish fluid-filled cysts from solid masses.
• Genetic testing: Genetic testing can help determine if you’re at increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer due to your family history.
• R2 ImageChecker scan: The ImageChecker scans mammogram films and marks areas of calcification, distortion and small masses, producing a video display which clearly indicates potential abnormalities requiring further study.
• Stereotactic breast biopsy: This minimally invasive procedure requires only a quarter-inch-long incision, for which no stitches are needed. Using an ultrasound probe or an X-ray, the doctor gently vacuums out suspect tissue for examination. Tissue samples collected using this process are just as reliable as open surgical biopsies and three times more accurate than core needle biopsies in the diagnosis of conditions associated with early breast cancer.

We also offer digital mammography services through our mobile mammography unit. The mobile mammography unit offers breast tomosynthesis, also called 3-D mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), an advanced form of breast imaging which uses a low-dose X-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts. Breast tomosynthesis aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast tissue.

Dates and locations for our mobile mammography unit are subject to change. To verify, contact scheduling at 903-531-8000 and press 5. 

Breast cancer treatment options

If you receive a positive breast cancer diagnosis, your doctor will present your case to tumor board. In this conference, a group of 15-20 doctors who diagnose and treat cancer — including radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, oncologists and geneticists — will review your case and agree on the appropriate treatment. Presenting each case at a tumor board conference helps to provide each patient with the best treatment plan and limit the number of times a patient goes to the operating room.

Our breast cancer treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and others based on the case. Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.