Mammary glands are present not only in women but also in men. In women, these glands begin to develop during puberty due to increased estrogen levels and undergo structural changes with age. These differences in gland structure also influence the results and the ideal method for cancer detection.
The mammary glands are located just beneath the surface of the breast skin and end at the nipple. They consist of a series of lobules that produce milk and are connected to the lactiferous ducts, which carry the milk to the nipple.
In women, these glands produce breast milk after childbirth. The hormone progesterone, produced during pregnancy, interacts with the hormone prolactin to prevent the mammary glands from producing milk before labor. After the baby is born, progesterone levels decrease, but prolactin levels remain high, causing the mammary glands to begin producing milk.
When breastfeeding stops, these ducts become sealed by keratin to prevent infection-causing bacteria from entering, until the same process occurs again during subsequent pregnancies and deliveries. After menopause, the mammary glands shrink and lose their ability to produce milk.
Based on the area that experiences malignancy, breast cancer is divided into two types: ductal carcinoma, where the malignancy occurs in the glandular duct, and lobular carcinoma, where the malignancy occurs within the lobules.
Based on its spread, breast cancer can be malignant. in situ or invasive. It is called in situ if the cancer remains in the area of origin, and is invasive if the cancer cells have spread to other areas.
Among all these types, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common type, and is the earliest form of breast cancer usually found during screening.
DCIS is relatively harmless if treated early, but if left untreated, it can become invasive. Although in some patients, the condition may be preceded by symptoms such as nipple discharge or a breast lump, DCIS often causes no symptoms and therefore often goes undiagnosed early.
DCIS is also known as stage 0 breast cancer. Generally, women who receive treatment at this stage can recover from the cancer. Surgery and radiation therapy can be treatment options at this stage. Surgical removal of the mammary glands, or a mastectomy, is recommended for women with a family history of breast cancer, who cannot tolerate radiation therapy, who have certain genetic factors that increase their risk of breast cancer, who have large areas of DCIS, or if DCIS occurs in multiple areas.
Early detection and treatment have helped more women survive breast cancer in recent years. Perform regular breast self-exams or consult a doctor immediately if you notice a lump or other symptoms in your breast, including on the skin. Routine screenings typically begin at age 40 to detect breast cancer.
A routine breast exam (palpation) can be performed independently at home by standing and feeling your breasts in front of a mirror, or by having them performed by a medical professional. The exam involves observing changes in shape, color, or other abnormalities on the surface of the breast skin and nipples. Then, palpate your breasts with your arms raised, elbows bent, and hands behind your head. This palpation is to detect any lumps in the breasts and any pain that may occur when pressed.
Screening Routine screening is recommended every two years for women aged 50-74. Women at risk for breast cancer, for example due to a family history of breast cancer, can begin screening at age 40, as recommended by their doctor and depending on their condition.
Routine breast cancer screening can be performed with a mammogram or breast ultrasound. These exams can detect changes in the breast that may not be detectable on palpation.
These two methods are not meant to replace each other, but rather to complement each other. Consult your doctor to determine which examination method is appropriate for you. screening routine breast cancer screening.
