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Our human body is made up of billions of cells. Each cell reproduces by division (cell division) and this process normally occurs in an orderly manner. If the cells divide in an uncontrolled manner and invade the surrounding tissues, a cancer or malignant lump is formed.
Breast cancer usually originates from the cells lining the milk ducts and glands. Ductal cancers (i.e. arising from the ducts) are more common than lobular cancers (i.e. arising from the lobules). At this early period of cancer growth, the malignant cells are confined within the milk ducts and glands and have not invaded into the surrounding tissue known as the stroma. When breast cancer is detected at this stage known as non-invasive or in-situ cancer, treatment is easier and patients live longer.
However, when cancer cells have broken out of the milk ducts and lobules and invaded the surrounding stroma, the cancer is called an invasive cancer. In the stroma are found blood and lymphatic vessels. Hence an invasive cancer can gain entry into the lymphatic system and spread to the lymph glands (called nodes) in the armpit. Likewise, the cancer cells can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs in the body. When these cells reach a new site, they may form a new tumour, often referred to as a secondary or a metastasis. The organs most commonly affected are the lungs, bones and liver. In this advanced stage breast cancer is usually incurable and patients may only have months to live.
What is the Lymphatic System?
This system is made up of channels known as ducts which run alongside blood vessels and to help to drain fluid from the body back into the blood circulation. An important function of the lymphatic system is the protection of the body against foreign invasion e.g. bacteria or other micro-organism. These foreign bodies are destroyed in lymphatic glands (called lymph nodes) which are situated in certain parts of the body such as the neck, armpits and groin. |
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