Description

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer occurs due to changes called mutations in genes that regulate cell growth. The mutations allow cells to divide and multiply abnormally. Therefore cells producing copies that get progressively more abnormal. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.