About Stage 1 Breast Cancer

Overview

Breast cancer occurs when normal cells divide and multiply in an abnormal manner in the breast tissues. When the cancer cells gather together over time, they begin to form a tumor; this is called a malignancy. Performing a monthly self-exam of your breasts is the best way to initially detect a lump in the breast. If a lump or area is suspicious, your physician will conduct additional tests to make a proper diagnosis. If detected early, this is considered the beginning stage of breast cancer, or a stage 1. Breast cancer is staged in four stages ranging from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most advanced or widespread.

Signs and Symptoms

With stage 1 breast cancer, the main sign is a change in the shape or form of the breast. One of the most prominent signs is a lump or tumor in or around the breast area. The lump doesn't have to be prominent. If there is an area of skin that is thickened or tender, this could also be a sign of breast cancer. Nipple changes that point inward, dent in or appear suddenly asymmetrical could also be a sign. Breasts that are swollen, red, irritated or pitted should be immediately evaluated by a medical doctor.

Diagnosis

It is important if you notice signs of breast cancer that you see your family doctor or gynecologist immediately. This doctor will make a medical referral if necessary to a specialist or an oncologist. She may also schedule a series of tests to determine if it is cancer and which stage or progression the cancer has reached. Tests may include a PET scan, mammogram, CT scan, chest X-ray, molecular breast imaging, blood cell count, bone scan, blood marker test and a biopsy. All of these tests may be conducted before or after you reach your first appointment with your oncologist. Having these tests complete will give the physician a good indication of the area or tissue in question, and she will be able to make a proper diagnosis and accurately stage the malignancy.

Staging

Staging is an important process in the breast cancer diagnosis. The stage is a number generally ranging from 1 to 4, or I to IV, that determines treatment and life expectancy with a cancer diagnosis. Stage 1 is the earliest stage of a malignancy. This means that all of the cancer cells are contained in a localized area within the breast. There are other factors that oncologists may consider in a stage, such as palpable lymph nodes and the size of the tumor if one is present. If the cancer does not minimize or completely diminish after treatment, it could spread or metastasize. This means the stage could increase and the chance of survival diminishes.

Prognosis

The prognosis or survival rate for a stage 1 breast cancer patient is very good. According to the Imaginis Women's Health Resource website, patients have a 100 percent 5-year survival rate. This means they are most likely to live 5 years past the initial diagnosis. These are only statistics, and this does not mean patients don't face the risk of recurrence or complications during treatment.

Treatment

There are several ways to treat stage 1 breast cancer. Very rarely is a mastectomy involved with a stage 1 patient. If the tumor is aggressive and appears to be spreading or invading the nearby blood vessels, lymph nodes or tissue, a lumpectomy or possible partial mastectomy may be suggested. Any removal is often followed up by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormonal therapy to reduce the tumor and kill the remaining cancer cells.