Breast cancer affects the mammary glands and milk ducts in the breast. It is almost exclusive to women but in rare cases, men may also get affected by this. It is the most common cancer that affects women. Around 1.5 million people throughout the world are affected by breast cancer every year.

Although the condition is treatable, it is essential to understand the common treatments for breast cancer. The oncologist may determine the stage of cancer based on a few factors. Besides that, family medical history and other physical factors are also taken into consideration. A person’s life expectancy can be improved with such treatment procedures. If detected in the early stages, it is also possible to eliminate cancer permanently. However, there are chances of reoccurrence.

Different stages of the disease
Diagnostic tests can be used to determine the stages of breast cancer. These tests reveal the size of the tumor and its location. It may also reveal whether cancer has affected the lymph nodes or spread to other distant regions in the body. With this information, doctors can get an idea about the progress of the disease and may recommend common treatments for breast cancer. The stages of breast cancer are:

• Stage 0
  At this stage, the cancer is limited to the breast ducts and has not yet spread to the tissues surrounding the breast.
• Stage 1
  At this stage, cancer starts to spread out from its point of origin and starts to attack healthy tissues that surround the breast. However, the tumor is still small and cancer cells might be detected in the lymph nodes.
• Stage 2
  Cancer starts to spread further at this stage and the tumor starts growing rapidly. It may have affected up to three lymph nodes at this point.
• Stage 3
  At this stage, cancer has not yet affected other organs or bones but is significantly larger. Up to 10 lymph nodes may be located in your breast, underarm, and collarbone.
• Stage 4
  This is the final and most critical stage of breast cancer. Cancer spreads to other organs, including the liver, bones, lungs, and brain. Metastatic is the term used to describe this stage.

How breast cancer is diagnosed
The diagnosis of breast cancer involves a variety of techniques to detect the location and measure its severity. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may recommend a few tests. A diagnosis reveals the extent of the disease. The diagnostic techniques include:

• MRI scan
  This involves the use of a magnet and a computer. Images show the inside of the breast where the tumors are located.
• Ultrasound
  Here, images known as sonograms are formed with the help of sound waves.
• Mammogram
  This is like a detailed X-ray image of the breast.
• Biopsy
  This method involves the extraction of tissues affected by cancer. These tissues are then sent to a laboratory where they are tested for cancer.

Breast cancer diagnosis reveals details about what stage the cancer is in. Depending on the stage, you can expect to be fully cured or lessen the severity of the condition.