Breast Cancer in the Armpit

Clinical Trial CANCER AWARENESS & EDUCATION

December 3, 2024 / Tobiloba

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The term “Breast Cancer in the Armpit” describes the spread of cancerous cells from the breast to the lymph nodes located in the armpit which are also known as Axillary Lymph Nodes.

Breast cancer starts when breast cells begin to develop abnormally. A mass known as a tumor may develop from these cells. Malignant (cancerous) tumors have the ability to spread to other parts of the body by invading neighboring tissues, however some tumors are benign (non-cancerous).
Although there are other forms of breast cancer, the following are the most common:

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is one type of cancer that begins in the milk ducts and spreads to other tissues.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) : The milk-producing glands (lobules) are where Invasive starts.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): This is a more aggressive type of breast cancer that doesn’t respond to hormone therapy.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: This involves the overproduction of the HER2 protein, which encourages the growth of cancer.

What Are Lymph Nodes, and Why Are They Important?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid— a clear substance that carries waste materials and immune cells through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is essential for preventing infections and ensnaring dangerous materials, such as cancerous cells.

The axillary lymph nodes are located in the armpit which are categorized into three levels according to their location:

Level I: Closest to the breast.
Level II: Located in the centre of the armpit.
Level III: Near the collarbone.

The spread of breast cancer to these lymph nodes indicates that the cancer is progressing, which affects the choice of staging and treatment.

How Breast Cancer Spread to the Armpit

There are two main ways that breast cancer can move to the axillary lymph nodes:

Direct Spread: Cancer cells infiltrate nearby tissues, such as the armpit lymph nodes.
Lymphatic Spread: Cancer cells reach the axillary lymph nodes after entering the lymphatic vessels.

It is critical to assess the degree of lymph node involvement since the presence of cancer cells in these nodes indicates that the cancer may have begun to spread to other areas of the body.

Signs of Breast Cancer in the Armpit

You might notice the following symptoms if breast cancer has progressed to the armpit:

Armpit Swelling or Lump: One of the most typical symptoms is a hard, painless lump beneath the skin in the armpit region.
Hand or Arm Swelling: Cancer can cause fluid accumulation and swelling (lymphedema) if it clogs the lymph nodes.
Pain or Tenderness: The armpit may feel uncomfortable or painful due to the lump or swelling.
Changes in Skin Texture: The skin surrounding the lump may turn red, swell, or take on a dimpled look that is frequently compared to an orange peel.
Breast Changes: In certain situations, lymph node involvement may be accompanied with breast alterations, such as nipple discharge, redness, or changes in size and shape.

Diagnosis: How Do Doctors Check for It?

Doctors employ a number of techniques to determine whether breast cancer has progressed to the lymph nodes:
There are multiple steps involved in diagnosing breast cancer in the armpit, which aid in assessing the disease’s severity and directing treatment.

Physical Examination: During a clinical breast exam, a physician will feel for breast and armpit lumps.
Imaging Tests:
- Mammogram: This is an X-ray of the breast used to find abnormalities or tumors.
- Ultrasound: This method helps detect lumps by producing images of the breast and armpit using sound waves.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This provides detailed image of the breast and surrounding tissues.

Biopsy: In the event that a lump is discovered, a sample of tissue is taken during a biopsy and viewed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: To determine whether cancer has spread, surgeons remove the first few lymph nodes, or sentinel nodes, during surgery.
Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Additional lymph nodes may be taken for additional examination if malignancy is discovered in the sentinel nodes.

Why Lymph Node Involvement is Important

The involvement of lymph nodes is essential in establishing the stage of breast cancer, which influences the prognosis and available treatments. Finding cancer in the lymph nodes indicates that the disease has begun to spread, which may have an impact on the cancer’s stage. Doctors use staging to determine the best course of treatment.

• If there is no involvement of lymph nodes (Stage I or II), the cancer is probably limited to the breast.
Lymph node involvement (Stage II or III): Cancer may be spreading, requiring more aggressive treatment.
Distant spread (Stage IV): Cancer has moved to other parts of the body.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on number of lymph nodes affected and if the cancer has spread further. Typical treatments include:

Surgery During a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) or mastectomy (removal of the breast), malignant lymph nodes are removed.
Radiation Therapy: Kills any cancer cells that remain by targeting cancer cells in the breast and lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy: Kills cancer cells all across the body with medications.
Hormone Therapy: Prevents the growth of cancer by blocking hormones like estrogen.
Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs to attack particular cancer cell markers.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The prognosis depends on the number of lymph nodes affected and whether the cancer has progressed to other organs The prognosis for breast cancer is usually favorable if it is identified early and treated well. Over 90% of people with localized breast cancer survive for five years, but if the cancer spreads outside of the lymph nodes, the survival percentage drops.

Variables that influence prognosis include:

Tumor Size
Number of Affected Lymph Nodes
Hormone Receptor Status
HER2 Status
General Health and Age

Conclusion

Although the development of breast cancer in the armpit indicates that the disease is progressing, results can still be favorable with prompt diagnosis and efficient treatment. In order to manage and conquer breast cancer, it is essential to comprehend the function of lymph nodes, identify symptoms, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Being proactive and knowledgeable about your health can have a big impact on successful treatment and early detection.