PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF BREAST CANCER

Predisposing Precipitating
Factors: Factors:
Age UNKNO Poor diet
Gender Inadequate
Genetic Exercise
predisposition
Carcinogen damages the DNA of cells
which causes changes in the structure
and function of the cell.

Active oncogene/
deactivate tumor-

Increase in number of
breast cells
(Hyperplasia)

Emergence of atypical
breast cells
(Atypical Hyperplasia)

Formation of Carcinoma
in Situ

Signs and (DCIS) (LCIS) Signs and

Symptoms: -uncontrolled growth -abnormal changes in Symptoms:
Palpable mass(rare) of cells that are the cells that line the Usually bilateral
Pathologic nipple confined to the milk-producing lobules multiple lesions
discharge breast duct Diagnostic
Diagnostic Procedures:
Mammography and
Malignant
transformation of breast
cells
Signs and
Symptoms: Malignant
Hard and firm transformation of breast
palpable mass cells
Skin and nipple
 Cancer cells metastasized, If Diagnostic
penetrating the ductal wall and Treated Procedures:
invades surrounding breast tissue Mastectomy

Malignant cells spreads Malignant cells spreads

through the lymphatic through the blood
system vessels
Signs and
Symptoms:
Leads to chronic Wellness and
Enlarged palpable
Lymph nodes abnormal enlargement return to
Diagnostic of the lymph nodes normal
Procedures: (Lymphadenopathy)

LUNGS Malignant cells spreads LIVER Diagnostic Test:

through the different Ultrasonography
organs of the body Signs and
Mediastinal Symptoms:
lymphadenopat Extra cells
Signs and cause the
Symptoms:
cough, wheezes, Bronchial/trache
respiratory tract al obstruction
obstruction
BRAIN BONES
Signs and Esophageal bleeding
Symptoms: compression

Signs and Erosion of node

Symptoms: into a bronchus/
Signs and
Symptoms:
Hypovolemi Hypotension
Severe c shock tachypnea
Diagnostic Test: hypoxia
MRI BRAIN BONES Uncontrolled Signs and
Treatment: Symptoms:
proliferation of
Intrathecal
chemotherapy lymphoblast in the
Signs and bone marrow
Symptoms:
h/a, weakness,
 Lymphoblast Diagnostic Test:
replace the normal Bone marrow

Signs and leukocyte cells

Symptoms: impairs the Diagnostic Decreased Signs and
Test: production of Symptoms:
presence of
petechiae
Signs and Signs and
Symptoms: Leukopenia bruise & bleed
Symptoms: (↓4.36 x 10 easily
cranial nerve Fever
palsies leukocyte cells 9
/L) anemia
compresses Chills fatigue
confusional states seizure
optic neuropathy spinal/ cranial Infection
nerves

Progress to Septicemi
Severe Hypovolemic

DEATH