Home > Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders > Breast cancer

Definition

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. It often shows up as a breast lump, breast thickening, or skin change.

Description

The breasts are areas of tissue located on the front chest wall, and are essentially part of the skin. They are like "specialized sweat glands" in their structure and function, in that they can produce and secrete fluids, like milk. They are made of ductal tissue, supporting connective tissue, and fat. The breasts naturally drain fluid through the lymph channels to the axillary lymph nodes, located in the armpit areas. Within the breasts are intricate structures of ducts and lobules, which are channels and areas that create and transport milk during lactation.

Excluding skin cancers, breast...