MedicineNet

Breast Cancer Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Breast Cancer. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Breast Cancer or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Swollen Lymph Nodes Article
    • What are lymph nodes?
    • Where are the lymph nodes located in the body?
    • What are the causes of swollen lymph nodes?
    • What are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes?
    • How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?
    • How are swollen lymph nodes treated?
    • When should I see the doctor for swollen lymph nodes?
    • What are the common lymph nodes that may get swollen?
    • What are the complications of swollen lymph nodes?
    • Swollen Lymph Nodes At A Glance
  • Bone Cancer In the U.S., more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer every year. There are many types of bone cancer. The most...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bone Cancer Article
    • Bone cancer facts
    • What are bones for?
    • What is cancer?
    • What causes bone cancer?
    • What are bone cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is bone cancer diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for bone cancer?
    • What are the side effects of treatment for bone cancer?
    • What does the future hold for patients with bone cancer?
    • Can bone cancer be prevented?
  • Lupus Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease....learn more »
    In This Article
    Lupus Article
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus facts
    • What is systemic lupus erythematosus? What are the types of lupus?
    • What causes systemic lupus erythematosus? Is lupus hereditary?
    • What is drug-induced lupus?
    • What are lupus symptoms and signs?
    • How is systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for systemic lupus?
    • How can a lupus patient help prevent disease activity (flares)?
    • How can systemic lupus erythematosus affect pregnancy or the newborn?
    • What does the future hold for people with systemic lupus?
    • Where can one get more information about systemic lupus erythematosus?
  • Fibrocystic Breast Condition Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) is characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fibrocystic Breast Condition Article
    • What are fibrocystic breasts?
    • Is there a difference between fibrocystic breast condition and fibrocystic breast disease?
    • What causes fibrocystic breasts?
    • Which women are more likely to develop fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Can fibrocystic breast condition affect just one breast?
    • Why is it important to diagnosis fibrocystic breasts?
    • How is fibrocystic breast condition diagnosed?
    • Is there more than one type of fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Why can fibrocystic breast condition be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
    • Why don't all women with fibrocystic breast condition have breast biopsies?
    • What is the recommended follow-up for women with fibrocystic breast condition?
    • How is the risk of breast cancer in fibrocystic breast condition patients calculated?
    • What are the treatments for fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Are there any dietary or life style factors associated with fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Fibrocystic Breast condition At A Glance
  • Cancer Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cancer Article
    • What is cancer?
    • What causes cancer?
    • What are cancer symptoms and signs?
    • What are the different types of cancer?
    • How is cancer diagnosed?
    • How is cancer staging determined?
    • What is the treatment for cancer?
    • What is the prognosis for cancer?
    • Can cancer be prevented?
    • Where can people find more information about cancer?
    • Cancer At A Glance
  • Pleurisy (Pleuritis) Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining around the lungs, is associated with sharp chest pain upon breathing in. Cough, chest...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pleurisy (Pleuritis) Article
    • What is pleurisy?
    • What causes pleurisy?
    • How does the pleura work?
    • What are the symptoms of pleurisy?
    • How is pleurisy diagnosed?
    • How is pleurisy treated?
    • Can pleurisy be prevented?
    • Pleurisy At A Glance
  • Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion is an excess fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. There are two classifications of causes of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pleural Effusion Article
    • What is pleural effusion?
    • What causes pleural effusion?
    • What are the risk factors for pleural effusion?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of pleural effusion?
    • When should I seek medical care for pleural effusion?
    • How is pleural effusion diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for pleural effusion?
    • What are the complications of pleural effusion?
    • Can pleural effusion be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for pleural effusion?
    • Pleural Effusion At A Glance
  • Breast Lumps (In Women) Breast lumps in women can have a variety of causes such as breast inflammation, infection, injuries, cancer, and non-cancerous...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Lumps (In Women) Article
    • What are causes of breast lumps?
    • Infections that cause breast lumps
    • Injuries that cause breast lumps
    • Non-cancerous growths that cause breast lumps
    • Symptoms of breast cancer
    • What determines breast cancer risk?
    • How are breast lumps evaluated?
    • How can a woman be certain that a lump is not cancer?
    • How are breast lumps treated?
    • Breast Lumps At A Glance
  • Male Breast Cancer Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all breast cancers, and most cases are found in men between the ages of 60 and 70. A man's...learn more »
    In This Article
    Male Breast Cancer Article
    • What is male breast cancer?
    • How common is male breast cancer?
    • What are causes and risk factors of male breast cancer?
    • What are the different types of male breast cancer?
    • What are male breast cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is male breast cancer diagnosed?
    • What is staging of male breast cancer?
    • What is the treatment for male breast cancer?
    • What is the outcome (prognosis) of male breast cancer?
    • Male Breast Cancer At A Glance
  • Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels) Hypercalcemia is a condition in which calcium levels in the blood are elevated. Hypercalcemia is associated with other conditions...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels) Article
    • Hypercalcemia Introduction
    • What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?
    • How is hypercalcemia diagnosed?
    • How is hypercalcemia treated?
    • What is the prognosis for hypercalcemia?
    • Can hypercalcemia be prevented?
    • Hypercalcemia At A Glance
    • Related hypercalcemia article:
      Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels) - on eMedicineHealth
  • Breast The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Article
    • What is the breast?
    • How is the mammary gland designed?
    • How are human breasts different from those of other primates?
    • What happens to the breasts in pregnancy?
    • What is the function of the nipples and surrounding pigmented tissue?
    • What are other internal features of the breast?
    • What are cosmetic aspects of the breast?
    • How does breast tissue develop in the fetus?
    • What are the most common medical concerns about the breast?
  • Phlebitis Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is when a blood clot causes the inflammation. Phlebitis can be...learn more »
    In This Article
    Phlebitis Article
    • What is phlebitis and thrombophlebitis?
    • What causes phlebitis?
    • What are the risk factors for phlebitis?
    • What are the symptoms of phlebitis?
    • How is phlebitis diagnosed?
    • How is phlebitis treated?
    • What are the complications of phlebitis?
    • Can phlebitis be prevented?
    • Phlebitis At A Glance
  • Lymphedema Lymphedema is a condition in which one or more extremities become swollen as the result of an impaired flow of the lymphatic...learn more »
    In This Article
    Lymphedema Article
    • What is lymphedema?
    • What causes lymphedema?
    • What are the symptoms of lymphedema?
    • How is lymphedema diagnosed?
    • What are possible treatments for lymphedema?
    • What are complications of lymphedema?
    • Can lymphedema be prevented?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for lymphedema?
    • Where can I get help and support for lymphedema?
    • Lymphedema At A Glance
    • Related lymphedema article:
      Lymphedema - on eMedicineHealth
  • Paget's Disease of the Nipple Paget's disease is a rare form of cancer that forms in or around the nipple and frequently coexists with breast cancer. The exact...learn more »
    In This Article
    Paget's Disease of the Nipple Article
    • What is Paget's disease of the nipple?
    • What are the possible causes of Paget's disease of the nipple?
    • What are the symptoms of Paget's disease of the nipple?
    • How is Paget's disease of the nipple diagnosed?
    • How is Paget's disease of the nipple treated?
    • Are clinical trials (research studies) available? Where can people get more information about clinical trials?
  • Women's Health Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Women's Health Article
    • Introduction to Women's Health
    • Women's General Health and Wellness
    • Female Anatomy
    • The Female Reproductive System
    • Female Hormones
    • Diseases More Common In Women
    • Cancer In Women
    • Women's Cosmetic Concerns
    • Menstruation
    • Sexuality
    • Fertility, Birth Control and Infertility
    • Pregnancy
    • Motherhood
    • Menopause
    • The Mature Woman - Post Menopause
  • Breast Cancer Second Source article from Government...learn more »
  • Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Lymphedema is a common chronic, debilitating condition in which excess fluid called lymph collects in tissues and causes swelling...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Article
    • What is lymphedema?
    • Who is at risk for developing lymphedema?
    • What happens after my breast cancer surgery?
    • What are lymphedema symptoms and signs?
    • How is lymphedema diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for lymphedema?
    • How can I help prevent lymphedema?
    • Maintain good nutrition
    • Exercise regularly
    • Avoid infections
    • Stay alert for signs of infections
    • Avoid tight clothing, shoes, or jewelry
    • Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm (even a purse or bag)
    • Keep your skin meticulously clean
    • Take precautions during visits to your doctor
    • Inform your doctor of any symptoms
    • What can I do if I already have lymphedema?
    • What is the prognosis for lymphedema?
  • Breast Cancer in Men Second Source article from The Cleveland Clinic...learn more »
  • Senior Sex Enjoying a satisfying sex life as we age is important to both physical and mental health. As we age, diseases and conditions may...learn more »
    In This Article
    Senior Sex Article
    • Introduction to senior sex
    • What are the normal physical changes with age?
    • What causes sexual problems as we age?
    • What else may cause sexuality problems?
    • Am I too old to worry about safe sex?
    • Can emotions play a part?
    • What can I do to have an active sex life as I age?
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound....learn more »
    In This Article
    Inflammatory Breast Cancer Article
    • What are inflammatory breast cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for inflammatory breast cancer?
  • Breast Cancer Prevention Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer Prevention Article
    • Introduction to breast cancer prevention
    • What are the biological causes of breast cancer?
    • What are the risk factors for developing breast cancer?
    • What is the importance of early breast cancer detection?
    • What are the advantages and limitations of mammography?
    • How frequently should women undergo mammography and breast examinations?
    • What is the risk of radiation with repeated mammography screening over the years?
    • Are there any controversies in the area of breast cancer screening?
    • How helpful are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic tests in identifying women at risk?
    • What is the link between estrogen and breast cancer?
    • What are breast cancer prevention treatments?
    • Are there other breast cancer prevention measures?
    • Conclusion
  • Breast Cancer in Young Women About 5% of cases of breast cancer occur in women under the age of 40 years old. Some risk factors for breast cancer in young...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer in Young Women Article
    • Introduction
    • What is different about breast cancer in young women?
    • Can breast cancer in younger women be prevented?
    • Should women under age 40 get mammograms?
    • What's the best way for younger women to screen for breast cancer?
    • How is breast cancer treated in young women?
  • Cancer Fatigue Cancer fatigue is a lack of energy that is caused by cancer or cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, biological...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cancer Fatigue Article
    • Introduction to cancer fatigue
    • What causes cancer-related fatigue?
    • What other factors contribute to fatigue?
    • What can I do to combat fatigue?
    • How does nutrition impact energy level?
    • How does exercise impact energy level?
    • How can I manage my stress?
    • When should I call my doctor?
  • Breast Cancer Recurrence Breast cancer most often recurs within the first three to five years after the initial treatment. Changes in the look, feel, or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer Recurrence Article
    • Introduction to breast cancer recurrence
    • How do I know there is a recurrence of breast cancer?
    • What factors determine the likelihood of a cancer recurrence?
    • How will my prognosis affect my treatment?
    • How would a recurrence be treated?
  • Cancer Pain Cancer pain results from the tumor pressing on nerves or invading bones or organs. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cancer Pain Article
    • What causes cancer pain?
    • What are the symptoms of cancer pain?
    • What medicines are used to treat cancer pain?
    • How else can cancer pain be treated?
  • Disease Prevention in Women Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Disease Prevention in Women Article
    • Disease prevention in women overview
    • Osteoporosis
    • Breast cancer
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Cancer of the cervix
    • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
    • Hypercholesterolemia (hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia)
    • Type II diabetes mellitus
    • Cancer of colon and rectum / polyps of colon and rectum
    • Bladder cancer
    • Glaucoma
    • Melanoma and other skin cancers
  • Breast Cancer and Coping With Stress Being diagnosed with breast cancer is stressful. Learning relaxation techniques, exercising, eating well, getting adequate sleep,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer and Coping With Stress Article
    • What Causes Stress Among Breast Cancer Patients?
    • How Can I Reduce Stress?
    • How Can I Learn To Relax?
    • What Are Some Effective Relaxation Exercises?
    • How Do I Keep Track Of My Medical Information?
    • What Types Of Help Are Available?
    • What If I Become Unable To Make Decisions About My Health Care?
    • Should I Write A Will?
    • What Should Family Members And Friends Keep In Mind?
  • Estimating Breast Cancer Risk: Questions and Answers As breast cancer is the most diagnosed non-skin cancer in American women, it is important to know your breast cancer risk. Risk...learn more »
    In This Article
    Estimating Breast Cancer Risk: Questions and Answers Article
    • Who develops breast cancer?
    • What is the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool?
    • What are the risk factors used to estimate breast cancer risk in the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool?
    • Why are some other risk factors left out of the Tool?
    • Is the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool useful for all women?
    • What are some of the latest research findings on breast cancer risk?
    • Are there ways to decrease the chance of developing breast cancer?
    • How did BCPT and STAR use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to add to our knowledge of breast cancer risk?
    • What else can a woman do about breast cancer?
  • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy Breast cancer occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 pregnant women. Treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy involves surgery, but...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer During Pregnancy Article
    • Introduction
    • How is breast cancer diagnosed in pregnant women?
    • What if I do have cancer? Will I have to lose my baby?
    • Can I breastfeed my baby if I have breast cancer?
    • I had breast cancer, but I have been successfully treated for it. Is it OK for me to get pregnant? Will this harm either me or my baby?
  • Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Breast cancer clinical trials are research programs designed to evaluate new medical treatments, drugs, or devices for the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Article
    • What Is a Clinical Trial?
    • What Are the Different Types of Breast Cancer Clinical Trials?
    • What Are the Advantages of Participating in a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial?
    • What Are the Disadvantages of Participating in a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial?
    • Who Looks Out For Me if I Decide to Enroll in Breast Cancer Clinical Trial?
    • What Happens if I Join a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial?
    • Who Can Participate In a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial?
    • What Is it Like To Participate in a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial?
    • Important Questions to Ask Before Taking Part in a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial