The doubling time of breast cancer cells ranges from several weeks, in a rapidly growing lesion , to nearly an year , in a slowly growing one. The second one is in the moment of breast involution, the perimenopause, when an epithelial tissue atrophy must occur. It is believed that a hormonal imbalance on these periods could alter the dynamics of the organ, stimulating proliferative activity and promoting tumor growth. In this phase, breast can also be influenced by inhibitor factors, just like pregnancy. Such protection is related to placental hormones like chorionic gonadotropin and estriol.
Host defenses try to block the evolution of the process, specially through natural killer cells.
We have also biomodulators , like TGF- , trying to inhibit the development of malignant cells. Without therapeutic measures , however, invasive cancer metastasizes, involving more commonly bones, lungs and liver. Evaluate its consistence , mobility, growth, changes with menstrual cycle, and if it is painless or not . Remember some medications can cause nipple discharge, such as contraceptives and reserpine. Physical Examination - Inspection of the breast is the first step in physical examination and should be carried out with the patient sitting, arms at sides and then overhead.