About Colloid Breast Cancer Treatment

Colloid cancer is rare and invasive. It is also known by its scientific name, Mucinous Carcinoma, and forms a jelly like tumor. Cancer cells in the breast produce mucus that carries the cells, forming the tumor.  Tests such as mammograms, breast ultrasounds and surgical biopsies are performed to detect the disease and treatment will vary.

Lumpectomy

A minimally invasive procedure, a lumpectomy is a breast-saving technique used to fight the cancer. The tumor is removed along with a margin of surrounding breast tissue. The surgeon uses the mammogram and ultrasound results, along with touch, to make sure the tumor are removed. The surgeon will take the time during the procedure to remove all lumps, bits or tentacles of the tumor as these may cause the tumor to recur.

Mastectomy

There are two types of mastectomy. A modified radical mastectomy removes the nipple, areola, breast skin and tissue. The lymph nodes near the armpit region are also removed and tested for cancer. A total or Halstead mastectomy removes the same, but also removes the chest wall muscle located underneath the breast tissue.

Radiation

After the cancer has been removed surgically, high energy radiation beams are directed at the affected breast area where the cancer was removed. Cancer cells divide more quickly than healthy cells and they are very much disorganized. For this reason, radiation is effective at killing any remaining cancerous cells. Radiation can be delivered externally or internally. External radiation is the most common method and is administered over a period of five to seven weeks. Internal radiation is also known as brachytheraphy and is performed at the end of the external eradiation cycle. Seeds of radioactive material are placed into the area where the tumor was removed and work on any surrounding cancer cells.