PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF BREAST CANCER

PREDISPOSING
FACTORS:
Genetics

Etiology
Unknown

Hormonal factors
Age

Somatic mutations in the DNA

Gender
Family history

PRECIPITATING
FACTORS:
Radiation exposure
Fat intake and Obesity
Alcohol use
Cigarette Smoking
Intake of Contraceptive
Pills

Activate oncogene / deactivate

tumor suppressor gene

Neoplasm formation in the breast

Primary tumor begins in the

breast

If treated:
-Surgery
-Chemotherapy
-Radiotherapy

If not treated

Tumor becomes invasive

Cancer cell
destroyed

Progressed beyond the breast to

regional lymph node.

Travel to other organ system

Compromise the functions of the

major organs

DEATH