Jim and Linda - 7- and 8-year survivors
"No one knows anyone who has male breast cancer."
"No one knows anyone who has male breast cancer."
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Benign vs. Malignant Disease
What is the difference between a benign and a malignant tumor?
To distinguish cancers from non-cancerous conditions, doctors look at both the behavior of the tumor within the breast and at the cells that compose the tumor. They examine the cells under the microscope to see if the cells have certain abnormal characteristics. They also examine the entire tumor and the surrounding tissue to determine if the cells have invaded the surrounding structures or spread to other sites. Most of the information needed to distinguish cancer from non-cancerous tumors is obtained from a biopsy, the procedure in which the doctor surgically removes cells or tissue for the pathologist to examine.
Next: Breast Biopsy.
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