Pathophysiology Progressive Condition and End-of-Life Debate Research Paper

Pathophysiology Progressive Condition and End-of-Life Debate - Research Paper Example This essay first traces the breast cancer as one of the most common cancers causing almost 7% of all cancer deaths and 2% of all deaths in the United States. Many people believe breast cancer affects only the breast tissue until the unfortunate situation of metastasis. There are many cases in which breast cancer and metastasis can affect a number of other systems, including the brain, liver and bone tissues. One of the most common signs of breast cancer is a lump in the breast, although other changes in the breast tissue such as thickening, changes in colour and swelling are also reported. The breast can also show signs of pain, although breast pain is common in women and should not be confused with breast cancer. As the disease progresses and metastasizes, a number of other symptoms can be seen. For bone metastases, the patient can expect to feel bone pain. Other symptoms of bone metastases include breakages in the bone due to weakened bone tissue and hypercalcemia, which would be p icked up by routine examination. Breast carcinomas can also metastasize to the brain. The signs of a secondary brain tumour are numerous, and include consistent headache, changes in vision, seizures, stroke or brain haemorrhage, changes in mental status, difficulty with speech or other everyday actions, confusion, loss of control, uncontrolled bladder or bowel movements, back pain, more generalized pain, weakness, vomiting and nausea, double vision, slurred speech, and anxiety. (Gavrilovic & Posner, 2005). Finally, breast cancer can also metastasize to the liver. Signs that this has occurred include anorexia, confusion, fevers, nausea and weight loss (Yarbro, Wujcik & Gobel, 2011). Pathophysiological Causes of Breast Cancer All cancers have similar mechanisms in the way that they develop. All cancers are genetic in that a mutation or