Breast Cancer

In this lecture, Professor Zach Murphy presents a comprehensive overview of breast cancer, one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. This high-yield session explores the essential clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and treatment strategies for breast cancer, tying in key anatomy and histologic correlations throughout.

We begin by examining risk factors, including age, family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), estrogen exposure, and lifestyle factors. Then, we explore the pathogenesis of breast cancer, focusing on how mutations and hormonal signaling contribute to the malignant transformation of breast tissue.

Zach reviews the clinical presentation, highlighting common findings such as breast masses, nipple retraction, skin dimpling, and axillary lymphadenopathy. The lecture also covers the role of screening and diagnostic tools, including mammography, ultrasound, core needle biopsy, and histopathologic subtypes (e.g., ductal vs. lobular carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinomas).

The session concludes with a discussion on staging, prognostic markers (ER, PR, and HER2 status), and treatment options, such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies like trastuzumab.

Enjoy the lecture and support us below!

Table of Contents:
0:00 Lab
0:32 Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer
1:02:00 Classic Findings of Breast Cancer
1:07:27 Complications of Breast Cancer
1:18:56 Diagnostic Approach to Breast Cancer
1:37:27 Treatment Approach to Breast Cancer
2:01:55 Comment, Like, SUBSCRIBE!