Breast cancer has a nasty habit of remaining hidden. We do not get much of an alarm bell or a warning flag in advance of it emerging.
Early breast cancer does not reveal outward symptoms of its presence. No warnings and likely no pain. The only method for detecting breast cancer in its early stage is to find a lump or other abnormality. Most of the time this comes about from a breast self-examination, or from a regular mammogram test.
Most lumps in breasts are not cancerous. But if you do find one, it is very important to have your doctor examine it as soon as possible.
Some women find that breast cancer is indicated by a bump above the collarbone or under the arm. This bump might be persistent, and then other symptoms may appear. These can include changes to the skin and surface of the breast, as well as nipple inversion or discharge.
Discharge from the breast is quite common and is rarely a symptom of cancer. However, if there is blood in the discharge, or if it happens in only one breast, then a physician would be more concerned. Nipple inversion is also very common, but if it occurs suddenly, it should also be brought to the attention of your doctor.
If you notice swelling or redness of the breast, this might indicate an infection of the tissue. Quick treatment is advised for any type of infection. Similarly, if you find strong pain, redness, or swelling in your shoulder, armpit, or breast, seek the advice of your health care provider. Breast cancer is most easily treated when it is detected early.
Sometime a change in skin, such as textural changes or puckering, can appear alongside breast cancer. Of course, many other diseases can also cause these effects, so it is valuable to eliminate the possibility of breast cancer by having an exam by a doctor.
Breast cancer can slowly develop over months or years. However, once it is clearly diagnosed, it is crucial to start treatment as soon as practicable. Breast cancer can metastasize and thus spread throughout the body, and the goal is to begin treatment before this has a chance to happen.
Mammogram tests can often detect the earliest signs of breast cancer. Once per year women over 40 should have this test done, which involves an electronic scan of the breast tissue. If anything abnormal is found, don't panic; rather, set up an appointment immediately with your doctor to do further evaluation, and perhaps to set your mind at ease.
In addition to a mammogram, manual examination and ultrasolography may also be used to detect abnormalities. A complete physical examination of the breast includes a visual inspection and palpitation, including the armpits and areas around the collarbone. Your healthcare provider may palpate for a lump or feel for a thickening in the skin. A biopsy, where a piece of the lump or tissue is removed, is the only definite method to test the cells and provide a positive diagnosis.
All women must be made aware of the most common breast cancer symptoms:
* A lump under the arm, above the collarbone, or in the breast that remains for more than a week
* Nipple discharge
* Changes to the nipples, such as inversion
* Skin surface changes on the breast
If you notice any of these symptoms yourself, don't take a chance with your health. See your doctor right away to evaluate the possibility of breast cancer.
Early breast cancer does not reveal outward symptoms of its presence. No warnings and likely no pain. The only method for detecting breast cancer in its early stage is to find a lump or other abnormality. Most of the time this comes about from a breast self-examination, or from a regular mammogram test.
Most lumps in breasts are not cancerous. But if you do find one, it is very important to have your doctor examine it as soon as possible.
Some women find that breast cancer is indicated by a bump above the collarbone or under the arm. This bump might be persistent, and then other symptoms may appear. These can include changes to the skin and surface of the breast, as well as nipple inversion or discharge.
Discharge from the breast is quite common and is rarely a symptom of cancer. However, if there is blood in the discharge, or if it happens in only one breast, then a physician would be more concerned. Nipple inversion is also very common, but if it occurs suddenly, it should also be brought to the attention of your doctor.
If you notice swelling or redness of the breast, this might indicate an infection of the tissue. Quick treatment is advised for any type of infection. Similarly, if you find strong pain, redness, or swelling in your shoulder, armpit, or breast, seek the advice of your health care provider. Breast cancer is most easily treated when it is detected early.
Sometime a change in skin, such as textural changes or puckering, can appear alongside breast cancer. Of course, many other diseases can also cause these effects, so it is valuable to eliminate the possibility of breast cancer by having an exam by a doctor.
Breast cancer can slowly develop over months or years. However, once it is clearly diagnosed, it is crucial to start treatment as soon as practicable. Breast cancer can metastasize and thus spread throughout the body, and the goal is to begin treatment before this has a chance to happen.
Mammogram tests can often detect the earliest signs of breast cancer. Once per year women over 40 should have this test done, which involves an electronic scan of the breast tissue. If anything abnormal is found, don't panic; rather, set up an appointment immediately with your doctor to do further evaluation, and perhaps to set your mind at ease.
In addition to a mammogram, manual examination and ultrasolography may also be used to detect abnormalities. A complete physical examination of the breast includes a visual inspection and palpitation, including the armpits and areas around the collarbone. Your healthcare provider may palpate for a lump or feel for a thickening in the skin. A biopsy, where a piece of the lump or tissue is removed, is the only definite method to test the cells and provide a positive diagnosis.
All women must be made aware of the most common breast cancer symptoms:
* A lump under the arm, above the collarbone, or in the breast that remains for more than a week
* Nipple discharge
* Changes to the nipples, such as inversion
* Skin surface changes on the breast
If you notice any of these symptoms yourself, don't take a chance with your health. See your doctor right away to evaluate the possibility of breast cancer.
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