In a perfect world, we'd get prior warning when breast cancer was about to occur. An alarm would sound, a red flag would wave or we'd receive a letter in the mail. But the real world, unfortunately, isn't quite so thoughtful.
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.
Of course, most breast lumps are not cancerous. But it is still imperative to immediately have the lump examined by a doctor.
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.
Although rarely a symptom of cancer, discharge from the breast is a common problem. There is greater concern, however, if the discharge is bloody, or occurs in only one breast. A doctor should assess any occurrence of breast discharge. It is also very common for nipples to become inverted; however if this is a sudden occurrence it should be discussed with your doctor.
Swelling or redness in the breast may be an indication of an infection present in the breast tissue. Any infections, regardless of the type or cause, should be treated promptly. See your doctor right away if you notice redness, swelling or severe pain in your breast, in your armpit, or under your shoulder.
Changes to the skin, such as puckering or changes in texture, or redness, can also appear when breast cancer is present. Other diseases may also cause any of these effects, but it is important to rule out breast cancer by consulting with a doctor.
It can take months or years for breast cancer to develop. But once it is diagnosed, it is very important to begin treatment as soon as possible. The goal is to treat the cancer before it goes through metastastic spread and affects other parts of the body.
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.
Other ways to detect abnormalities include ultrasolography and manual examinations. A proper physical examination includes visual inspection as well as palpitation or gentle pressure. The exam should also look at the armpits and the collarbone area. You can learn to do this yourself, or your healthcare provider can do it for you. He or she will palpate for a thickening of the skin or a lump in the breast area. Finally, the only really definitive method to diagnose breast cancer is to test the cells themselves. This is done through a biopsy, in which a tiny piece of the tissue or lump is removed and examined in a laboratory.
All women must be made aware of the most common breast cancer symptoms:
* A lump or lumps under the arm, in the breast, or above the collarbone that persists for more than a week
* Nipple discharge
* Changes to the nipples, such as inversion
* Changes on the breast's skin surface
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.
Of course, most breast lumps are not cancerous. But it is still imperative to immediately have the lump examined by a doctor.
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.
Although rarely a symptom of cancer, discharge from the breast is a common problem. There is greater concern, however, if the discharge is bloody, or occurs in only one breast. A doctor should assess any occurrence of breast discharge. It is also very common for nipples to become inverted; however if this is a sudden occurrence it should be discussed with your doctor.
Swelling or redness in the breast may be an indication of an infection present in the breast tissue. Any infections, regardless of the type or cause, should be treated promptly. See your doctor right away if you notice redness, swelling or severe pain in your breast, in your armpit, or under your shoulder.
Changes to the skin, such as puckering or changes in texture, or redness, can also appear when breast cancer is present. Other diseases may also cause any of these effects, but it is important to rule out breast cancer by consulting with a doctor.
It can take months or years for breast cancer to develop. But once it is diagnosed, it is very important to begin treatment as soon as possible. The goal is to treat the cancer before it goes through metastastic spread and affects other parts of the body.
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.
Other ways to detect abnormalities include ultrasolography and manual examinations. A proper physical examination includes visual inspection as well as palpitation or gentle pressure. The exam should also look at the armpits and the collarbone area. You can learn to do this yourself, or your healthcare provider can do it for you. He or she will palpate for a thickening of the skin or a lump in the breast area. Finally, the only really definitive method to diagnose breast cancer is to test the cells themselves. This is done through a biopsy, in which a tiny piece of the tissue or lump is removed and examined in a laboratory.
All women must be made aware of the most common breast cancer symptoms:
* A lump or lumps under the arm, in the breast, or above the collarbone that persists for more than a week
* Nipple discharge
* Changes to the nipples, such as inversion
* Changes on the breast's skin surface
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.
By: Mabel Dugmore
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