Symptoms of breast cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer varies widely – from lumps to swelling to skin changes – and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all. Symptoms similar to those of breast cancer may result from non-cancer diseases, such as an infection or a cyst.
Self-examination should be part of your monthly health care routine, and you must visit your doctor if you experience breast changes. If you are over 40 or at high risk for the disease, you also need a mammogram yearly physical examination by a doctor. The earlier breast cancer is found and the diagnosis, the better your chances of beating it.
The actual process of diagnosis can take weeks and include different types of tests. Waiting for results can feel like a lifetime. The uncertainty stinks. But once you understand your unique big picture, you can make better decisions. You and your doctor can formulate a treatment plan tailored to you.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
a breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
bloody discharge from the nipple
change in size or shape of a breast
changes in the skin on his chest, like the dimples
Inverted nipple
peeling or flaking of the skin of the nipple
redness or pitting of the skin on his chest, like the skin of an orange
Early diagnosis of cancer may mean that treatment is effective. Knowing that your breasts normally feel will help you to be aware of abnormal changes. Not all changes are a sign of breast cancer. Some women have cysts or thickening of breast tissue, which is normal.
Learn how your breasts look and feel. The look and feel of the breast may change at different times of the menstrual cycle. Milk-producing tissue in breast becomes active in the days before a period start and breasts in some women at this time feel tender and lumpy, especially under the armpits.
After a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), breasts usually show the same monthly differences until the time when the natural period would stop.
After menopause, activity in milk-producing tissue stops. Normal breasts feel soft, less firm and not lumpy.
the National Institute for Health Clinical excellence (Nice) recommends that the knowledge is within
know what is normal for you.
Look and feel your breasts.
Know what changes to look.
Report any changes without delay.
Attending routine breast screening if aged 50 years or more.
Changes in the breast
being aware of the following changes in your breast
changes in the structure or shape of the breast in particular caused by arm movements or by lifting the chest.
Changes in the look or feel of the skin, as the puck ring or dimples.
Discomfort or pain in one breast that is different than normal, especially when new and persistent.
Any new lumps, thickening or irregular areas in one breast or armpit which seem to be different across the chest and armpits.
Nipple discharge, new to you and not milky.
Bleeding from the nipple.
Moist, red areas on the nipple that is not easy to heal.
Any change of position of the nipple, such as pulled or pointing differently.
Or a rash around the nipple.