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In many patients, the first sign of a tumor is the appearance of a lump in the breast. However, the symptoms of breast cancer can be very different - from the appearance of lumps to some less obvious signs (for example, skin changes). Finding breast cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that there is a malignant tumor. However, in any case, these symptoms should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible.
In breast cancer, early detection of the disease and initiation of treatment are extremely important. Early stage breast cancer may have the best chance of being cured. If breast cancer has already spread to other organs (this stage is known as "advanced breast cancer"), early detection of the disease allows earlier discussion of the situation, an individualized plan, and potentially better treatment outcomes. When diagnosing breast cancer, time is a key factor. It is important to learn to recognize the symptoms so that you can take the necessary measures as early as possible.
Eight signs of breast cancer
1. Changes in the structure of the skin on or around the breast: wrinkling
This may indicate a lump inside the breast, which causes the ligaments (fibrous tissue) to shorten and the tissue / skin is pulled inward, causing the skin to become wrinkled and uneven.
2. Changes in the structure of the skin on or around the mammary gland: the appearance of depressions
The appearance of depressions in the skin may indicate a blockage in the lymphatic vessels (these are small vessels in the mammary gland that help remove waste products from the body). In such a situation, inflammation and swelling may occur in the mammary gland, and small indentations may appear in large areas of the skin, like on an orange peel. In some cases, this may indicate the presence of an inflammatory form of breast cancer.
3. Lump of breast tissue
This may indicate a lump of cells in the milk-secreting lobules, and it can also be another sign of blocked lymphatic vessels (these are small vessels in the mammary gland that help remove waste products from the body).
4. An eczema-like rash or redness on or around the nipple
This is a very rare symptom of breast cancer. In a small number of cases, this may be due to the presence of Paget's tumor, a pathology associated with breast cancer. With Paget's tumor, an eczema-like, itchy, red rash appears on or around the nipple, although the reasons for this are still unknown.
5. Unusual nipple discharge (such as blood or pus) without pressure
This may indicate an accumulation of tumor cells in the area of the milk ducts (small tubules through which breast milk passes) behind the nipple.
6. Changes to the nipple, such as retraction or change in position or shape
When the nipple is retracted (if we are not talking about a congenital feature), when it cannot be turned back into its normal position, it can be assumed that there is a seal behind the nipple that pulls tissue towards itself.
7. Visible chest veins
This may indicate a blockage in a blood vessel (which could be due to a lump) or an increased blood supply to the breast that accompanies tumor growth.
8. Swelling in the armpit
This may indicate a lymph node in the armpit (which helps remove waste products from the body). Sometimes a lump in the armpit is easier to see than a lump in the breast.
Breast self-examination
It is imperative to follow these guidelines: Get your breasts checked regularly, learn to recognize the symptoms of breast cancer, and see your doctor as soon as possible if you find any abnormalities. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment increase the chances of success in combating breast cancer.
There are no wrong ways to self-examine the breast. The main thing is to ACT and pay attention to the following signs:
- Skin appearance:
orange peel sign, veins, depressions (dimples) - Nipple changes:
rash, redness around the nipple, inverted nipple - Sealing fabric:
lump ("lump") in the mammary gland or in the armpit, lump of breast tissue
