In the early stages of breast cancer you may not notice any symptoms at all. This is why an annual mammogram after age 40, or earlier if instructed by your physician, and monthly self-exams are very important. As the tumor develops, symptoms may begin to appear. While the actual symptoms that are experienced may be different with each individual patient, here are the most common symptoms:

1. Lumps – A breast lump or one under the arm is the most common sign of breast cancer and typically the first sign that is reported by patients. A breast lump is almost always painless and is typically visible on mammograms before they can be felt.
2. Swelling – Swelling in the armpit or around the breast area is also a symptom of breast cancer, as well as other conditions such as fibrosis of the breast.
3. Tenderness – Breast tenderness either with or without a lump can also signal breast cancer as can indentations or flattening in the breast, particularly around the nipple.
4. Change in breasts – Any change in your breasts including the color, texture and overall size could be a symptom of breast cancer. If you notice that your breast has become unusually hot to the touch or has taken on a much different texture you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
5. Discharge – Any unusual discharge should also be reported to your doctor. Discharge that merits a biopsy for breast cancer is typically clear but could also be bloody or milky. This is normally caused by another benign condition that is caused by a tumor.

Overall, you should report any difference in your breast. If you notice a marbling under the skin or any area around the breast that simply does not look normal, be sure to see your doctor right away.

Early detection of breast cancer is crucial. Again, it is important that you follow your physician’s advice for regular mammograms and perform self-exams every month. Mammography still remains the most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its early stages. Breast self-exams can alert you of any changes that occur between your regularly scheduled mammography appointments.

When performing your self-exam, be sure to look for any signs of abnormalities. These can include dimpling or changes in shape as well as noticeable lumps. A self-exam is best when done standing in front of a mirror. This allows you to clearly see the area around the breast for any signs of change. Once you have inspected your breasts for signs of noticeable appearance changes, the remainder of the exam is best when done in the shower. Be sure that you follow the guidelines for self-exams and feel closely for anything that seems to be out of place.

The importance of regular mammograms simply cannot be stressed enough. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over the age of 40 have a mammogram every year. Other organizations recommend not beginning yearly mammograms until age 50. Your own doctor will provide you with the best recommendation for your own physique and medical records. If you have shown signs of lumps or malignancies in the past or if you have a family history of breast cancer, your physician may recommend annual screenings begin as early as your 30s. A breast lump can be detected on a mammogram up to two years before it can be seen or felt, so having these yearly screenings is very important for early detection of the disease.

There are many tests that can be performed to determine whether you have a malignant or a benign tumor. Benign and malignant lumps have very different physical features and in many cases a mammogram or a simply ultrasound can distinguish between the two. If a mammogram or ultrasound does not distinguish between a benign or malignant lump, a needle biopsy will need to be performed in order to detect the cancerous cells. This is the only way to test the tissue for evidence of cancer. If the tumor is found to be malignant, your doctor will perform tests to determine the state of the cancer. Tests will also be conducted to determine whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas. Once the tests are finished, your doctor will sit down and discuss treatment options with you depending on the specific stage of the cancer and your own unique case.

Comments (0)

Name

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment