Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Females
Breast cancer occurs when the cells in your breasts start growing abnormally. It’s one of the most common types of cancer in women all over the world. Although it mainly occurs in women, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 0.5 to 1 percent of breast cancers affect the male population.
Like any type of cancer, breast cancer can spread to the surrounding tissues and organs, and even lymph nodes when it reaches an advanced stage. Early detection followed by breast cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai can increase your survival rates.
Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Females
The survival rates in women diagnosed with breast cancer have been improving. That’s primarily because people are now more aware of the symptoms, and they get prompt medical care, which improves the treatment outcome.
As mentioned above, early detection is key to getting the best treatment. Here are the initial signs of breast cancer you must watch out for:
1) Breast Lumps
The first and most common sign of breast cancer is a visible lump that may have rounded or uneven edges. You must practice self-examination to spot any lumps on your breasts. Women above 40 and those with a family history of breast cancer should get mammograms every year, even if there’s no lump or pain.
2) Changes in Breast Size and Shape
If one or both of your breasts appear considerably larger or smaller than before, that’s a sign you should see a healthcare specialist immediately. Breast cancer can cause asymmetrical breasts. Changes in the nipples and their symmetry can also be the early sign of breast cancer.
3) Skin Changes
Several noticeable skin changes on your breasts can also indicate breast cancer. The most common changes include a visible dimple-like spot on the skin, puckering and scaling, and a red rash. Some women report swelling on their breasts and near the armpits before it turns into a visible lump.
Less Common Symptoms
When the cancer reaches an aggressive stage, you might experience advanced symptoms, like a clear discharge from one or both nipples. It can be whitish, yellow, green, or bloody. Any kind of discharge from your nipples, which isn’t milk, should be reported to the doctor.
i) Inverted Nipple
If you were born with inverted nipples, that’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice a sudden inversion, especially in one of the nipples, it can be a sign of breast cancer. Nipple inversion can also indicate a benign condition, though. It’s best to get evaluated.
ii) Breast Pain
Breast pain can occur from many benign conditions. Hormonal changes, puberty, onset of menstruation, menopause, and breastfeeding are a few common causes of breast pain in women. However, if it’s persistent and accompanied by other symptoms mentioned above, see a gynecologist for a thorough evaluation.
When to See a Doctor
A visible lump on your breasts with nipple discharge, pain, and swelling might indicate breast cancer. You must schedule an appointment with an oncologist in Navi Mumbai to know whether it’s a benign condition or cancer. They will order a mammogram—a breast X-ray that detects cancer and its stage.
6 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
Breast tissue can become cancerous and evolve into breast cancer. Breast cancer develops when the cells there start to divide and grow in an uncontrollable manner, resulting in a tumour or lump. Via the bloodstream or lymphatic system, these aberrant cells can also infiltrate neighbouring tissues or move to other regions of the body.
To increase the likelihood of survival, early detection and treatment of breast cancer are crucial. According to a Cancer Specialist in Navi Mumbai, clinical breast checks, breast MRIs, and other screening procedures can aid in the early detection of breast cancer, when it is most curable.
Depending on the kind and stage of cancer, treatment options for breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, say the experts in breast cancer treatment in Navi Mumbai.
Also Read: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER?
The following are the 6 types of breast cancer warning signs:
- A bulge or enlargement in the breast or underarm region or close-by alterations in breast size or form
- Nipples that are sensitive or dripping
- Changes in the breast or nipple’s skin tone or texture
- Pain experienced in any breast region
- Breast or nipple swelling or redness
- Palpable Nodule or Lymph Node
Palpable Nodule or Lymph Node
Usually seen in the neck, groyne, or beneath the arms, a palpable nodule or lymph node is a bulge that can be felt or touched on the body. Nodules or lymph nodes that can be felt are frequently the results of an infection, inflammation, or injury, but they can also signal a more serious problem, like cancer.
The lymphatic system, which aids the body in battling illnesses and infections, includes lymph nodes. Little, bean-shaped lymph nodes are filled with immune cells that can assist the body in recognising and combating invading invaders.
The lymph nodes might swell and become palpable when there is an infection or inflammation in the body because they are working to combat the illness. A palpable lymph node, however, may occasionally be an indication of cancer that has progressed from its initial sites, such as breast cancer or melanoma.
It’s crucial to contact your healthcare practitioner for an evaluation to ascertain the cause and, if necessary, proper treatment if you find a palpable nodule or lymph node.
Conclusion:
It’s crucial to remember that not all breast lumps are malignant and that some breast tumours may not even exhibit any symptoms. To find out the cause and, if required, seek treatment, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare physician if you experience any of these warning signs.