Breast Cancer Symptoms

By: Mabel Dugmore

Breast cancer has a nasty habit of remaining hidden. We do not get much of an alarm bell or a warning flag in advance of it emerging.

Early breast cancer presents no outward symptoms. There is no pain, and no warning. In fact, the only means of detected breast cancer in its preliminary stage is by finding a lump or an abnormality. This can be done by performing breast self-examination, or by way of a yearly mammogram.

Most lumps in breasts are not cancerous. But if you do find one, it is very important to have your doctor examine it as soon as possible.

For some women, breast cancer initially presents as a bump under the arm or above the collarbone that doesn't go away. As the disease progresses, other symptoms will appear such as nipple inversion or discharge, or changes to the skin and surface of the breast.

Rarely will a discharge be a symptom of cancer, and in fact is quite common. However, if you notice blood in the discharge, or if it only occurs in one breast, then see a doctor immediately. Inversion of nipples is also quite common, but if it occurs suddenly, check with your doctor.

If you notice swelling or redness of the breast, this might indicate an infection of the tissue. Quick treatment is advised for any type of infection. Similarly, if you find strong pain, redness, or swelling in your shoulder, armpit, or breast, seek the advice of your health care provider. Breast cancer is most easily treated when it is detected early.

Sometime a change in skin, such as textural changes or puckering, can appear alongside breast cancer. Of course, many other diseases can also cause these effects, so it is valuable to eliminate the possibility of breast cancer by having an exam by 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.

Some of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be detected by a mammogram test. Women over 40 should have this test done once per year. The test uses an electronic scanner to examine breast tissue. If something abnormal shows up, contact your physician to determine if it is something to worry about and seek treatment for.

Ultrasolography and physical examinations are the other two methods for detecting abnormalities. Physical exams should include visual inspection as well as gentle physical pressure or palpitation. Each exam will also check the collarbone area and the armpits. You can ask your health care provider how to do this yourself, and there are books and videos widely available to help. Or your provider can do it for you, by palpating for a lump or thickening of the skin in the breast area. Finally, the most definitive method for diagnosis is to examine a small number of breast cells directly. A biopsy can remove a tiny piece of the lump and a specialist will examine it in a laboratory.

Here are some of breast cancer's most common symptoms:

* A lump or lumps under the arm, in the breast, or above the collarbone that persists for more than a week

* Nipple discharge

* Inversion of the nipple or other changes to the nipple

* Skin surface changes on the breast

During your regular self-examinations, if you find any of these symptoms, don't take a chance, but see your doctor as soon as you can to determine if what you have found requires treatment.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Mabel Dugmore is a columnist for a variety of well-known online magazines, on health education and pet products themes.
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