To all the women out there, this blog is for you. Whether you have breast cancer, suspect its symptoms, or don’t have it, knowledge is power! This blog is all about the signs of breast cancer. Keep reading.
What is a Normal Breast?
The meaning of ‘normal breast’ varies among women. There is no way you can define a breast as ‘normal’ because its features are different from one woman to another. Most women have uneven breasts while others feel lumpy. Certain factors affect the look and feel of breasts in women – hormonal changes, menstruation cycle, weight changes, breastfeeding, etc. Some medicines can also affect the appearance of the breasts. In addition, your breasts can change with age too.
Lumps in Breasts – What do they signal?
Generally, people suspect lumps in breasts as cancer. But it isn’t the only sign of breast cancer! You may have limps due to a lot of medical reasons with two remaining common:
- Cysts (tiny fluid sacks developing in breasts)
- Fibrocystic Breast Condition (lumps caused by factors other than cancer that further cause tenderness and soreness in breasts)
For a better take, if you notice any abnormal appearance of your breasts, visit your healthcare provider.
What is Breast Cancer?
Lobules, ducts & connective tissues are the three main parts of a breast. Lobules are the milk producers of the breast; ducts carry this milk to the nipple while connective tissues are the fatty tissues holding every internal part together.
Breast cancer is the abnormality during which the breast cells undergo uncontrolled growth. With this said, the types of breast cancer vary among women & they’re based on outgrowth of the specific cells. Most types of breast cancer develop with lobules and ducts and spread to other breast cells via lymph vessels and blood vessels. When the breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, this medical condition is known to have been metastasized.
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Types of Breast Cancer
Here are the two most common types of breast cancer:
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (breast cancer emerging via lobules & spreading to the breast tissues or other parts of the body)
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer emerging via ducts & spreading to the breast tissues or other parts of the body)
12 Possible Symptoms & Signs of Breast Cancer
- Hard Lump: If you notice a hard lump, mostly appearing deeper in the breast, it is the most common sign of breast cancer. This lump feels hard like a lemon seed and does not move. Such hard lumps can vary in shape and size and are mostly undetected unless you undergo a mammogram test. If you feel any hard lump that does not come and go with your menstruation cycle, it needs to be addressed.
- Inflammation: This symptom is common among developing breasts, breastfeeding mothers & patients with eczema. In case it does not improve with the use of antibiotics or combination treatments, it may indicate Inflammatory breast cancer. Such type of cancer blocks the flow of lymph and leads to swelling and redness but does not cause a hard lump. It makes your breast feel hot and warm or gives a burning sensation within. On the contrary, your nipples may change in colour – pink, bruised, or reddish purple.
- Bump: Such type of cancer symptom is usually on the breast surface and feels like an abnormal bump. It can happen due to some injury to the breast that causes a lump called fat necrosis. While your body is repairing those breast tissues, a bump may appear. Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound for clarification.
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- Thick Area: You may experience thickness and density in some parts of your breast which is quite normal during breastfeeding or menstruation. If these signs don’t go away after weaning breastfeeding or after menses, it may indicate the growth of cancer cells.
- Nipple Crust: Crust on the nipples is common among breastfeeding mothers or those having eczema. But, if this does not go away after proper moisturization or skin remedies, it may indicate ‘Paget’s disease’. It can occur when the breast cancer cells have spread within but live in the nipple, thus causing crusty skin and soreness that does not go on its own.
- Sunken Nipple: You need to consult your healthcare provider if you notice flat, sunken, or nipples turning abnormally. It may indicate the formation of a new breast cancer.
- Growing vein: In rare cases, women experience enlarged veins and that leads to cancer. It mostly occurs because of weight gain, among breastfeeding women, and those diagnosed with Mondor’s disease. This symptom may indicate breast cancer if they’re more visible towards the collar bone and cause swollen arms.
- Dimple: The dimple can be seen on breasts when you have worn tight clothing and it leaves a mark. Such temporary dimple should go away soon but if it lasts longer and sinks inwards, it is a sign of breast cancer.
If suitable, your doctor may suggest Letzol-sure for combating breast cancer symptoms.
- New Fluid: Most of the time, any discharge from the breasts is harmless. You may notice a fluid coming out from the breasts which indicates the development of breasts, any kind of cyst, or infection. It is much more common among pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- New shape or size of breasts: A lot of women confess having one breast different from the other. This imperfection is what makes women beautiful. Well, it is a common issue among breastfeeding women. But, if one breast changes shape or size abnormally, undergoes swelling, flattens, or seems drooping unusually, it can either be due to menstruation or breast cancer.
- Soreness of breast skin: It’s time to reach out for medical help if you see a bad smell, leakage, or wound-like breast skin. Such medical condition requires advanced treatment.
- Breast skin gets like an ‘orange peel’: Also called as ‘peaud’orange’, you see symptoms like swelling, more hair follicles on breasts, and inflammation. It signals an already grown breast cancer.
How to detect breast cancer?
Before we discuss the signs, let us see how breast cancer is detected.
The very first step is self-diagnosis. All you need to do is raise your arm & put your palm on the back of your head. If you feel any new lumps or some type of swelling rising from your armpit towards your collarbone then seek medical help.
Next, you need to consult a breast cancer expert and discuss the symptoms you suspect. Your doctor will suggest a mammogram test before directing your treatment. In addition, you may also be suggested an ultrasound test and MRI for diagnosing the same. Some cases suggest the Biopsy test too.
Category: Breast Cancer