Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer is a disorder in which malignant or cancer cells are formed in the breast tissues of women. This is a heterogeneous disease which is found to be different in different women and the symptoms too vary accordingly. Women are advised to have themselves medically examined completely at least once in six months. You can even make yourselves aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and contact the physician immediately if you should notice any at any point of time. Prevention is better than cure; here in this case early detection of the condition will help in faster cure. By knowing the symptoms you can

regularly examine yourself for the incidence of breast cancer.

Main Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Some of the most common breast cancer symptoms include the following:
      *      In most cases the initial symptom which can be noted would be a lump either on the                       breast itself or in the armpit. This would be easily noticeable and the patient would be                   able to find it herself. The lump would feel little thicker than the other tissues of the                       breast. If this is noticed, whatever be the cause, it is advisable to contact the doctor for                   an examination.

     *      There might also be a change in shape and size of the breast. Though changes in the size                 and shape of the breast might also be due to increase or decrease in body weight and                    shape, this would be more evident and easily noticeable.

      *     Skin dimpling is also a symptom which is noted in many cases.

      *     Another common symptom that can be noticed is inversion of the nipple. The nipple                        might look as if it is dumped inside. This would really change the shape of the breast itself              making it look very odd.

     *      Pain as a symptom, however, cannot be relied upon as it might also be due to some other              medical conditions related to breast.

     *     When dermal lymphatics are invaded by the cancer cells, there might be lump formation               over the breast also causing inflammation and burning of the nipples. Pain, redness and                 swelling might also accompany the condition with a change in the skin texture. This might             resemble the texture of orange and this condition is referred to us as ‘peau d’orange’.

     *     Paget’s disease of the breast is another stage in which there might be severe itching,                      burning and pain. Though these are the common symptoms, these need not necessarily be            the only ones. 

These are the most common breast cancer symptoms. They can usually be detected in the early stage itself but if let unnoticed, breast cancer will either lead to mastectomy (removal of the affected breast/s) or death. It is best to check with the physician if you should notice any change in the normal size and shape of the breast.

Summary of most common symptoms:
Tender nipples
Lumps over the breasts
Swelling over the breast
Change in appearance of the breast
Pain in the breast
Nipple discharge in only one of the breasts