Warning Symptoms of Breast Cancer
by Mabel Dugmore on 2007-09-23
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.
Of course, most breast lumps are not cancerous. But it is still imperative to immediately have the lump examined by a doctor.
The area above the collarbone, or under the arm can also reveal the presence of a bump. Especially if this bump persists for some time, have it examined. Other symptoms may accompany it, such as changes in your skin or surface area of the breast, or nipple discharge or inversion.
Although rarely a symptom of cancer, discharge from the breast is a common problem. There is greater concern, however, if the discharge is bloody, or occurs in only one breast. A doctor should assess any occurrence of breast discharge. It is also very common for nipples to become inverted; however if this is a sudden occurrence it should be discussed with your doctor.
Swelling or redness in the breast may be an indication of an infection present in the breast tissue. Any infections, regardless of the type or cause, should be treated promptly. See your doctor right away if you notice redness, swelling or severe pain in your breast, in your armpit, or under your shoulder.
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.
Breast cancer can take months or even years to develop. Once diagnosed, it's crucial to begin treatment immediately, as it is much more difficult to treat cancer once it has begun to spread throughout the body in what is called metastastic spread.
The earliest signs of breast cancer can be found with a test called a mammogram. This electronic scan of the breast tissue should be performed once per year, particularly for women over 40. Should an abnormality be found on a mammogram, don't panic. Make an appointment with your health care provider immediately for further evaluation, and to give you peace of mind.
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 in the breast, above the collarbone or under the arm, that stays for longer than a week
* Discharge from a nipple
* Changes to the nipples, such as inversion
* Changes to the skin surface of the breast
If you notice any of these symptoms yourself, don't take a chance with your health. See your doctor right away to evaluate the possibility of breast cancer.
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.
Of course, most breast lumps are not cancerous. But it is still imperative to immediately have the lump examined by a doctor.
The area above the collarbone, or under the arm can also reveal the presence of a bump. Especially if this bump persists for some time, have it examined. Other symptoms may accompany it, such as changes in your skin or surface area of the breast, or nipple discharge or inversion.
Although rarely a symptom of cancer, discharge from the breast is a common problem. There is greater concern, however, if the discharge is bloody, or occurs in only one breast. A doctor should assess any occurrence of breast discharge. It is also very common for nipples to become inverted; however if this is a sudden occurrence it should be discussed with your doctor.
Swelling or redness in the breast may be an indication of an infection present in the breast tissue. Any infections, regardless of the type or cause, should be treated promptly. See your doctor right away if you notice redness, swelling or severe pain in your breast, in your armpit, or under your shoulder.
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.
Breast cancer can take months or even years to develop. Once diagnosed, it's crucial to begin treatment immediately, as it is much more difficult to treat cancer once it has begun to spread throughout the body in what is called metastastic spread.
The earliest signs of breast cancer can be found with a test called a mammogram. This electronic scan of the breast tissue should be performed once per year, particularly for women over 40. Should an abnormality be found on a mammogram, don't panic. Make an appointment with your health care provider immediately for further evaluation, and to give you peace of mind.
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 in the breast, above the collarbone or under the arm, that stays for longer than a week
* Discharge from a nipple
* Changes to the nipples, such as inversion
* Changes to the skin surface of the breast
If you notice any of these symptoms yourself, don't take a chance with your health. See your doctor right away to evaluate the possibility of breast cancer.
About The Author: Mabel Dugmore is a columnist for several popular web sites, on health education and pet products themes. Click here to get your own unique version of this article: Uber Articles directory.