Overview
Breast cancer is a serious disease, do not take it lightly. According to a World Health Organization article, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2020, and 685,000 women died from it.
Let us know which 12 sign of breast cancer has been revealed the most in the whole world. Knowing you can do a breast examination yourself and decide when to see a doctor.
12 Signs of Breast Cancer Revealed
Having a clear understanding of the 12 symptoms of breast cancer can help patients report frequent and unusual changes in the breast early. Contact an oncologist if you notice any of these symptoms.
1. Swelling Lymph Nodes Under the Arm, shoulder, and Around the Collarbone
It is usually the result of an infection with bacteria or viruses that causes swollen lymph nodes. It is rare for cancer to cause swollen lymph nodes. It is possible that breast cancer has spread to your bones and is causing shoulder pain.
2. Swelling All Parts or Some Part of the Breast
Most Women have swelling over the entire breast and some parts of the breast. You may or may not have a lump in that swelling, but the breast size can be different from other breasts.
3. Breast Irritation
Breasts are itchy in most women. This itching is usually caused by eczema or mastitis. This is not a direct sign of breast cancer, but few breast cancer patient facing always feel itching.
4. Pain in Breast or Nipples
The most common breast cancer symptom is a new lump or mass (although most breast sizes are not cancerous), Breast and nipple pain can be a sign of issues such as breast cancer, although tumors usually do not cause pain. However, it is important not to overlook the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
5. Nipples Retraction (or Inversion)
If you have inverted or retracted nipples, this could be a symptom of breast cancer, such as carcinoma. To diagnose it, you can do a breast exam, mammogram, breast ultrasound, biopsy and MRI.
6. Redness, Scaliness, or Thickening of the Nipple or Breast
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and rapidly growing cancer that can look like an infection. You may see signs such as redness, roughness or thickening in IBC.
The majority of inflammatory breast cancers are classified as invasive ductal carcinomas. Cancer of the milk ducts is called “ductal carcinoma.”. Invasive ductal carcinomas invade healthy tissue beyond the milk ducts. It is unknown what causes these cells to become malignant (cancerous).
7. Nipple Discharge
Early signs of nipple discharge occur in less than 5% of women with breast cancer.
- White, cloudy, pale, or pus-filled Discharge – this is a sign of a breast or nipple infection.
- While a green discharge is a sign of cysts in the breast.
- Brown, thick, cheese-like discharge is a sign of mammary duct ectasia (blocked milk duct)
- Yellow, milky, or green discharge is a sign of fibrocystic breast disease
- Clear discharge can be a sign of papilloma, and clear discharge can also indicate breast cancer.
8. Growing veins on the breast
One of the signs of breast cancer to have enlarged veins in the breast. However, it is very rare. Several possibilities exist for enlarged veins in the breast, including breast cancer.
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Breast surgery
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetics
- Strenuous exercise response
9. Skin sores
Breasts and sores around the breast can also be a sign of cancer. But most skin sores are caused by other medical conditions.
10. Breast Size or Shape Changes
Every woman’s breasts and nipples are slightly different and most changes are normal. But in some patients, the size, shape, color and contour of the breast are the main factors of breast cancer. Most people ignore this change, but if you notice such changes, you should definitely consult a doctor.
11. Peau D'orange Skin
Peau d’orange in the breast could indicate inflammatory breast cancer. In this type of cancer, the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels rather than forming a tumour. Inflammatory Breast Cancer is rare. About 5% of all breast cancer cases are caused by this type. This type of cancer tends to be very aggressive, so it needs to be treated quickly.
12. Hard Lump in the Breast
Breast cancer sign include a lump or mass in the breast. If you notice any changes in your breast, you should seek medical advice. Regular breast self-exam and mammograms can help you find breast cancer early.
Other causes of breast lumps include:
- Cysts (noncancerous fluid-filled sacs)
- Fibroadenomas (noncancerous solid tumors)
- Inflammatory breast cancer (a rare form of the disease).
How Long Can You Have Breast Cancer Without Knowing?
Some cancers are more easily detected than others, although there is no clear answer. One study found that some cancers can develop and grow undetected for 10 years or more, making diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.
It is common for women diagnosed with breast cancer to have no signs or symptoms, and the disease is discovered during a mammogram. In most women, the first symptom is a lump in the breast, and in the later stage, swelling is seen along with pain in the breast or arm.
A mammogram can detect a lump long before it can be felt
Yes, that is correct. A mammogram is a type of imaging test used to detect breast cancer early, often before any symptoms are present. The mammogram uses X-rays to create images of the breast tissue, which can show any abnormalities such as lumps or masses. Because the X-rays can detect changes in the breast tissue that may not be felt during a physical exam, mammograms are an important tool for the early detection of breast cancer.
It is recommended that women begin regular mammogram screenings at age 40 or earlier if they have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Mammograms can be uncomfortable for some women, but they are generally considered safe and effective at detecting breast cancer early when it is most treatable.
When To See A Doctor?
According to the CDC, breast cancer in women occurs in women 50 years of age or older. However, women above 45 years of age should get breast cancer screening done by a doctor once a year.
If you are seeing any of the following breast cancer symptoms, then you should consult an experienced doctor as soon as possible.
- A painless lump
- Lymph node swelling
- Pain in your breast
- Changes in your breast skin, such as redness, crusting, dimpling, or puckering
- Feeling heaviness in your breasts
Don’t hesitate about your concern and book an appointment with your nearest specialist oncologist.
What Kind of Doctor to See for Breast Cancer?
A doctor who specializes in cancer treatment should be consulted if you have breast cancer. Oncologists are highly knowledgeable about how cancer behaves, grows, and how medicine is used to treat them. There are many types of cancer do, you can search on Google “breast cancer doctor near me” and you will get a list of the nearest doctors.
Conclusion
I hope this article “12 Signs of Breast Cancer Revealed” will help you and you will do your self-breast examination and consult an experienced doctor for treatment at the earliest.
FAQ
Hard lump and Changes in breast shape or size that are unexpected.
It is possible for people to experience different symptoms of breast cancer. Breast or armpit lumps are the most common symptoms. There are also skin changes, pain, a nipple that pulls inward, and abnormal discharge from the nipple.
Breast cancer is not curable, but it can be controlled with proper treatment for a few years. Around 25 out of 100 women have a chance of surviving cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis.
Nope, the signs of breast cancer can vary from person to person. The most common sign is a lump in the breast or arm.
Usually, breast cancer spreads locally first in the armpit or axilla; there is a lymph node located there, and breast cancer will spread or metastasize in that area first.