Saturday, March 8, 2014

First Signs of Breast Cancer

Initially, breast cancer may show no actual signs or symptoms that it is present, although a lump too small to be felt by touching may actually exist. Because of this, unusual changes in the breasts are not noticed and only tend to be picked up when a screening mammogram (breast x-ray) is taken. Depending on what the screening shows, further test may be needed.
However, the first sign of breast cancer is usually a painless lump that can be felt in the breast which was not previously there. Lumps that are hard with uneven edges have a high probability of being cancer; however, not all breast lumps tend to be hard. Sometimes a soft lump with rounded edges may also be discovered which can also indicate possible breast cancer.
Typical Breast Cancer Symptoms
1. Either a hard lump (with uneven edges), or a soft lump (with rounded edges) that can be found by touch in any part of the breast.
2. Any size lump or swelling that may appear in the area of the underarm (armpit).
3. Swelling of all or part of the breast.
4. General pain in the breast.
5. Nipple pain, or the nipple is noticed to be turning inwards.
6. Discharge of the nipple when not a new mother.
7. Thickening of the skin on either the nipple or the breast.
8. Redness or scaliness on either the nipple or the breast.
9. Skin irritation or dimpling of the breast.
10. Any type of change in the breast that seems to be abnormal.
Breast cancer can strike at any age, although it is more commonly found in women over the age of 50 years. Many different types of this cancer exist, such as: Ductual Carcinoma (DCIS), Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), Inflammatory, Metastatic, Recurrent, and Male Breast Cancer, etc.
IDC is associated with approximately 70% of all breast cancer cases, and is now considered to be the most common. It is important to note that not all changes in the breasts are associated with cancer, as infections, lymph node swellings, and cysts are also quite common in women these days.
However, a self-examination of the breasts should be undertaken on a regular basis and if any irregularities are discovered, a prudent move would be to visit the doctor. Self-examinations are often considered to be best taken while in the shower, as the hot water and soap make the skin softer which makes it easier to find any small lumps that may be present.
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