Common Breast Cancer Symptoms: What You Need To Know
Introduction:
Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumor. It is the common cancer in women, although men can also develop breast cancer. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that can be treated successfully if detected and diagnosed early. This article will discuss the common symptoms of breast cancer, the importance of early detection and diagnosis, and when to seek medical attention.
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease, with more than 2 million cases diagnosed worldwide each year. It is the second most common cancer in women, following skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. According to the World Health Organization, 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2021 in US alone. Breast cancer also causes a significant number of deaths, making it important to prioritize early detection and treatment.
Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer is essential for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes. Women should be aware of the common symptoms and seek medical attention if they experience any of them. When diagnosed early, it is easier to treat and has a higher chance of being cured.
Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms
Understanding breast cancer symptoms is critical in identifying and diagnosing the disease as early as possible. Breast cancer symptoms may vary from person to person and can be different depending on the stage of the cancer.
The classification of Breast cancer stages is based on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. The stages of breast cancer are:
⇒ Stage 0: Abnormal cells are found in the breast tissue, but they have not spread to other parts of the body.
⇒ Stage I: The tumor is small and has not spread to the lymph nodes (small drainage nodes located in armpits) or other parts of the body.
⇒ Stage II: The tumor is larger than in Stage I and may have spread to the lymph nodes, but it has not spread to other parts of the body.
⇒ Stage III: When the tumour has spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
⇒ Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs.
Common Breast Cancer Symptoms
Common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Lump or Mass
A lump or mass in the breast or under the armpit is one of the most common breast cancer symptoms. The lump may be painless and hard or may feel tender or soft to the touch. The size and shape of the lump may vary and can be detected during self-examination.
- Changes in Breast Size or Shape
Breast cancer can cause changes in the size or shape of the breast. One breast may appear larger or smaller than the other, or the breast may become swollen or flattened. The breast skin may also appear dimpled, puckered or look like an orange peel.
- Nipple Changes
Breast cancer can also cause changes in the nipple, such as inversion or retraction of the nipple. The nipple may also become itchy or scaly and develop a rash. Fluid discharge from the nipple, particularly if it is bloody, can also be a sign of breast cancer.
- Breast Pain or Discomfort
Breast cancer may also cause pain or discomfort in the breast or underarm area. While breast pain is not always a sign of breast cancer, it is important to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
- Skin Changes
Changes in the skin on the breast or nipple area can be a sign of breast cancer. These changes may include redness or a rash on the breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, or a thickening of the skin. These changes are often called “peau d’orange” because the skin looks like an orange peel.
- Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge can occur for a variety of reasons and is not always a sign of breast cancer. However, if the discharge is bloody, or if it only occurs in one breast, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
It is important to note that not all breast lumps or changes are due to breast cancer. Many breast lumps are caused by benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas. If any of these common breast cancer symptoms are present, it is always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In addition to being aware of common breast cancer symptoms, it is also important for women to undergo regular mammograms and breast exams to detect breast cancer early, even before symptoms develop. By staying informed about breast cancer and seeking medical attention when needed, women can take steps to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and improve their chances of successful treatment and recovery.
It is important to be aware of these common symptoms, but it is also important to note that not all women with breast cancer experience these symptoms. Some women with breast cancer may not have any symptoms at all, which is why regular breast cancer screenings are recommended for women over the age of 40.
Less Common Breast Cancer Symptoms
While some symptoms of breast cancer are more common, there are several less common symptoms that can also be a sign of the disease. These symptoms may be overlooked or dismissed as something else, which is why it is important to be aware of all potential signs of breast cancer.
- Redness or Rash
One less common symptom of breast cancer is redness or rash on the breast. The affected area may feel warm to the touch and may be accompanied by itching or pain. The skin on the breast may also appear swollen or pitted, which is often referred to as peau d’orange (French for “orange peel skin”). These symptoms are caused by cancer cells blocking lymph vessels in the skin, which can cause fluid buildup and swelling.
- Itchiness or Burning
Nipple itching or burning can also be a sign of breast cancer. This symptom may be caused by cancer cells blocking the milk ducts, which can cause inflammation and irritation. In some cases, nipple discharge (particularly if it is bloody) can also be a sign of breast cancer.
- Thickening or Dimpling of the Skin
Thickening or dimpling of the skin on the breast can also be a less common symptom of breast cancer. The skin may appear puckered or indented, similar to the texture of an orange peel. This can be a sign that the cancer has spread to the tissue underneath the skin.
- Breast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry, or one breast looking noticeably different from the other, can also be a sign of breast cancer. This may be due to a lump or growth that is causing one breast to appear larger or a different shape than the other.
- Swelling of the Breast
Swelling in the breast or underarm area can also be a sign of breast cancer. This may be caused by cancer cells blocking lymph nodes, which can cause fluid buildup and swelling.
- Pain in the Breast
Finally, pain in the breast or nipple that does not go away can be a less common symptom of breast cancer. This pain may be mild or severe and may be constant or come and go. While not all breast pain is a sign of cancer, it is always best to seek medical attention if any persistent breast pain is present.
Again, it is important to note that not all breast changes or symptoms are caused by cancer. Many breast changes are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Finally, pain in the breast or nipple that does not go away can be a less common symptom of breast cancer. This pain may be mild or severe and may be constant or come and go. While not all breast pain is a sign of cancer, it is always best to seek medical attention if any persistent breast pain is present.
When To Seek A Professional Opinion
If any breast changes or symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. While some changes may not be a sign of breast cancer, it is always best to err on the side of caution and get a professional medical opinion. Diagnostic tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, may be ordered to help determine whether breast changes are cancerous or not.
Early detection and treatment of breast cancer is crucial for improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Regular mammograms and breast exams can help detect breast cancer early, even before symptoms develop. Women should also be aware of common and less common breast cancer symptoms, such as lumps or masses in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, or persistent pain.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is important for women to be aware of common and less common breast cancer symptoms and to seek medical attention if any changes or symptoms are present. Regular screenings and mammograms are also important for early detection of breast cancer. By staying informed and seeking medical attention when needed, women can improve their chances of successful treatment and recovery from breast cancer.