Signs of breast cancer can range from mild to severe. In some cases, however, a woman might not experience any signs at all and might never even realize she has cancer in the first place. If you're experiencing any signs of breast cancer and are having trouble determining whether they're related to the condition, you may want to have them evaluated immediately by your doctor. Here are some of the more common ones.
A sudden, abnormal change in the shape or size of one or both breasts. Some women experience a breast bump or lump that feels completely different from the rest of their breast tissue. In other cases, the size of the lump can fluctuate from being small to large. If a lump or bump doesn't change with time, it's likely nothing to worry about but if it changes on a regular basis, it may be an early sign of cancer.
Another sign to look out for is irregular skin around the nipples or breasts. Often times, the skin around the nipples can become tender, swollen, and red, which is a good sign that something unusual is happening.
Tenderness or pain in the chest is another sign to look out for
Sometimes this pain can be felt right under the nipple and can spread to the armpit. If you are experiencing this kind of pain, it is important to see your doctor right away for advice.
If pain occurs in the nipple area, it is most likely a sign of cancer in that area. However, it's important to remember that even a small sign or chest pain can point to many things, including breast cancer. You should see your doctor if you think you have advanced disease.
Any lump or lump in your chest that is not white or light pink should be examined by a doctor. Sometimes a breast lump is simply fluid that has accumulated in the body and is difficult to remove. However, in other cases, the lump may be cancerous. or are filled with fluid that can spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
If you feel any discharge from the lump, it is important to check it carefully. Because cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, some types of fluid can be cancerous. But in most cases, fluid from the glands is not malignant, but rather benign. However, if it does have an unpleasant odor, it is important to get it checked for other signs of cancer.
The skin around the nipples and other areas of the breast may feel unusually firm. Sometimes, it may feel like the area is flaccid or as though the area is being squeezed. This is a common sign, particularly if it occurs with no reason other than the fact that the area is extremely sensitive to touch.
Changes in the shape or size of the breast can signal cancer too. If the breast is losing its volume and looks smaller, it may be because the skin around the breasts is changing. This is also a common sign of breast cancer, so it's important to see your doctor about any unusual changes in the appearance or size of the breasts.
Your breasts may feel hard when squeezed. The tissue in these areas may be more difficult to remove. If you find that you can't remove as much milk from the breast as you used to, this could be a sign of cancer, too.
The texture of the skin on the breasts may be different. If the skin is harder than usual, it's important to check the area and make sure it isn't bleeding. Bleeding is another symptom of breast cancer, and it's important to see a doctor immediately for advice.
Any changes in the skin around the nipples and the breast may mean the area has a lot of fluid. In addition to looking for a change in texture, this fluid may be coming from a different part of the body. If you notice an odd taste or smell in the milk, it's important to consult a doctor as well.
