Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer

reast cancer is a leading cause of death in women. It starts in breast cells and in severe conditions can spread to armpits and collarbone. Its detection at earliest stage can make it possible to completely treat the cancer; however, there are no early symptoms of breast cancer making early detection difficult.  Here are some signs and  to guide you how to detect it:

Breast lump

The most common symptom of breast cancer is lumps in the breasts. If you feel any lump in your breasts, get it evaluated by a doctor however, not all lumps in the breast are cancerous.  In not only breasts, but also a cancerous lump can be formed in armpit or above the collarbone. If you have been noticing a lump for from last few weeks, which is also increasing in size, it may be a sign of cancer. Not only lump, but also any part of breast can become lumpy with outgrowth of cancerous cells in the breasts. Self-examination of breasts can bring the lumps into notice.  Another important point to remember is that that not all lumps are detectable by self-analysis and such lumps can be evaluated by mammography.

Nipple Changes and Discharge

Another indication of breast cancer is retracted nipple or inverted nipple or any change in nipple change. Sometimes, ulcer may develop on the areola or the nipple may discharge blood stained, yellowish or green-like substance. In addition, a red, scaly, itchy rash can form over and around the nipple, which is mistaken as eczema but it is a rare type of breast cancer called Paget’s disease.  Get it diagnosed by your doctor to know its real cause.

Skin changes

Breast cancer can also cause changes in breasts’ skin. You may notice redness, changed skin texture, dimpling of the skin and indentation. Wrinkles may form.

Swelling on breast

Skin may become red and get thickened with formation of enlarged skin pores; this is called Peas d'orange (associated with inflammatory breast cancer). In some forms of breast cancers, it is because of blockage in the leakage of fluid from the breast.

In a study on risk of breast cancer, it was found that about six out of 1000 women, between 50 to 64 years, who for the first time underwent breast cancer screening test found to have breast cancer. Thus, it recommended that women over 40 years must go for mammography for once in a year or two. The older a woman is, the increased are the chances of developing this cancer. 

Note: if you have found lumps under the arm or near the collarbone, your cancer may has spread beyond the primary site (breasts) to the lymph glands.