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.
