Aside From The Lump, Here Are Some Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

Posted on Feb 2, 2023, 20:26 IST
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Symptoms
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People generally associate breast lumps with breast cancer, and as a result, they seek medical attention early because they are aware that a breast lump should be evaluated. However, many people are unaware that, in addition to the lump, there are other signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

According to Dr. Jayashree Nagaraj Bhasgi, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fortis Hospital, Richmond Road, Bengaluru, it is normal for some women to have breasts that are not all the same size. However, she adds that this cancer can also cause additional changes to the skin on and around the breast as well as changes in the nipple. “However, if one notices a change in size—swelling or shrinking—of one or both breasts while examining oneself in the mirror while keeping one's hands on one's hips, one should think about seeing a doctor. It is crucial to keep in mind that breast enlargement occurs before menstruation and subsides after,” she continues.


Symptoms
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Following Are Some Of The Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer
· If one notices a change in the skin's texture over the breast, such as dry, thickened skin or a change in colour, or nipples that are red, scaly, and itchy. These are signs of a few rare forms of breast cancer.
· Skin changes that resemble the skin of an orange ('peau d orange') are a sign of aggressive breast cancer.
· Breast cancer symptoms include discharge from the nipple, whether red, green, or yellow, as well as a retracted or inverted nipple.
· Most cancer breast patients who don't have a lump present mostly with nipple changes.
· Some bacterial infections and medications can also cause nipple discharge, and for some women, an inverted nipple is visible from birth. Here there’s no need to panic.
· Breast cancer cells can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, causing swelling that resembles small, firm lumps. The lymph nodes can swell as a result of infections.
· According to a paper published in Cancer Epidemiology, a small percentage of cancer breast patients without breast lump experienced chest pain, back pain, abdominal pain, weight loss, breathlessness, a lump in the neck, cough, swelling of the arm, pain in the arm pit, fatigue, and other symptoms.
· In some cases breast cancer may not cause any symptoms but a doctor will identify a mass on mammogram, hence the importance of screening and detection at a most early treatable stage.
· Breast changes occur as a result of ageing, hormonal changes, and other factors. Women should not be alarmed if they notice breast changes, but they should be proactive about their health and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Breast cancer survival rates are very high when detected and treated early.
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