Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer has a nasty habit of remaining hidden. We do not get much of an alarm bell or a warning flag in advance of it emerging.

Early breast cancer does not reveal outward symptoms of its presence. No warnings and likely no pain. The only method for detecting breast cancer in its early stage is to find a lump or other abnormality. Most of the time this comes about from a breast self-examination, or from a regular mammogram test.

Of course, most breast lumps are not cancerous. But it is still imperative to immediately have the lump examined by a doctor.

The area above the collarbone, or under the arm can also reveal the presence of a bump. Especially if this bump persists for some time, have it examined. Other symptoms may accompany it, such as changes in your skin or surface area of the breast, or nipple discharge or inversion.

Discharge from the breast is quite common and is rarely a symptom of cancer. However, if there is blood in the discharge, or if it happens in only one breast, then a physician would be more concerned. Nipple inversion is also very common, but if it occurs suddenly, it should also be brought to the attention of your doctor.

If you notice swelling or redness of the breast, this might indicate an infection of the tissue. Quick treatment is advised for any type of infection. Similarly, if you find strong pain, redness, or swelling in your shoulder, armpit, or breast, seek the advice of your health care provider. Breast cancer is most easily treated when it is detected early.

Sometime a change in skin, such as textural changes or puckering, can appear alongside breast cancer. Of course, many other diseases can also cause these effects, so it is valuable to eliminate the possibility of breast cancer by having an exam by a doctor.

It can take months or years for breast cancer to develop. But once it is diagnosed, it is very important to begin treatment as soon as possible. The goal is to treat the cancer before it goes through metastastic spread and affects other parts of the body.

Some of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be detected by a mammogram test. Women over 40 should have this test done once per year. The test uses an electronic scanner to examine breast tissue. If something abnormal shows up, contact your physician to determine if it is something to worry about and seek treatment for.

Other ways to detect abnormalities include ultrasolography and manual examinations. A proper physical examination includes visual inspection as well as palpitation or gentle pressure. The exam should also look at the armpits and the collarbone area. You can learn to do this yourself, or your healthcare provider can do it for you. He or she will palpate for a thickening of the skin or a lump in the breast area. Finally, the only really definitive method to diagnose breast cancer is to test the cells themselves. This is done through a biopsy, in which a tiny piece of the tissue or lump is removed and examined in a laboratory.

It's imperative that women are aware of the symptoms of breast cancer:

* A lump under the arm, above the collarbone, or in the breast that remains for more than a week

* Discharge from the nipple

* Inversion of the nipple or other changes to the nipple

* Changes to the skin surface of the breast

If you notice any of these symptoms yourself, don't take a chance with your health. See your doctor right away to evaluate the possibility of breast cancer.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

Mabel Dugmore is a columnist for several well-known online magazines, on woman health and new products themes.
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