Early detection: What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The incidence of breast cancer world-wide is huge. It is the most common cancer among women, much more than lung cancer and cervical cancer. The incidence reported from different parts of the world varies though, as in many of the underdeveloped countries, there are not adequate means to detect the cancer at an early stage or are underreported.

What is breast cancer?

It is a cancer originating in the breast cells in the human body. There are different classifications of the cancer. The main ones are ductal carcinoma, malignant cancer in the ducts of the breast and invasive lobular carcinoma, a malignancy in the lobules.

Detecting the signs and symptoms of the breast cancer at an early stage would ensure proper treatment at the right time, and increased chances of recovery. Many people are not even aware of the symptoms they should be on a look out.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The first symptom the woman would experience is most commonly a lump, which appears different from the breast tissue. In most cases, the woman would identify the lump herself while examination or while taking a bath.

The other symptoms would be

1. changes in breast size or shape.
2. skin dippling.
3. nipple inversion
4. spontaneous single nipple discharge
5. occasionally, pain or tenderness
6. lump or nodule in the axilla (armpit) of the same side.

In cases where the cancer invades the dermal lymphatics, skin inflammation also might be present. If the cancer has spread to other locations within the body, before detection, it means it has already metastasized. The presenting symptoms might be different. The symptoms might include

1. bone pain denotes metastasis in the bone
2. shortness of breath means spread in the lungs
3. loss of appetite means metastasis in liver
4. weight loss
5. jaundice
6. headache, neurological pain or weakness- brain metastasis.

Another symptom complex of breast cancer would be Paget’s disease of the breast. The disease manifests in a complex of symptoms. They are

1. eczema of the skin
2. tingling
3. itching
4. increased sensitivity and burning
5. pain etc

Why is early detection of the symptoms necessary?

Early detection of any of the symptoms would lead to investigations and early diagnosis of the disease. In many instances, the lump detected might be a benign lump, but it is not safe to make an assumption that every lump is benign. If you feel any of the symptoms, it is better to consult your physician who would request for furthur investigations.

How do you detect a symptom of the breast cancer?

Many women detect a lump in their breast while bathing themselves. That would be an accidental detection of a symptom. But it is better to be pro- active and do a breast self examination once a month. If not anything else, this would prove helpful in the detection of a lump and you can go for further investigation.

What is breast self examination?

It includes visual examination and palpation of both the breasts. Inspection is done for any changes in the skin texture, any change in size or shape of the breast and any nipple retraction. Palpation is done to check for any lumps either in the breasts or in the axillary area and for any discharge from the nipple.

Does mammogram help in detecting breast cancer?

Yes, it sure does. Mammogram is a Xray examination of the breast and detects any lumps or tumors in the breast. It is quite fast and reliable. Because of the increased incidence of breast cancer, in many countries, mammogram is ordered as a screening test for older women. If you are older than 40 years, it is advised to have a mammogram once a year or at least once in two years.

Whatever the means of detection of the breast cancer, the earliest the cancer is detected, the better the management would be and the life span of the patient is improved.