Below, you’ll find must-know information about breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast, the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, or in the surrounding breast tissue. It can spread to other parts of the body and can cause the death of nearby tissue.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer. Breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50. In fact, it’s rare for men to develop breast cancer.
Breast cancer can be categorized into two broad groups: invasive and noninvasive. Invasive cancer has spread into surrounding breast tissues or lymph nodes, while noninvasive cancer has not spread beyond the original tissue.
In most cases, breast cancer is invasive. The most common invasive breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma, with the former accounting for 70 to 80 percent of all breast cancers.
These cancers grow in the ducts of the breast and then spread into the nearby breast tissue. Leaving breast cancer untreated can lead to an increase in the risk of complications.
Breast cancer can also cause pain, as well as swelling and fluid build-up in the affected area.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Various factors contribute to this risk, including lifestyle, family history, and environment.
There are various breast cancer symptoms to look out for. Knowing these symptoms early on can help lessen the complications brought about by the condition.
Below are the breast cancer symptoms worth knowing about.
9. The Appearance of A Lump In The Breast
When a cancerous tumor grows out of control, it can cause symptoms such as a lump in the breast or a lump in the nipple. It may also cause inflammation. Inflammation may occur because the cancer cells are blocking the lymph vessels.
It’s important to note that not all lumps in the breast are cancerous. A lump can be caused by a number of things, including pregnancy, aging, gaining or losing weight, and hormonal fluctuations. If the lump is larger than normal, then it’s best to get with a doctor.
8. Changes In Breast Shape
The presence of cancer cells in the breast can result in an accumulation of lymph fluid, which can produce swelling. This causes the breast to change in size. The breast can also become larger or smaller depending on how cancer affects the breast.
While breast changes are normal, changes in breast shape that last longer than a few weeks should be checked by a doctor.
7. Nipple Discharge
While nipple discharge usually occurs in women, there is an alarming type that needs immediate medical attention. Pathologic nipple discharge is usually unilateral and may be bloody or purulent.
It is caused by increased levels of prolactin. It is also associated with a mass in the nipple. A mammogram or ultrasound can be performed to diagnose the discharge.
6. Breast Rash
Breast rash may be caused by blocked vessels. When the vessels become blocked, the lymphatic system cannot move through the tissue. What happens is that a rash is formed in the breast area.
While the rash could resemble a bug bit, it needs immediate medical attention. The cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.
5. Skin Dimpling Of The Breast
Inflammatory breast cancer is a type of invasive breast cancer that causes the skin to dimple. The cancer cells block lymphatic drainage in the breast tissue.
This results in the skin looking bumpy and orange. It can grow quickly and may look like a rash. The early signs may include a small bump, itching, and a burning sensation.
4. Breast Pain
There are two types of breast pains. These are cyclical breast pain and noncyclic breast pain. The former is a common problem for women who are in their premenopausal phase. It occurs because of the fluctuating hormone levels in the body.
Noncyclic breast pain is constant and has no connection to the menstrual cycle. It is caused by breast cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs.
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