March 3, 2023

10 Early Signs of Breast Cancer: What to Look For?

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that occurs in women, and takes place in the breast tissue. It occurs when the cells present in the breast start to change or mutate, and then keep growing. This leads to the development of a mass or collection of tissue, known as a tumor.

Just like all types of cancers, breast cancer will grow and invade all the surrounding tissues in the breast. It will also spread to other parts of the body and start to form tumors. This phenomenon is called “metastasis.”

To treat this condition, there are many breast cancer treatment options available. Your doctor will suggest the one that helps you recover quickly.

The Early Signs of Breast Cancer

When you know what the early symptoms or signs of breast cancer are, it will become easier for you to get the best diagnosis for yourself. So, what are these signs? Let’s find out!

Changes in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
A lump or a mass that feels like a small pea
A thickening or lump in or near the underarm or the breast, which continues through the menstrual cycle
Changes in the feel or look of the skin on the nipple or the breast [ inflamed, scaly, puckered, or dimpled]
Redness on the skin on the nipple or breast
A section that is different from all the other sections on either breast
Pain in the nipple area or a pulling feeling in the nipple
The discharge of clear or blood-stained fluid from the nipple
A hardened section under the skin
Pain in any section of the breast

Even though these are early signs of breast cancer, there are still cases where peopledo notexperience any of them. That’s why, it’s crucial to opt for a routine mammogram to learn about the presence of breast cancer.

The Later Signs of Breast Cancer

By now, you already know about the early signs of breast cancer. Now, let’s take a look at the symptoms or signs of breast cancer, which a person can experience in the near future:.

Inward turning or retraction of the nipple
The enlargement of one breast
An existing lump, which gets bigger in size
Orange peel-kind of texture on the skin
Unexpected weight loss
Having poor appetite
Veins visible on the breast
Enlarged lymph nodes present in the armpit

Treatments Available for Breast Cancer

If you’re experiencing the symptoms or signs of breast cancer, consult with the doctor immediately. The doctor will conduct tests and examinations to learn about the type of breast cancer you have.

After that, they will recommend the most effective breast cancer treatment that will help you get relief from the condition. Having said that,here are a list of some of the procedures:

Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy or partial mastectomy can get rid of the tumor and also a small portion of the healthy breast tissue. Besides that, the lymph nodes present under the arm or in the breast are also removed for examination. Patients who opt for this treatment also get radiation therapy.

Mastectomy

In this procedure, the surgeon conducts the nipple-sparing mastectomy. This can help in preserving the areola and nipple. There are many women out there who wish to undergo delayed or immediate breast reconstruction after their mastectomy.

Axillary Lymph Nodes Dissection

In breast cancer, when there are too many lymph nodes involved, patients have to opt for the “axillary lymph node dissection.” This procedure will help remove these lymph nodes present under the arm or the axilla.

Radical Mastectomy

This is a rare procedure, and it’s not performed unless cancer has reached the wall muscles of the chest. In the radical mastectomy, the surgeon will get rid of the whole breast, the lymph nodes, the nipple, and the chest wall muscles. Patients who opt for radical mastectomy, can also go for breast reconstruction work.

Modified Radical Mastectomy

Under this procedure, the whole breast gets removed. The lymph nodes located in the underarm section will also get detatched. However,the only thing that will be left intact will be the chest muscles. Patients can also choose the breast reconstruction procedure after the modified radical mastectomy.

Chemotherapy

The doctor might suggest you to opt for chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment right before going for a lumpectomy. This can help in shrinking the tumor in size.

On certain occasions, chemotherapy is given after the surgery so that it can eliminate all the cancer cells. This will lessen the chances of cancer recurrence.

But if the cancer has spread to other sections of the body, the doctor will tell you to select chemotherapy as a primary treatment.

Final Thoughts

Breast cancer is a common but severe condition that occurs in women of all ages, especially those who are aged 50 and above.. The best way you can get the condition treated is once you detect all its signs as early as possible. Be sure to speak with the doctor to learn more about the treatment options for breast cancer. For the best health services like seeking consultation with a highly qualified doctor, Max Healthcare Group helps you out.

Email: info@sahilpopli.com