Warning Symptoms of Breast Cancer

If the world were perfect, breast cancer would give us some prior warning that it was emerging. We would see a red flag or hear an alarm bell. Unfortunately, the real world is not so thoughtful.

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.

Some women find that breast cancer is indicated by a bump above the collarbone or under the arm. This bump might be persistent, and then other symptoms may appear. These can include changes to the skin and surface of the breast, as well as nipple inversion or discharge.

Rarely will a discharge be a symptom of cancer, and in fact is quite common. However, if you notice blood in the discharge, or if it only occurs in one breast, then see a doctor immediately. Inversion of nipples is also quite common, but if it occurs suddenly, check with 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.

Changes to the skin, such as puckering or changes in texture, or redness, can also appear when breast cancer is present. Other diseases may also cause any of these effects, but it is important to rule out breast cancer by consulting with a doctor.

Breast cancer can take months or even years to develop. Once diagnosed, it's crucial to begin treatment immediately, as it is much more difficult to treat cancer once it has begun to spread throughout the body in what is called metastastic spread.

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 in the breast, above the collarbone or under the arm, that stays for longer than a week

* Discharge from the nipple

* Changes to the nipples, such as inversion

* Changes to the skin surface of the breast

Don't take chances with your health. If you notice any of these breast cancer symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Mabel Dugmore is an author for a variety of popular web sites, on woman health and new products topics.
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