6 Early Signs Of Breast Cancer | Cancer slideshows | Body & Health Conditions center

The Types Of Breast Cancer

There are different kinds of common breast cancers such as ductal carcinoma (most common type), lobular carcinoma, (second most common type) estrogen receptor-positive cancer or ER-positive cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer, invasive or infiltrating breast cancer. The rare types of breast cancer include inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and Paget's disease of the nipple. Different types of symptoms are noticed in different types of breast cancer. Even more rare types of breast cancer include men’s breast cancer in 2012 – 2,100 men where diagnosed with breast cancer and pregnancy breast cancer which affects 1-6% of pregnant women. Breast cancer is a frightening diagnosis but if it is caught early the prognosis is very good.

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www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-symptoms-and-types

Breast Lumps And Unequal Size And Shape Of The Breasts

If you find a lump in your breast, you should have it checked by your doctor. 90% of all breast lumps are noncancerous but unfortunately, the other 10% are cancerous. You should also see your doctor if you notice that one or both of your breasts has changed in shape or size. What happens is the tissue that is the deepest in your breast starts to push the tissue closer to the surface. This creates a change in the shape and size of one or both breasts. Both breast lumps and unequal size and shape of the breasts can be an early sign of breast cancer.

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www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-female/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Lump Or Swelling Under The Armpit

A lump or swelling under the armpit can be an early sign of breast cancer. Usually the lump or swelling is only under one armpit. Women may also be able to feel a lump on the breast. Breast cancer starts in the glandular tissue of the breast in one of three places the lobules, ducts, or the nipple. When the breast cancer starts to spread, the cancer cells spread into the lymph nodes under the arm where they continue to grow. The result is swollen and enlarged lymph nodes that become matted together and stick to the skin. A lump or swelling under the armpit requires medical attention to rule out the possibility of cancer.

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Photo courtesy of Ricky Tang by Flickr : http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickytang/5718104777/
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-female/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Nipple Rash And Discharge May Be An Early Sign Of Breast Cancer

An early sign of a type of breast cancer called Inflammatory Breast Cancer usually displays as a scaly rash around the nipple. The nipple can also become inverted (pulled inward) or a change in the shape of your nipple, it may stick out more than usual. A spontaneous discharge (that leaks out on its own) special signs to watch for include the discharge coming from only one breast; if it is tinged with blood, or if it is clear and sticky. If you experience any of these things, you need to make an appointment with your doctor, as they may be early signs of breast cancer.

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Swelling And Shrinkage Of The Breast(s) May Be An Indicator Of Breast Cancer

Breast swelling can be caused by inflammatory breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. The swelling may occur even before you can feel a lump in your breast. Lumps or swelling around your armpits or collarbone may be caused by breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes near the collarbone or armpits (a cause for concern is if the swelling or lumps are only on one side.). Unexplained shrinkage of the breast (especially if it is only one side.) Recent asymmetry of the breasts if you have one breast that is slightly larger than the other, if this is new it could be an early sign of breast cancer. If you experience either of these symptoms you should make an appointment with your doctor.

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Swollen, Or Red And Scaly Skin Around The Breast May Be An Early Sign Of Breast Cancer

Everyone including men should know the early signs of breast cancer. Early detection saves millions of lives each year. Women should perform monthly self-breast exams. The best time to do this is in the shower as you are able to see your breast better. Yearly breast exams performed by your doctor are also necessary, as is a mammogram after the age of 40. If you notice scaly, red, or swollen skin on your breast, nipple, or areola (the darker area of skin surrounding your nipple) it might be an early sign of breast cancer. The skin may look uneven or ridged – the skin may look like the outer peel of an orange. If you notice any of these things, you should consult your doctor. He/she will exam you and decide if you have symptoms of early breast cancer and proceed from there.

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Monthly Breast Self-Exam

All women regardless, of age are encouraged by their doctors to do a monthly breast self-exam. Statistics report that more than 40% of women find a lump or another possible breast cancer symptom while doing a self-exam. You can do your self-exam in the shower, lying down, or standing in front of a mirror. Use your finger pads and move them in a circular motion around your breast starting on the outside and working your way inward toward your nipple. Then do the same thing under your arm. Look at breasts so you are familiar with the way they look so if something changes you will notice it quicker. In the event you find a lump in your breast or under your arm in the armpit or notice, any other changes in your breasts you will need to see your doctor for an exam.

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Photo courtesy of Pik Yeoh by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/pikm/330998725/
www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-symptoms-and-signs?gclid=CNuUuKai-7YCFYF9OgodZx8ASg

Early Signs Of Breast Cancer - Change In Skin Texture Around The Breasts

When most women think of breast, cancer they automatically think of a lump. Of course, if you ever find a lump in your breast it needs to be looked at by your doctor. Many times those lumps are not cancer just cysts (buildup of fluid.) Nevertheless, you have to make sure. There are several other symptoms of breast cancer including the skin on your breasts texture. Women who have had breast cancer describe it as feeling like an orange peel, or it just feels rough and strange. This could be an early symptom of breast cancer and of course, you will want to have it checked out by your doctor.

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Photo courtesy of Tip Times by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/tipstimes/7483356770/in/photostream/
www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-symptoms-and-signs?gclid=CNuUuKai-7YCFYF9OgodZx8ASg

Not All Lumps Are Cancer

When a woman finds a lump in her breast regardless of the size she panics thinking she has breast cancer. It is important to realize that not all lumps found in the breasts are cancer. Of course, some are cancer but you will not know not for sure until you go to the doctor. Some lumps are benign and made up of scar tissue; some lumps are cysts and filled with fluid or a hard substance like calcium. While other times a lump can be caused by, an infection or something completely unrelated to breast cancer. A perfect example is if you hurt yourself and did not realize you bumped your breast during your accident the lump you feel could be a buildup of damaged tissue that will eventually return to normal on its own. However, every lump needs to be evaluated by your doctor just to be on the safe side!