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Breast Cancer Signs: Observable Manifestations To Facilitate Verifying Breast Cancer

By blogger | August 25, 2008

Cancer in any form can be a deadly disease, quickly spreading throughout the human body. The more quickly symptoms are diagnosed, the more effective appropriate treatments are likely to be.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime and early detection is critical for survival - which is why it’s critical that all women be aware of possible breast cancer signs and symptoms.

To learn about known breast cancer signs and symptoms and how to detect them in your own body, keep reading

Lump

The majority of breast cancer cases (80%) are diagnosed after a person finds a lump in her own breast and makes an appointment with her doctor. Identifying a lump is usually the easiest and most direct way of detecting the disease.

Whether during a routine self breast examination or simply by accident, a woman will notice or feel a bump that feels significantly different than the surrounding breast tissue. To learn how to do a self breast examination, try the Breast Self Exam (BSE) tutorial on the Komen website, komen.org.

Changing Breast Shape, Skin Texture or Size

Another common symptom or sign is a distinct change in the breast’s shape, size or texture. Many women experience a dimpling of the skin with an almost orange peel effect around and under the nipple.

Skin Irritation or Swelling

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare form of breast cancer, but it does occur in about 1% of women diagnosed with the disease. The symptoms typically present themselves through itchiness, swelling, soreness, redness and a heat that resonates throughout the breast.

Paget’s

One complex symptom of breast cancer is Paget’s disease - this is a general inflammation of the breast skin. Essentially, the skin around the nipple becomes dry, flaky, red and itchy - resembling eczema in many cases.

Loss of Appetite

Like many cancers, breast cancer patients often experience a decrease in their appetite alongside subsequent weight loss. This symptom doesn’t affect all patients, but is common.

Depression and Anxiety

Unfortunately, mental and emotional symptoms aren’t as documented or researched as physical indicators. However, many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer report symptoms of depression and anxiety even before their diagnosis.

Genealogy

If any of your immediate family members or several members of your extended family have been diagnosed with breast cancer, then you need to let your doctor know. You should also commit to monthly self breast exams and annual mammograms.

From Symptoms to Diagnosis

If you suspect that you may have breast cancer or have signs of any other cancer, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the higher a patient’s survival and success rate.

To keep an eye on potential lumps or other signs of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society suggests women schedule a yearly mammogram and conduct a monthly breast exam.

Topics: Health |

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