Breast cancer is the foremost prevailing kind of cancer among female population and many recent estimations augur that about 246,660 new cases of trespassing breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S by the next few years. Regrattably, nearly 40,450 women will die because of it.
When it comes to breast cancer, the most worrying sing are lumps. All women have surely heard that breasts should be examined frequently, especially if they notice anything unusual like new bumps you can’t remember being there before. Indeed, finding one shouldn’t be taken seriously. —some women’s breasts happen to be lumpy without it being a sympyom of cancer. But, things change if this new lump, seems different from other lumps, or if you just feel you need some reassurance, it isn’t a bad idea to check it by a doctor.
Nevertheless, scientists stress that there exist other chronic symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. According to Jack Jacoub, M.D., a medical oncologist and medical director of MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif it is not uncommon for breast cancer to present itself as something other than a lump. Dr.Jacoub estimates that from 10 to 20 % of breast cancers he’s diagnosed don’t involve lumps. While according to the American Cancer Society, the foremost frequent sign of breast cancer is a new bump mass, hereby , some others that should be taken in serious way.
1- Breast asymmetry
The shape of your boobs is not perfectly matched, yet if suddenly you start noticing that one is becoming more bigger than the other, then it is the aporopriate moment for breast diagnosis. According to Dr. Kiluk, the foremost crucial sign is noticing a change. A ductal or lobular breast cancer can cause asymmetry in your breasts, although weight gain and loss can as well. So, a visit to doctor is highly recommended in this case.
2- Nipple discharge
A pregnant woman or breastfeeding one are commonly familiar with this. But women who are not and who notice bloody or clear discharges from their nipples, without even squeezing them, must check it immediately. But according to a breast cancer surgeon at Moffit Cancer Center, Dr. John Kiluk breast discharges are not necessarily a sign of breast cancer. Papillomas are a sort of noncancerous tumors, that can be the cause of bloody discharges. Mayo Clinic as well tells that birth control, breast infections and having fibrocystic (i.e., lumpy) breasts may be also the reason of nipples’ discharges. In any condition, abnormal changes in boobs should be examined by doctors to find out the best treatment.
3- Nipple retraction
While women’s nipples commonly stick out, it is not weird to have inverted nipples, where your nipple is pulled into the breast. From a medical point of view it is not that worrying. But, what worth worrying is when the nipples used to stick out and get pulled inward. According to Dr. Holmes this could be because of a tumor located in the middle of a woman’s breast. He explains that it involves the milk ducts and causes them to shorten, pulling in the nipple. It is more apparent when arms are raised. This symptom is too eerie to check it with a doctor.
4- Breast or nipple pain
Although it is an abnormal sign and could be a symptom of breast cancer, but it can be related to an inflammatory breast cancer. Hence, according to Dr. Jacoub this could be an infection, and a mammogram or ultrasound is needed to get more assurance. Dr. Jacoub says if a woman does a mammogram and ultrasound and find nothing but still the doctors unable to find an other cause for that symptom it is necessarily to not let it go.
5- Redness or a rash
Irritation within your boobs are linked to many factors: it can your underwear, body lotions, and soaps. Yet if it goes hand in hand with redness or freckle-like rash on your breast that feels warm to the touch and isn’t going away, that should be taken seriously. Therefore, in some cases, this is a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer. Dr. Holmes says that people with piercing can notice skin infections Cellulitis which has similar symptoms.
6- Skin dimpling
According to Dennis Holmes, M.D., a breast cancer surgeon and researcher and interim director of the Margie Petersen Breast Center at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., tumors can be found in your breast and manifest inflammation around them that ties up to the ligaments and skin. Dr. Holmes says because of that your skin can be pulled in, creating a dimpled effect. You won’t notice that unless you raise your arms and check it with your doctors.
7- A New Mole/ Change in Existing Mole
Usually moles are a symptom of skin cancer, but in many cases it has to with breast cancer as well. A team of researchers followed 89,902 women aged 40-65 over the course of 18 years. The number of moles of each woman was documented from the very beginning of the study. During the examination 5,956 of these women were unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer, 13% of them were with moles comparing to those who have not.
8- A Cough or Hoarse Throat That Won’t Subside
Cancer passes through multiple phases. Primary cancer is when cancer cells appear in one zone. When it widespread to other area causing the appearance of tumors, this is called secondary cancer. When it reaches lungs sufferer goes on prolonged cough ,hoarseness or shortness of breast. Indeed, 60 to 70 % of women who suffer from breast cancer have the cancer spread to their lungs.
9- Changes in the Bladder or Bowels
Sufferer of breast cancer can be threatened by several hormonal changes . This condition is known as incontinence and its symptoms are leaking urine when laughing or coughing, urination for longer that usual, urgent need to urinate and experiencing sudden sneezing or exercising.
10- Fatigue
One of the most frequent signs of breast cancer and which occurs much earlier before the diagnosis is fatigue. Neither sleep or rest can alleviate fatigue that goes hand in hand with cancer, since it is chronic. Fatigue can be accompanied with sleep disturbance, depression and pain. Scientists say that this is a consequence of chemicals created by the cancer in the body.
11- Unexplained Back Pain
It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people experience back pain. Although it is common, but it is a symptom of breast cancer as well manifested by pressure on the ribs or spine or pain in the upper back.
