Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
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Like many cancers, breast cancer when small often isn’t noticeable. The symptoms of breast cancer become apparent as the cancer grows to a larger size. Differences from how your breast normally looks start to emerge.
Pain is often not a symptom of breast cancer. It can be related to your periods and sometimes just seems to come and go for no apparent reason. However if you are worried see your GP.
The main symptoms of breast cancer are
- You find a lump either in or close to your breast
- Your breast varies in size and shape
- You can see a dimple or dimples on your breast
- Your nipple changes, maybe goes inwards or a different shape
- You have a discharge from your nipple, often a bit red with blood
- You get a rash or skin changes on your breast that may look a bit like orange peel.
- You notice a thickened area or lump in your armpit.
Many women have breast lumps but the vast majority (90% or 90 in 100) are not cancer, they are benign. So although a breast lump is commonly the first sign of breast cancer most lumps are not cancer. The common causes of lumps are
- Lumps related to hormonal changes and your periods especially in women in their 30’s
- Fluid filled cysts
- Fibroadenomas, which are commoner in women in their teens and twenties.
All of the symptoms listed above can be caused by medical problems other than cancer. However if you get any of the symptoms listed visit your doctor for a check up. If the symptoms are not cancer you can get the correct treatment and peace of mind. If you do get a diagnosis of breast cancer your treatment can begin as soon as possible which gives the best chance of success.
A much less common breast cancer is inflammatory breast cancer. The symptoms are usually redness and inflammation affecting your whole breast which id often very painful. The breast changes and feels hard and the skin tales on a wrinkled look like the skin of an orange.
An even rarer cancer is Paget’s disease of the nipple. The nipple has a red, itchy and scaly rash and it’s easy to think it’s eczema.
If breast changes occur
If you get any of the changes suggestive of breast cancer see your GP. A breast lump is probably the commonest presenting symptom. The doctor will examine you and arrange any further tests needed as well as refer to a hospital specialist. After these tests are done you will have the results ideally within a couple of weeks. If it is breast cancer your treatment options will be explained and start pretty quickly, as in common with many cancers early treatment is associated with good success rates.
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