This post is published in conjunction with the Breast Cancer Awareness month. Please note that information presented in this article was extracted and adapted from various sources in the Internet, and that you are advised to consult your doctor for more information.
We’ve heard that many of the breast cancer cases are diagnosed before they can produce any symptoms. We’ve also read that routine use of mammogram helps women identify the disease long before it can cause any symptoms. In fact, in the early stages, breast cancer may be asymptomatic and women may notice only a breast lump. As the breast cancer progresses, the cancer cells can invade in to the surrounding normal structures and other distant organs and this may lead to development of symptoms.
Any one or more of the following may occur during various stages of progression of breast cancer.
- A lump (mass) in the breast, these lumps are most commonly painless.
- Swelling or thickness of the breast.
- Redness, swelling and or pain in the breast.
- Lump in the arm pit area due to the spread of breast cancer to the lymph nodes in that area.
- Areas of warmth or redness in the breast.
- Development of asymmetry of the breast.
- Inversion or changes in the appearance of the nipple.
- Flattening or indentation on the skin of the breast. This may indicate a change in the underlying structures.
- Scaling or redness of the skin on the breast.
- Unusual dimpling in the breast which may indicate adhesion to underlying structures.
- Discharge from the breast or nipple. This can be clear, dark or bloody in nature.
- Burning, itching or scaling of nipples.
- Pain or tenderness in the breast or underarm area.
- Infection or inflammation of breast.
- Development of breast abscess.
- Bone pain may occur during the late stages of breast cancer due to involvement of bone.
- Change in the mental status, seizure, and neurological events can occur in the late stage of the disease due to involvement of brain or spinal cord.
- Jaundice may occur in the later stages of breast cancer due to the involvement of liver or surrounding structures.
- Chest pain and difficulty in breathing may occur in the late stages of the disease due to involvement of lung and surrounding structures.
If you (or somebody you know) experience any of the symptoms listed above, please consult the doctor immediately. Remember that early detection saves lives.
More on the Breast Cancer Awareness series:
- Breast cancer?! What?!
- Breast cancer-related statistics
- Breast cancer: Examine yourself
- Risk factors for breast cancer
- Breast cancer symptoms
- Breast cancer treatments
- Breast cancer news
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i’m expert in checking breast!
wuching’s latest blog post: Sibeh tulan aitelyu!
Great rundown on breast cancer symptoms - sometimes women do notice these symptoms but tend to ignore them. It is important in these cases to be paranoid. That’s my take. It could save you your life.
Giddy Tiger’s latest blog post: Wordless Wednesday 001
A great posts that covers another aspect of breast cancer thoroughly. I think women should get a medical checkup periodically (not once in a decade) so when these bad things come, they can know it earlier and treat it at a much earlier stage.
Wayne Liew’s latest blog post: 5 Reasons To Tap Saturated Niche
Wah… so many symptoms? I am not suffering from any of the symptoms (thank God), but don’t know why I always have backache *sigh* old already.
Pelfy’s latest blog post: Wordless Wednesday #15 - Flood
Aiyah, you ALWAYS have backaches, backside aches, normal la. Lazy people have aches all over
Hmmp…. Not exactly. Can you please help me massage?
Pelfy’s latest blog post: Wordless Wednesday #15 - Flood
Very informative! Kudos!
This proves to me that I can learn something new every day. I was unaware of some of these symptoms and will be taking a closer look from now on! Thanks for sharing!
Deanna’s latest blog post: Breast Cancer: A Cause for Awareness
Yes, Deanna, we all learn new things everyday for as long as we are open to learning new things