Surely you know what breast cancer is, but you may not know what all the symptoms are. Do not miss a detail.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in recent years, although an increasing number of cases diagnosed in time due to periodic studies using mammography or ultrasound, especially in cases with genetic background. Also, there are more and more awareness campaigns about the routine controls that must be done at home for observation and palpation of the breasts at least once a month, always after the end of the menstrual period.
These routine check-ups are based on the primary diagnostic symptom of breast cancer, which is the appearance of small lumps or nodules throughout the breast area and even reaching the armpit. Still, the amount of breast tissue must always be taken into account that exists. So it is essential to know how to identify it and not be alarmed by any irregularity. In the case of finding a small lump, we should immediately go to the doctor to carry out a study, since it may be a simple cyst, so it should be ruled out as soon as possible.
In the case of finding a small lump, we should immediately go to the doctor.
Although this is the best-known symptom and the one we are most aware of, many lesser-known symptoms can lead to the appearance of the disease, some of them appearing in more advanced stages.
Less Known Symptoms of Breast Cancer
– Changes in the size and shape of the nipple.
The first point to keep in mind when we periodically observe our breasts is to look at the nipples. Although most women do not have the same breasts, we all know their usual shape, so it should be noted if we find any abnormalities in their shape or the skin. In some cases of breast cancer, it has been observed that the nipples have changed in size or have changed in shape, even noticing a retraction in them.
– Pain and redness of the breasts.
As in many of the symptoms that we are going to see about breast cancer, we must bear in mind that the breasts are delicate and undergo constant changes during the menstrual period or menopause. For this reason, we must take into account what time of the month we are in since during premenstrual syndrome. They are usually much more sensitive to touch. It is also possible to rule out the possibility of mastitis in the first place. If we are not in this period and still notice pain or redness with simple palpation, we should go to the doctor for a more in-depth study.
– Nipple discharge.
It will never be a breast milk discharge, but a liquid that can be yellowish or whitish and is characterized by a strong and somewhat unpleasant odour.
– Irregularities in the contour and the skin.
Faced with breast cancer, the skin around the breast can also undergo many changes. Many cases have been known in which these changes have not been taken into account because they did not seem important, such as cellulite on the skin, or commonly known as ‘orange peel,’ or even small subsidence or slight dimple.
– Fatigue and bone pain.
This symptom is also known in many other types of cancer and appears for no apparent reason, not after doing important exercise or spending many hours without resting. Bone pain in breast cancer occurs mostly in the middle of the back or lumbar. In cases where the cancer is very advanced, it may be because it has spread to the spine.
– Noticeable weight loss.
Like the previous symptom, weight loss can occur in other cancers, and it must also be taken into account that it is not due to other reasons such as diets or periods of stress.
In some cases of breast cancer, it has been observed that the nipples have changed in size.
Despite all the symptoms mentioned, it should be remembered that we should not be alarmed for any reason, but rather truly study whether the symptom may be due to another reason and rule it out. In the problem in which there may be a greater doubt or that the symptom is evident, we must go to the doctor so that a study by a specialist in the subject is carried out to diagnose whether we are dealing with breast cancer.