Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer is the malignant tumor which develops from the cells of breast. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer.

Signs of breast cancer

Thickening or Lump in the armpit or breast: There may be lumps or swelling in the tissue of the breast. It may be due to certain hormonal changes. But if the lump persists in the armpit area or in the breast it is a matter of concern. Swelling in the armpit region may indicate the body is fighting against some sort of invasion. The lump in breast tissue may be the initial sign of cyst. It may also indicate a problem in lobes or duct.

Change in shape or size of the mature breast: If changes in shape or size are observed in the matured breast, and especially in one of the breasts; it may indicate swelling of the milk ducts or lobes within the breast. This might occur due to the regular monthly hormonal cycles or fibrocystic. A medical check up is advisable when the changes are not similar to regular periodical changes.

Fluid (not milk) outflow from the nipple: From the age of 41 to 58, there may be a bit of non-bloody outflow from the nipples of both the breasts. This occurs due to certain hormonal changes and is quite natural bodily mechanism. But when this leakage is observed in only one breast or is bloody, there are medical tests that can be done to find the cause.

Change in shape or size of the nipple: It is one of the common signs of breast cancer. If the nipple pulls in and fails to resume its normal shape, it is high time to consult a medical practitioner. Changes of shape, color or texture of the nipple or the areola: If you observe puckers, dimples, rash on the skin of the areola or nipple and they do not respond to any sort of treatment creams, you must consult the doctor. Unusual pain in the armpit or in the breast: If you suffer from breast pain and it is in tune with the monthly period then there is no need to worry. But if you suffer from pain and it is off-cycle or in armpit or in one breast it is recommended to go for a medical check up.

Breast cancer stages Early breast cancer stage: It refers to the stages of breast cancer labeled 0, I, II, and IIIA. " Stage 0: Stage 0 is also known as ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS. During this stage the cancer cells are present in the lining of breast lobule or the duct. It has not affected the surrounding fatty tissue. " In stage I: At this stage the cancer has already spread to the lobules or ducts to the nearby breast tissue. The cancer does not reach the lymph nodes. The tumor develops up to a size of 2cm or less in diameter in the stage when the cancer is considered to be invasive. " In stage II: The tumor develops from 2cm to less than 5cm in the diameter. Sometimes cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes during this stage of breast cancer. " In stage IIIA: At this stage the tumor develops up to a stage of 5 cm or greater in diameter. There may be cases where tumor may develop up to any size where cancer cells have grown into the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes. Advanced Breast cancer stage: The advanced breast cancer stage includes IIIB/C and IV. " In stage IIIB/C: It is also regarded as the locally advanced cancer. The tumor may develop up to any size but it has spread in the skin of the breast or in the tissues present at the chest wall. " In stage IV: This stage is also known as metastatic cancer. It affects other parts of the body like the liver, bone, lung and brain from the breast.

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