Breast cancer signs of disease visible changes

BREAST CANCER: SIGNS OF DISEASE, VISIBLE CHANGES

 

Although in most cases lumps and pain in the breasts are due to benign conditions, it is advisable to see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any change in your breasts. The early detection and treatment of breast cancer could mean having an operation to remove a small lump, which leaves a small scar, rather than losing your breast altogether. Even more importantly, it could save your life. Signs of disease There are various signs of disease that a doctor will look for, some of which you may be able to detect yourself by regularly examining your breasts. These signs include a newly apparent lump which is persistent rather than cyclical, inflammation of the skin, obvious veins which are more visible on one side of the breast, a change in the general shape of the breast, or a retracted or weeping nipple. Although nipple discharge can be associated with various diseases, it may be an early sign of a cancer, particularly if bloody, and can occur before any lump is large enough to be felt. A malignant tumour which is close to the surface of the breast may pull at the overlying skin, causing it to dimple slightly. This is an important sign of malignancy. Another serious sign is a condition known as peau d'orange, in which the skin of the breast becomes pitted like that of an orange. It occurs because the lymph vessels which drain fluid away from the breast become blocked, and the breast swells as the fluid accumulates. The tiny pits are due to tethering of small areas of the skin between the lymphatic swellings. Ulceration of a cancer through the skin is a late sign of advanced disease. Visible changes Most of the signs of disease mentioned above can only be detected by looking at the breasts, and it is now generally accepted that being aware of their normal appearance and regularly inspecting them for any apparent changes may be more important than breast self-examination by feeling them - known as palpation. If you feel happy and confident about examining your breasts by touch, you should continue to do so. But it is important that you also look at them and are aware of any visible abnormal changes that occur. If you do not like feeling your breasts yourself, simply being aware of their appearance is a reasonable alternative, although you can ask your GP or practice nurse to check them for you. Practicing breast awareness from the time the breasts develop may be beneficial, and can be done, for example, while applying deodorant with your arm raised, in the bath or shower. If you get used to looking at your breasts and become familiar with their normal appearance, you are more likely to detect any visible changes which may occur and thus be able to seek treatment early when necessary.     *3/39/5*