Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. What makes the matter worse is that besides lung cancer, the death rate associated with breast cancer is higher than any other type of cancer. Early diagnosis of the problem can, however, increase the survival rate in patients. And thus, it is necessary for women to be aware of the changes in their breasts so that the disease can be detected at an early age and right breast cancer treatment is given to increase the mortality rate. In this post, we look at the seven visible signs of breast cancer. Read on.
1. Thick Area
If skin feels thickened or there’s a lump in the breast, it could be a sign of breast cancer. There’s a possibility of the lump being formed during breastfeeding or menstruation. If thickening or lump doesn’t go away or increases, it could be breast cancer. The thickening could be the result of cancerous cells blocking the circulation in the blood or a tumor growing near the surface of the skin.
2. Indentation
A dimple or indentation in the breast that doesn’t go away for a long time could be a sign of breast cancer. The dimple is formed when the tumor in the breast pulls the skin inward. There’s a possibility that the patient might or might not feel the lump.
3. Fluid Discharge
Nipple discharge is common and usually harmless. It can often be related to infection, pregnancy, breastfeeding or cysts. If you see fluid coming out of the nipple, when none of these problems exist, it could be a sign of breast cancer.
4. Skin Sores
In some cases, cancer breaks down the skin to make an open wound. The infection causes leakage or bad smell. In addition to skin sore, there’ a hard lump on the breast, which is a sign of breast cancer.
5. Nipple Crust
Crust on the nipple could be harmless or sign of breast cancer. The cancer is called Paget’s disease and spreads inside the breast while living in the nipple. It creates red or white crusted surface that’s sore and won’t go away.
6. Red or Hot Patch
Red or hot patches on breast could be a sign of eczema or breastfeeding. If these don’t go away with antibiotics or other treatments, it could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. The cancer blocks the flow of lymph in breast, causing swelling and redness. Breast also feel warm or hot.
7. Change in Shape or Size
It is common for one breast to differ in shape and size from the other. However, if one breast flattens, swells, droops or have an unexpected change in size, this could be a sign of breast cancer.
Family history, age, alcohol consumption, smoking, dense breast tissue, genes, early menstruation, and giving birth at an older age are some of the factors that increase the chances of getting breast cancer. As we have already said that not all bumps and cysts are signs of cancer, but you must visit the doctor for breast cancer treatment in India upon noticing any abnormality in breasts to increase the chances of winning over cancer.
