Signs of breast cancer, with which you urgently need to run to a mammologist

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among women, but men can also suffer from it. Don't give the disease a chance and nip it in the bud.

Cancer is a mysterious disease. No one can say for sure why someone is sick and someone is not. Therefore, the main thing we can do is to notice cancer as early as possible, because in the early stages it is much easier to treat. To do this, it is enough to be attentive to yourself and not miss the warning signs.

Signs of breast cancer in women

Lumps and lumps in the chest and armpits

Sometimes you can see them, sometimes you can only feel them, and sometimes you can understand that something incomprehensible has appeared in your chest, you can only feel them with your hands. Therefore, the breast should be examined and gently massaged.

Just do not try to put pressure on the chest and try to dig out something suspicious, otherwise you will mistake the tissue of the gland for cancer and start to worry.

Questions to answer before running to the doctor:

• Do you feel the tightness?
• Where exactly: in the chest, above the breast or in the armpit?
• Do you feel how big it is, where are its edges?
• Along with the lump, pain appeared in any part of the chest?

Even if you have already found something like this, do not be alarmed in advance. Most of these seals are not malignant tumors, but something else. But make an appointment for the examination.

Breast changes size and shape

It's one thing if you've gained weight or lost weight, and this has changed your size. But if one breast has become larger or smaller than the other, if the breast has changed shape (it has become larger or smaller in one part) - go through the examination.

Nipple discharge

Everything is simple here. In general, any discharge from the nipples is abnormal and should be consulted. The only exceptions are late pregnant women and lactating mothers, they are supposed to excrete colostrum and milk.

Pits on the skin of the chest

If a dimple appears on the skin, if the breast skin looks like lemon or orange peel, if you notice folds and wrinkles in one area, show them to the doctor.

Not only the texture of the skin can change, but also its color - areas will appear that are darker or lighter than the general tone.

The shape of the nipple has changed

An especially alarming sign is if the nipple is pulled inward, and in its place, as if a fossa appears.

Rash or crusting on the nipples

If strange rashes appear on the nipples and areolas, the structure of the skin changes, then this is the same dangerous sign as changes in the skin of the breast.

Chest pain

By itself, pain without additional symptoms rarely signals cancer, so it is found late - nothing hurts. But do not drink painkillers, but rather find comfortable underwear and see a doctor.

Signs of breast cancer in men

Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. The signs of the disease are still the same:

• Pits and crust on the skin of the breast and around the nipples.
• Redness, peeling of the skin and lumps in the chest area.
• Discharge from the nipples.

Men aged 60–70 are at risk.

When to check

With age, the risk of getting sick increases, so from time to time you need to undergo an examination, even if nothing bothers you.

Until the age of thirty, this is not necessary, after thirty times every few years, you need to do an ultrasound scan if you are at risk.

At risk are women who:

• The family suffered from breast cancer.
• Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been identified.
• Harmful work.
• Menstruation began earlier than 12 years of age.
• Menopause began after age 55.

After 40 years (it does not matter if you are at risk or not), you need to come for a mammogram once a year, because at this age, ultrasound becomes less informative.

After age 55, mammograms can be done less frequently, every two years.

And it is useful for absolutely everyone to check from time to time if dangerous symptoms have appeared. For example, using the British charity Breast Cancer Now app. It shows you what to look for and helps you schedule self-examinations.