Generally, we are quite familiar with this disease. Yes, breast cancer his name. Unfortunately, there are still many ordinary people who do not know the characteristics of breast cancer in depth. Get to know the characteristics of breast cancer and its prevention through the following review!
Generally breast cancer lumps feel firm and hard, their shape is irregular.
Also Read: Causes of Breast Cancer
Before knowing the characteristics of breast cancer, let’s review a little about what breast cancer is. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the breast when cells grow uncontrollably. It is important to recognize the characteristics of breast cancer from early until it becomes malignant. The reason is that everyone has different breast cancer symptoms. Some even don’t feel it at all.
Characteristics of Early Stage Breast Cancer
Recognize suspicious early signs, such as a painless lump in the breast. Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast. Most of the lump in the breast benign and not cancerous (malignant). Non-cancerous breast tumors are abnormal bodies, but they do not spread outside the breast. They are not life-threatening, but some types of benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Generally breast cancer lumps feel firm and hard, their shape is irregular. You will feel as if it is sticking to the skin or deep tissue in the breast. In its early stages, breast cancer is not painful. Early symptoms of breast tumors vary from person to person. You need to understand some of the common characteristics of breast cancer, including:
1. Changes in Breast Shape and Size
Early stage breast cancer can cause unusual changes in breast shape or size. Breasts may feel larger or smaller than before, or there is a change in breast symmetry.
2. Change in the appearance of one or both nipples
Breast cancer can affect the appearance of the nipples. These symptoms can include changes in the color, texture, or shape of the nipple. The nipple may also appear more drawn inward (retracted).
3. Nipples release fluids other than breast milk
If you are not a breastfeeding mother and your nipples have discharge, especially blood or an unusual discharge, this could be a sign of a problem that requires further examination.
4. Pain in One or Both Breasts
Although breast pain can have many causes, recurring or persistent pain in one or both breasts can be one symptom to watch out for.
5. Lumps that are felt in the breast
One of the main symptoms of breast cancer is a palpable lump in the breast. These lumps are usually painless, but can be hard or irregular in shape.
Also read: What is oncology and its role in cancer?
Characteristics of Invasive or Malignant Breast Cancer
Do you know? Some malignant tumors are painful, especially when they grow and develop, causing pressure on other structures in the breast or growing through the skin. Symptoms more specific to invasive or malignant breast cancer include:
6. Irritated or Itchy Breasts
Itching or irritation of the breasts can be an early sign of breast cancer. This can be caused by changes in breast tissue that occur due to the growth of cancer cells.
7. Changes in Breast Color
Color changes in the skin of the breast, such as red or purplish, can be a sign of inflammation or swelling associated with breast cancer.
8. Increase in Breast Size or Shape in a Short Time
Breast cancer growth can cause unusual changes in breast size or shape. This can be a sign that the cancer has reached a more advanced stage.
9. Changes in touch (feels hard or firm)
Cancer cells that develop in the breast can cause changes in the texture of the breast. Breasts that feel harder or firmer than usual can be an indication of breast cancer.
10. Flaky Nipples
Nipple skin that peels or changes texture can also be a sign of breast cancer. This can occur due to the growth of cancer cells in the area.
11. Thickening of breast lumps
The discovery of a palpable lump in the breast is often the main sign of breast cancer. The lump is usually painless and can feel hard.
12. Redness of the Breast Skin
Redness that appears on the skin of the breast and is similar to the texture of orange peel can be a sign that breast cancer has reached a more severe stage, where cancer cells have spread to the surrounding tissue.
It is important to remember that it is possible that other conditions have caused some of these changes, for example changes in skin texture on the breasts caused by eczema, swollen lymph nodes due to infection or other unrelated diseases. Therefore, see a doctor to evaluate and diagnose the condition.
Also Read: Overcoming Cancer: Reducing Stress and Medical Assistance
Mammogram is an X-ray examination to detect tumors in the breast.
Signs of Recurring Breast Cancer
Do you know? Breast cancer can return and recur long after treatment. It is possible that it can grow in the same place (local), lymph nodes near the previous cancer (regional) or in more distant parts (metastasis). Usually the possibility of cancer recurring within the first 2 years.
After treatment, after that period, the risk goes down over time. So, what are the characteristics of breast cancer recurrence? Local symptoms seen include:
New lump in the breastLump in the skin of the chestThickening near the scar from breast removal surgery (mastectomy)Regional symptoms that are visible include:Lump or swelling under the arm, above the collarbone, and chestSwelling in the armPain or numbness in the arm or shoulderConstant pain in the chestDifficulty swallowingSymptoms of metastasisBone painDry coughLoss of appetite and weight loss Severe headaches Difficulty seeing Seizures Balance problems Confusion
Also Read: Using Deodorant Causes Cancer
Early Prevention of Breast Cancer
Generally, you don’t feel the first sign of breast cancer yourself. However, many lumps are detected by self-examination of the breast and recognizing a lump as it appears or through a mammogram. In fact, most women have no obvious signs of breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. Considering that in the early stages, small tumors that grow are rarely visible from touch, let alone the naked eye.
According to American Cancer Society Routine examinations to detect breast cancer early can be relied on with mammograms. However, mammogram alone cannot catch every case of breast cancer. Apart from having regular check-ups, you also need to do a self-breast examination (BSE) to protect yourself from breast cancer. You can easily recognize suspicious abnormalities in the breast. You can observe, look and feel your breasts carefully every month at home.
Mammogram/mammography plays an important role. Mammogram is an X-ray examination that can help detect tumors in the breast. This examination can detect tumors long before they become large and start causing symptoms. Small tumors tend to be easier to treat.
This mammogram is designed to detect smaller tumors even when they cannot yet be seen or felt. The tumor may be as small as the tip of a pencil (1 mm) or as large as a piece of chalk (50 mm). Meanwhile also avoid foods that trigger cancer, such as alcohol, sugar, burnt red meat, processed meat, high-fat milk and processed products. Apply and get used to it healthy lifestyle to prevent breast cancer.
Has been reviewed by Dr. Febriani KH
Source:
2023-11-20 02:59:24
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