Early symptoms of breast cancer are often difficult to identify. This is because breast cancer is in its early stages, rarely causes any symptomseven. To recognize breast cancer, important for early detection of cancer with do BSE (pcheck ptits sself) and routine breast examinations at health facilities.
Like cancer in general, breast cancer is a disease that is difficult to detect at an early stage. Early symptoms of breast cancer will only appear when the cancer cells have started to grow. Understanding the early symptoms of breast cancer can make you more alert, so you can get treatment earlier with a greater success rate.
Recognizing the Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer
There are various characteristics that are early symptoms of breast cancer, one of which is a change in the nipple, either surface, texture, or temperature. These changes are usually accompanied by pain, discharge, or itching.
If the surface of the breast skin looks rough and reddish in color like orange peel, then it is a sign of advanced breast cancer.
In addition, the following other signs can be recognized from the early symptoms of breast cancer:
- Lumps in the breast or armpitThese lumps do not go away after menstruation. Characteristics of breast cancer lumps tend to feel hard, painless with uneven edges. But there are also cancerous lumps that are painful, soft, and with flat edges. In addition, although it may not be felt when palpated, this lump can be detected long ago through a mammogram.
- Breast feel continuous painAlthough sore breasts can also be caused by other things, such as the use of contraceptive pills, fertility programs, using inappropriate bras, cysts, or stress. However, to be sure, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor.
- There is a scaly rash on the nipple and or around the nipple.
This condition is a symptom of Paget's disease, which is associated with breast cancer.
- Fluid coming from the nipplesThe fluid that appears can be colored, clear, or bloody. Apart from cancer cells, breast discharge can also be caused by infection.
- Changes in the surface of the breastThe skin on the surface of the breast looks different from the surrounding skin area.
Routine Checkyoun Breast ais the Ultimate Prevention
There are times when cancer cells do not appear as a large lump in the breast, but spread through the lymph nodes to the collarbone or armpit, and cause a lump in that area.
Actually 90% of lumps in a woman's breast are noncancerous. But to be sure, it is better to immediately consult a doctor. Not only in women, breast cancer can also occur in men with more or less similar symptoms.
As a first step, the doctor will perform a physical examination by examining the surface of the breast, nipple, and armpit. The doctor will ask general questions, such as whether you have had children and are breastfeeding, any medications you have taken or are currently taking, and your lifestyle. In addition, the doctor will also ask about a family history of cancer, because some breast cancers can be linked to genetic factors.
Screening examinations with mammography are generally used to find abnormalities in the breast, and detect whether a lump in the breast is benign or malignant. In addition to mammography, mammary ultrasound can also be used to confirm the results.
As an initial home examination, you can do a hand BSE examination yourself to detect any unusual lumps. If you do feel a lump in your breast, don't worry too much. Not necessarily the lump is an early symptom of breast cancer. Do further examination to the doctor, so that it can be diagnosed and given the right treatment.
