Cancer is a malignant neoplasm that is constantly growing and, as a result, can metastasize first to nearby tissues, organs and lymph nodes, and then through the blood to any place in the body.
Before we look at all the symptoms of cancer, it is necessary to understand one small detail for readers. You must understand that even a combination of any signs may not necessarily indicate malignant cancer. Often these are ordinary diseases, infections, inflammations, which can manifest themselves in the same way.
Organ cancer is only in the initial stages attached to a specific tissue; later, after developing into phase 4, the tumor begins to spread metastases, which can cover any organs.
To find out for sure whether you have cancer, you must take biochemistry and. And after confirmation, connect additional diagnostic methods: MRI, CT, ultrasound, etc. Let's look at all the common symptoms of cancer and how to recognize oncology?
Headache
If you constantly have a headache in one place for no apparent reason, then this may also indicate brain cancer. At the same time, it is not worth donating blood for tumor markers, since the tumor does not have a specific antigen and it is better to immediately go for an MRI.
Tumor markers
- Bulok S100
Birthmarks of unusual and strange shapes
Usually, strange moles that have an irregular shape, as well as strange pigment spots, indicate melanoma or skin cancer. You can go first and donate blood for the S-100 tumor marker.
Fever
If you constantly have chills, fever without additional reasons - snot and other signs indicating a cold. It is impossible to say what kind of cancer this sign indicates. Therefore, first of all, you need to take a general and biochemical blood test. The temperature with cancer lasts quite a long time.
Lumps in the chest
Usually indicates breast cancer in women. When palpating, it is necessary to note the hard clots inside the mammary gland. Collectively, some mucous fluids with an unpleasant odor may be released from the chest. In this case, you need to immediately go to a mammologist, who, after the examination, will send you to an oncologist for examination.
Tumor markers
- SA 15-3
Deteriorated condition of nails and hair
When a tumor is actively developing, a large amount of antibodies and waste products are produced in the blood, and severe inflammation is possible. Plus, the neoplasm itself consumes a large amount of energy and nutrients for growth. Therefore, nails and hair may not have enough of it. At the same time, hair may fall out, its color becomes dull, and nails become brittle and constantly peel off.
Bleeding from the vagina
Usually indicates cancer of the uterus and ovaries. In addition, the lower abdomen may hurt. Between menstrual periods there may be heavy bleeding, and it also happens that blood is present in the urine.
Tumor markers
- CA 125
NOTE! To quickly diagnose uterine cancer, you just need to visit a gynecologist once a year, who can recognize the disease in time. In this case, the neoplasm is very clearly visible on the cervix.
Frequent fainting
If fainting occurs for no known reason. This may indicate brain cancer. In this case, a clinical and biochemical blood test is taken, and then the doctor looks at the test results.
Bumps on the bones
If you have hard lumps on your legs, arms, hip or shoulder, this could indicate bone cancer. But you must understand that they could arise from bruises or fractures. You should immediately consult a doctor and have a bone x-ray done.
Tumor markers
- TRAP 5b
Absent-mindedness and memory impairment
Indicates that the cancerous tumor has begun to seriously grow in the head. This happens because the tumor uses a lot of resources for its growth.
Decreased appetite
This is accompanied by severe weight loss. May indicate both gastrointestinal cancer and. At later stages it can refer to almost any oncology.
Profuse sweating
If everything was fine with you before, but then suddenly you began to constantly sweat, even in a cool room, then this may indicate a disorder of the nervous system. Usually refers to a number of malignant formations in the neuroendocrine region.
Heat
If you feel hot flashes in your face and throughout your body at varying intervals, this may indicate endocrine system cancer.
Change of mood
It may indicate both brain cancer and certain tumors that affect a woman’s hormonal levels.
Loss of vision
Indicates malignant neoplasms of the optic nerve. But it may be due to severe stress, physical shock or external factors. Vision also decreases due to genetics. Against the background, general health worsens.
Abdominal pain
May indicate stomach, pancreatic or intestinal cancer. At the same time, the type of pain is similar to gastritis or an ulcer. In this case, it is necessary to undergo a fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) examination and fluoroscopy of the stomach. The disadvantage of this group of oncology is that the first signs of cancer appear only at stage 3.
Weight loss weight loss
It should be noted here that the decrease occurs quickly even though the person does not lose weight, does not diet or exercise. Usually indicates cancer in the colon, small intestine or rectum. In addition, there may be a difficult act of defecation, a constant feeling that the intestines are full.
Skin color changes
Yellow color usually indicates pathologies in the liver and pancreas. In this case, when the color changes, the color of the sclera of the tongue may change and skin itching may appear. I would also like to add that this can also occur at the last stage of almost any cancer, when metastases reach the liver.
Labored breathing
Dry cough, later sputum appears. At the very beginning, the cough may have no symptoms at all. Afterwards, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and shortness of breath may appear. Indicates, but cough may also be present with stomach cancer, but in rarer cases.
Difficult to swallow
May indicate cancer of the pharynx or throat. In this case, the tumor can grow to such a size that a person simply cannot swallow or breathe.
Heartburn
When gastric juice enters the esophagus due to a tumor. In this case, the person constantly feels severe heartburn. May indicate both stomach and duodenal cancer.
Enlarged lymph nodes
The swelling itself mainly appears on the face. This is due to the fact that the lymph nodes react to the tumor. It can indicate cancer of anything, which is why it is better to immediately consult a doctor and get blood tests.
Upper body swelling
Compression of the lymphatic vessels and circulatory system near the lungs due to a growing tumor leads to swelling on the face and upper body. Occurs against the background of frequent smoking.
Fatigue
A tumor has waste products that are intensively produced into the blood, plus when cancer grows, the tumor can interfere with the normal functioning of the organ, causing stagnation of substances. Intoxication, headache, malaise, and constant weakness due to cancer occur.
Blood in stool
Indicates bowel cancer. It may also be accompanied by difficulty in defecation due to the fact that the cancerous tumor has already grown greatly. The stool becomes dark in color due to blood. It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, as subsequently, due to the tumor, the patient will not be able to go to the toilet at all. Blood appears as a result of damage to blood vessels by the tumor as a result of violent growth.
Constipation, diarrhea
A general disorder of the digestive process may indicate several cancer areas: from stomach cancer to intestinal cancer.
Difficulty urinating
It is not always accompanied by pain; it can usually begin at stages 1 and 2 of prostate cancer. This is due to the fact that the prostate gland swells and narrows the urethra. Then the man needs to make every effort and strain his abs in order to go “small”.
In the last stages of cancer, urination may not be possible at all, and doctors insert a catheter. The cancerous tumor seizes the nerves responsible for male libido, and the man begins to have sexual problems.
Blood in urine
In men, it can be associated with prostate carcinoma, and in women, cancer develops in the uterus. Moreover, these diseases at stage 3 begin to affect the nearest organs, kidneys, liver and bladder, which can also cause bleeding.
Swelling of the scrotum and penis
Cancer of the testicle or penis. But in the last stage of a prostate tumor, these symptoms may also appear. Plus there is swelling of the lower extremities.
Back pain
This does not always indicate osteochondrosis or inflammation in the spine. Sometimes it can be cancer of the vertebrae.
Nipple discharge
Accompanied by chest pain. Indicates damage to breast cancer cells with metastases. In addition, it is best to check the breast itself for lumps and if there are any, consult a doctor immediately. The discharge itself smells bad.
What can cause cancer?
The exact causes of cancer have not yet been established, but there are several factors and assumptions.
- Poor nutrition
- Ecology
- Work related to pesticides and chemistry.
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Genetics
- Unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Stress
How to detect cancer at an early stage?
Not all of the above oncology symptoms indicate that you have a malignant tumor. But if there are at least 10 signs of cancer, then you should worry. But you must understand that it is impossible to identify the disease only by internal symptoms and it is worth resorting to other studies.
How to fully detect cancer?
- Take a blood test with leukocyte formula
- Donate blood for biochemistry
- Tests for tumor markers.
- Biopsy of suspicious tissue.
Signs of cancer in women
Oncological diseases in women manifest themselves a little more clearly in the initial stages than in men. During pregnancy, this can lead to miscarriage.
What symptoms should you look out for?
Typically, a woman can independently diagnose a tumor by examining her breasts by palpation. The tumor usually does not exceed 2 cm, has an irregular shape and an uneven, bumpy surface.
Breast examinations should be performed monthly at the end of the menstrual period. The mammary glands are examined in a clockwise direction from outside to inside. During examination, the woman first stands with her arm thrown back behind her head, then lies on her left side to examine the right breast, then on the right to examine the left.
Alarming symptoms include abrasions on the nipples, bloody discharge from them, and areas where pain or “tension” is felt for a long period of time. If during palpation you find that the contour of the breast is deformed, and when you press on it, a small area is formed - this also serves as one of the alarming signs.
Also, symptoms of breast cancer include the so-called “retraction” of the skin: when the skin seems to be pulled towards the tumor. There may be deformation of the mammary gland, the nipples may retract or begin to peel.
A serious sign that an advanced tumor has already begun to grow into the skin is an ulcer that appears on the skin of the mammary glands. Swelling of the skin of the mammary gland and its redness also indicate that the tumor has already started.
Cancerous tumors can metastasize in several ways. One of them is by lymph, and that is why enlarged axillary lymph nodes are also considered a symptom of breast cancer. Along with damage to the lymph nodes, women also experience swelling of the mammary gland, which is a sign that the tumor is advanced.
In general, breast cancer can have different symptoms. In addition, it is worth considering that all of them may indicate a completely different disease of the mammary glands. But in any case, if you find any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor. You should also be alerted by the appearance of any new formation, change in skin color, swelling or wrinkling.
Diagnosis of cancer in modern medicine. Modern medicine has in its arsenal a lot of methods through which breast cancer can be diagnosed. This can be done using mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, tumor markers, etc. You need to start treatment as early as possible by making an appointment with a mammologist who will prescribe an examination for you.
Breast cancer can manifest itself in a variety of forms and variants - this should be taken into account when consulting a doctor. Mainly nodular and diffuse forms of cancer, Paget's disease, as well as its rare forms are distinguished.
Today, oncology has reached great heights, but the main problem remains the need to improve methods of treating this disease, its prevention and diagnosis at an early stage.
One of the methods by which breast cancer can be detected is an examination by doctors with different specialties. In terms of efficiency and cost, methods such as clinical examination, analysis of data obtained during a patient interview, examination and palpation are often superior to others. In addition, there are cases when more expensive diagnostic methods cannot be used for some reason.
A thorough examination of each breast, accompanied by palpation, is an effective method by which breast cancer can be diagnosed. This technique should be able to be used by doctors, regardless of their specialty, as well as nurses.
By studying the patient's medical history, the doctor finds out when the first symptoms of the disease were discovered, how quickly they developed, what diseases preceded them, and signs that could cause a predisposition to breast cancer (risk factors).
Breast cancer is a common cancer among women. The success of treatment and the patient’s life expectancy depend on timely detection of the disease. The symptoms, stages of development, methods of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are described below.
The mammary glands consist of lobules, or glands, channels for transporting milk to the nipples, fat, connective tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels.
Breast cancer is a lesion of the breast by malignant neoplasms that replace glandular tissue. Most often, carcinoma is detected that develops in the lobules or ducts, but besides this, there are about 20 other types of malignant breast tumors.
The incidence of the disease is high among women over the age of 40, and the maximum number of cancer cases is observed in the period 60-65 years.
Cancer cells have an abnormal structure and a high rate of division due to the rapid metabolism in them. Appearing in the breast tissue, as the disease progresses, they penetrate into nearby lymph nodes, and in the later stages they also affect distant tissues, including bones and internal organs.
In addition, the life cycle of malignant cells is shorter than healthy ones, and their decay causes general intoxication of the body.
Doctors see the main cause of breast cancer in. More often, the disease develops in women when the production of hormones changes dramatically. At the same time, less progesterone and estrogen are produced, which affects the condition of the mammary glands.
Not only a deficiency, but also an excess of female sex hormones is considered unfavorable; for example, the risk of developing breast cancer is increased in nulliparous women after 30 years of age and as a result of abortions. Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, on the contrary, significantly reduce the likelihood of malignant cells appearing in the mammary gland.
Stages of breast cancer, symptoms
The International Classification of Breast Cancer Stages identifies four stages of disease development.
Stage 1
The pathological focus does not exceed 2 cm in diameter, and the cancer has not yet affected adjacent tissues and lymph nodes. There are no metastases, breast fat and skin are not affected.
Upon palpation, a painless small lump is felt - this is the only sign of breast cancer at an early stage.
Stage 2
The tumor reaches from 2 to 5 cm and does not grow into adjacent tissues. The second stage is divided into two categories:
- IIb – the neoplasm increases in size;
- IIa – penetration of cancer cells into the axillary lymph nodes.
Symptoms of stage 2a breast cancer include wrinkled areas of the breast and decreased elasticity of the skin over the tumor. After the skin is compressed in this area, the wrinkles do not straighten out for a long time.
No more than two metastases may be detected in the affected gland; a symptom of umbilification often appears - retraction of the nipple or skin at the site of the tumor.
Stage 3
The diameter of the neoplasm exceeds 5 cm, it can affect the subcutaneous fat layer and dermis. Symptoms of stage 3 breast cancer: the skin resembles a lemon peel, it is retracted over the tumor, often swollen, if there are metastases, then no more than two.
Stage 4
The pathology affects the entire mammary gland, and ulcers appear on the skin of the breast. Metastases are multiple and spread to other organs and tissues, primarily affecting the lymph nodes located under the shoulder blades, in the armpits and collarbones.
Distant spread of metastases affects the skin and soft tissues, from internal organs - lungs, ovaries, liver, from bones - femoral and pelvic.
Symptoms and signs of breast cancer by stage
For breast cancer, symptoms and signs can be divided into four groups:
- The appearance of compactions;
- Changes in the skin of the breast;
- Discharge from juices;
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
At the first stage When the size is small, the cancer does not actively manifest itself. It can be detected accidentally when a dense nodule is felt in the mammary gland. If the tumor is malignant, in most cases it is painless to the touch, and the presence of pain during palpation most often indicates a benign tumor (mastitis, mastopathy).
The cancerous node is very dense, with an uneven surface (lumpy), immobile or moves slightly when exposed, often attached to the skin or surrounding tissues, fixed. Large lumps appear at stages 2-4 of breast cancer (from 3 to 10 cm).
Attention! There are forms of breast cancer in which the mammary gland is painful to the touch - these are erysipelas and pseudo-inflammatory forms of a diffuse tumor. They are characterized by rapid growth, the absence of individual dense nodes, redness of the skin of the chest, and increased body temperature.
With a malignant formation on the chest, skin retraction, folds, wrinkles, and localized swelling appear in the area above the tumor. With further development of cancer, small non-healing ulcers appear on the skin, nipple or areola area, which then merge, bleed, and suppuration develops (last stage).
The next symptom of breast cancer in women is nipple discharge. Depending on the form and stage of the disease, they may be cloudy or transparent, whitish or yellowish, and contain impurities of pus or blood.
The nipple is hardened and looks swollen. Any discharge from the mammary gland, especially outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, should be regarded as a warning sign and a reason to be examined by a mammologist.
Starting from stage 2 cancer cells penetrate into the nearest lymph nodes, which leads to an increase in the latter. If the tumor affects only one mammary gland, then this symptom is observed on one side.
A clear sign of metastatic damage to the lymph nodes is their large size, density, drainage, and most often they are painless. In this case, the armpit area may swell, and in the later stages the arm may also swell due to poor drainage of lymph and blood (lymphostasis).
Diagnosis of breast cancer
Basic methods for diagnosing breast cancer:
- taking a mammogram;
- blood test for the presence of tumor markers (in women under 30 years of age);
- Ultrasound of the mammary glands;
- biopsy (taking a piece of tissue for examination).
The following methods allow us to assess the general condition of the patient and the level of prevalence of cancer cells in the body:
- blood tests - general and biochemical (to determine the level of formed elements, ESR, cholesterol, amylase, liver tests, glucose, total protein, creatinine);
- CT scan;
- urine examination to exclude genitourinary pathology;
- Ultrasound of internal organs;
- X-ray of bones, chest.
When determining the course of the disease, doctors use the TNM system; in conclusion, they put a number next to each letter:
- T indicates tumor size (0 to 4);
- N – degree of lymph node damage (from 0 to 3);
- M – presence or absence of distant metastasis (0 or 1).
Self-examination
Since breast cancer does not appear in the early stages of development, regular self-diagnosis is of great importance. It should be carried out on days 5-7 of the monthly cycle, in good lighting, in front of a large mirror, completely removing clothes to the waist.
The mammary glands should be examined with both arms raised and lowered, paying attention to their size, skin condition, color, and symmetry. After this, you need to carefully feel the breast - any tissue compactions (both nodular, focal, and diffuse, affecting evenly the entire gland) should alert you.
The self-exam also checks for discharge from the nipples by pressing on them. At the end of the examination, palpation of the axillary, supraclavicular and subclavian lymph nodes is carried out - with cancer they are smooth, dense, enlarged, and often painless.
Treatment for breast cancer is aimed at completely destroying malignant cells. At a later stage, if complete recovery is not possible, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, for example, taking powerful painkillers to alleviate the condition. Treatment includes several areas, which are most often combined with each other.
Radiation therapy
The goal of this method is to stop the aggressive development of the tumor and its growth for surgical intervention. It is considered as a preparatory stage before surgery and is carried out after removal of the tumor.
Radiation therapy is also indicated if surgery is not possible, for example, if there are metastases in the brain.
Hormone therapy
It is used if receptors sensitive to progesterone and estrogen are detected in laboratory tests in cancer cells. Analogs or antagonists of sex steroids are used to treat breast cancer.
In some cases, in addition to hormone therapy, the ovaries are removed, since they produce hormones that provoke tumor growth.
Targeted therapy
It is also called sighting. Cancer cells are able to protect themselves from the effects of radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy by releasing special substances (EGFR factor). This is a definite obstacle to a quick cure.
For immunocorrection, that is, reducing the response of malignant cells to medications, the drug Herceptin (Trastuzumab) is used. These are purified monoclonal antibodies specific for the protective factor of cancer cells.
The use of targeted therapy requires special equipment and highly qualified personnel in the clinic.
Chemotherapy
This method involves the administration of medications, is prescribed taking into account the patient’s characteristics and is indicated if:
- The diameter of the neoplasm is more than 2 cm;
- Tumor cells are poorly differentiated;
- The woman is of childbearing age;
- Cancer cells do not have receptors sensitive to progesterone and estrogen.
For chemotherapy for breast cancer, cytostatics are used - antitumor agents that have a detrimental effect on cancer cells. Examples of drugs are Cyclophosphamide, Adriablastin, Mitoxantrone, Doxorubicin, Fluorouracil.
In oncology, there are three types of such treatment:
- Adjuvant (preventive, additional) therapy is indicated if the tumor is operable, and is used before and/or after surgery. It prepares the tumor for surgical removal.
- Therapeutic is prescribed for a generalized form of cancer, that is, for metastatic lesions of other tissues and organs. This method is aimed at destroying or reducing metastases to a minimum.
- The induction type of chemotherapy is indicated if the tumor is inoperable and its size needs to be reduced to the size that is possible for surgery.
Cytostatics have a number of side effects, which are the negative side of their use. During chemotherapy, some healthy cells inevitably die along with cancer cells.
Side symptoms may include:
- dyspnea;
- nausea and vomiting, diarrhea;
- yellowish coloration of mucous membranes, skin pigmentation;
- dizziness, fog;
- decreased visual acuity;
- hematuria (urine mixed with blood);
- arrhythmia, pronounced palpitations;
- hair loss;
- itching, allergic skin rashes.
These problems are temporary and go away after rehabilitation treatment. Before chemotherapy, a detailed consultation is carried out and the woman is thoroughly prepared for the procedures.
Surgical treatment of breast cancer
An operation to completely remove the mammary gland is called a mastectomy; it is indicated starting from stage 3. Regional lymph nodes are also removed along with the breast. After surgery for breast cancer, radiation therapy is prescribed, as well as additional examination of the preserved lymph nodes and nearby tissues.
In the absence of contraindications, simultaneously with breast removal, it is possible to perform plastic surgery to reconstruct it.
Complications after mastectomy:
- bleeding from the wound;
- temporary restriction of mobility of the shoulder joint;
- swelling of the arm and chest.
At stages 1 and 2 of breast cancer, surgery is often limited to organ-preserving intervention, that is, removal of only the tumor focus while preserving the breast. In any case, psychological support from loved ones and specialists is important for a woman.
Prognosis and life expectancy
In oncology, the indicator of treatment success is 5-year survival. After breast cancer treatment, slightly more than half of all patients cross this threshold. This is a conditional border, since having overcome it, many women live for many more years.
Life expectancy is influenced by the shape of the cancer tumor, the degree of its aggressiveness (speed of growth), as well as the stage at which treatment began.
The worst prognosis for life is for the diffuse type of neoplasm and stage 4 breast cancer - none of those affected survive 5 years.
With stage 2 breast cancer, life expectancy, or rather achieving a five-year, or more often ten-year, survival rate is about 80%. Moreover, more than half of this number of women will live 20 years or more.
The chances are higher with the effective selection and combination of several therapy methods. If stage 3 cancer is detected, then life expectancy of 5 or more years reaches from 40 to 60% of women, depending on the substage (3A, 3B).
Breast cancer has a tendency to reappear, in most cases this occurs in the first two years after treatment.
Prevention
Effective prevention of breast cancer includes the following measures:
- Attentive attitude to the state of the endocrine system - correction of hormonal levels, taking oral contraceptives;
- Pregnancy and childbirth;
- Absence of abortions, and therefore effective contraception;
- Prevention and timely treatment of benign breast tumors - fibroadenoma;
- Regular mammography examinations – 1-2 times a year;
- Giving up bad habits, healthy eating, active lifestyle, good sleep.
Breast cancer has the highest percentage of deaths from cancer in women. The main reason for the difficulty of curing the disease is the late contact with medical specialists to diagnose the disease. The main risk factors for the onset of the disease are heredity, late onset of menopause (after 55 years), early onset of menstruation (before 12 years), obesity, smoking, radiation, etc.
At the initial stage of the disease, there are no external symptoms of breast cancer. A woman may not suspect a threat to her health. Manifestations of breast cancer become noticeable after intensive progression of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to know the symptoms of tumor development in the early stages. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the greater the chances of obtaining a positive effect from treatment and a full recovery.
The main types of the disease: non-invasive and invasive. Non-invasive cancer (carcinoma) is an early form of the disease that does not spread to the surrounding tissues of the organ and is curable. This type of disease develops in the gland lobule or duct. Invasive forms of cancer affect adjacent organ tissue and are more aggressive (malignant).
The following invasive forms of breast cancer exist:
- Lobular (lobular) form. It is formed in the glandular tissue of the organ and subsequently grows into the surrounding tissues.
- Ductal (ductal) form. Develops in the wall of the milk duct and spreads into adjacent structures.
- Inflammatory form. A rarer type of disease. Symptoms also characteristic of mastitis are pain, redness of the gland, fever, etc. It has adverse consequences.
- Paget's disease. Cancer of the duct of the gland, leading to changes in the shape of the areola and nipple of the breast, as well as the appearance of ulcers.
- Rarer forms include medullary, mucinous and tubular cancer mammary gland.
The first symptoms of breast cancer appear so insignificantly that a woman often tries to drive away the thought of the existing danger. Over time, more tangible signs of disease development appear that are difficult to ignore. Increasing in size, the tumor involves other structures of the body in the process. Painful sensations appear, the intensity of which increases. A visit to the doctor becomes inevitable, but the lost time makes it difficult to obtain a positive result from treatment.
According to statistics, a disease diagnosed at stage I is cured in 90% of cases. Breast cancer advanced to stage III is curable in only 40% of patients. If you experience at least one of the following symptoms, you must undergo an examination.
It is important for every woman of any age to know how to self-examine her breasts for symptoms of breast cancer. During the menopausal period, a woman’s breasts should be examined 7-10 days after the start of menstruation. When there is no pain or swelling of the breast. If menopause has established itself, or there is irregularity in menstrual cycles, you need to examine your breasts once a month if the mammary glands are not swollen. The examination should be carried out in the following order:
- You need to start by inspecting the underwear at the points of contact with the nipples. Make sure there are no spots indicating nipple discharge. Examine the nipples and the area surrounding them (the areola). Make sure there is no redness, peeling, sores, inverted nipples or other changes.
- Stand in front of the mirror, naked to the waist, raise your hands behind the back of your head. Take a closer look at the shape of the mammary glands, make sure there are no bulges or dimples in certain places. Asymmetry in breast shape and size is not a symptom of cancer, but the appearance and increase of differences should be taken into account. Pay attention to the color of the skin, whether there are any unusual shades or crusty areas.
- The first signs of tumor formation can be detected in a supine position. To do this, you need to lie on your back and place a small pillow or cushion under one shoulder blade. Carefully feel the surface of the gland, making circular movements with the pads and two phalanges of the fingers. Try to identify any compactions by moving through the segments. Examine both breasts this way.
- Additionally, you can conduct a self-examination in the shower. Using soapy fingers can sometimes make it easier to identify pathology in the mammary gland.
If you detect any of the symptoms that raise suspicions about the development of tumor formations, you must immediately consult a mammologist. According to his recommendations, undergo an ultrasound, mammography and additional studies.
Malignant formations can have different locations in the chest. Cancer can affect both breasts equally. There are cases when a tumor is diagnosed in one breast, and a tumor with metastasis or a separate tumor may be detected in the other. How to recognize breast cancer? The neoplasm can be found independently; it may feel like a small lump to the touch; it somewhat resembles a lump or dough.
The tumor may be round in shape with smooth borders or with protrusions. There are cases when the tumor is huge. You can discover it yourself.
If you find a tumor, do not panic. It is necessary to consult a gynecologist and take a referral for examination.
Regular examination
Dear women, do you know how to detect cancer at an early stage?
To detect a tumor at an early stage, a woman after 35 years of age needs to undergo a special examination every year, or preferably six months. It is necessary to independently conduct a self-examination on the 9th day of the monthly cycle in reproductive women and once a month for women in menopause.
You can make it a rule to conduct a self-examination after every shower. Therefore, every woman/girl should know how it is carried out. If your health is important, take responsibility for your breasts. The results of the examination may become a pretext for contacting a mammologist and conducting additional diagnostics.
Self-examination
Find out how to determine it yourself.
Self-examination is carried out in a lying, standing, tilted position, with a raised arm. It is carried out not with the fingers, but with the entire surface of the palm.
Let's take a closer look at how to identify breast cancer, the symptoms of cancer, what they can mean, and how to detect it.
Neoplasm
A lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. These lumps are often painless, although some may be painful. Not all lumps are cancer. There are a number of benign breast conditions that can cause lumps, such as cysts. However, it is very important for specialists to determine the origin of the tumor. And the sooner he makes a diagnosis, the better.
Edema
Swelling may be found in or around the breast, collarbone, or armpit; breast swelling is a symptom of a more aggressive form of the disease. Swelling or lumps around the collarbone or armpits may be symptoms of a tumor that has spread to the lymph nodes. Swelling can occur before a woman even feels a lump in the breast, so if you have this symptom, rush to the doctor.
Pain
Although most cases of breast cancer do not cause breast pain, there are cases that do. Most often, women feel discomfort associated with their monthly cycle. This type of pain is present for a week and once menstruation begins it goes away. Some other breast lesions, such as mastitis, may cause more sudden pain. In these cases, the pain is not associated with the monthly cycle.
If you have breast pain that is severe or persistent and not related to your menstrual cycle, you should be evaluated by a gynecologist, surgeon, or breast specialist. Everything must be done to prevent a benign condition or cancer that needs to be treated.
Itching and warmth
Thickening of the skin, redness of the breast, itching and warmth may be symptoms of mastopathy or breast cancer. If antibiotics do not help, consult your doctor again.
Changes in nipple shape
Breast cancer can sometimes cause changes in the appearance of the nipple. If your nipple turns inward, or the skin on it thickens or becomes red or scaly, you should see a breast doctor right away. All factors can be symptoms of breast cancer.
Discharge
Discharge (other than milk) from the nipple can be alarming, but most cases are caused by infection, injury, or a benign tumor (non-cancer patient). If the secreted fluid is bloody, it is better to check with a doctor.
Diagnostics
Find out how to recognize breast cancer in a clinic or specialized facility. Cancer is most often diagnosed after symptoms appear, but many women with early cancer do not have any symptoms. This is why screening tests are recommended. If cancer is found, other tests will be done to determine the stage (degree) of the cancer.
Medical checkup
If you have any signs or symptoms that resemble breast cancer, be sure to see your breast doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and tell you any health problems you have.
Recognition is carried out by looking for any lumps or suspicious areas and determining the texture of the pectoral muscle.
Any changes in the nipples or breast skin should be noted. Enlarged or hard lymph nodes may indicate breast cancer has spread to the lymphatic system. The doctor does a complete physical exam to judge your overall health and whether there is any evidence of cancer that may have spread.
You can learn from a mammologist about diseases that can be treated conservatively.
- Mastopathy
- Mastitis
- Fibroma
- Cyst
- Lactostasis
If, as a result of your physical examination, a pathological process in the mammary gland is identified, then additional tests are done to clarify. These may include imaging tests, looking at samples of nipple discharge, or taking a biopsy of suspicious areas.
Finding breast cancer in its early stages gives you a better chance of successful treatment. But in addition to self-examination, it is necessary to undergo mammography, or better yet, ultrasound, which detect breast cancer in the early stages before any symptoms appear.
Benign (noncancerous) breast tumors are much more common than malignant tumors. Imaging tests are used to diagnose breast disease. An imaging test is a way that allows you to see what is happening inside your body.
The images can show normal structures and functions of the body, as well as abnormal ones caused by diseases such as cancer. Mammography and other breast imaging tests for more information. How to recognize breast cancer at an early stage?
Here are some of the most common imaging tests used to screen for breast cancer:
Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray that can detect breast cancer. Screening mammography is used to look for changes in the breasts in women who do not have any signs or symptoms of a breast problem.
A screening mammogram usually takes 2 views (x-rays taken from different angles) of each breast. Diagnostic mammography is used to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasound, also known as echography, uses sound waves to highlight a part of the body. This is done to see changes that are not visible on a mammogram. It also helps to recognize breast cancer from cysts filled with fluid and solid masses.
MRI
In magnetic resonance therapy, energy from radio waves is absorbed and then released in a pattern based on the type of body tissue that determines the disease. The computer translates the pattern into a highly detailed picture. To be able to identify cancer, a contrast liquid is injected into a vein to make the details of the image better visible and to determine the extent of the disease.
Ductogram
Ductogram (galactogram) is used to help find the cause of nipple discharge. In this test, a very thin metal tube is inserted into a duct opening in the nipple. A small amount of contrast material is placed into the canal mold. An x-ray can show if there is a mass inside the canal. If fluid is coming from the nipple, some fluid may be collected and tested for signs of infection or cancer cells.
Biopsy
A biopsy is done after the results of mammography and other tests that show changes in the breast or the presence of tumors. A biopsy is the only way to tell for sure whether there is cancer. For a biopsy, a specific sample (small piece) is taken from a suspicious area of the breast and examined in a laboratory. The test is called a sample biopsy.
Breast cancer can only be determined after a comprehensive examination. A diagnosed patient can live a long time if the tumor is removed in time. The identified biopsy sample is stored in the laboratory. In recent years, Cuban specialists have achieved impressive results in the treatment of cancer patients. Recognizing the disease at an early stage will save life.
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