Text: Symptoms of malignant breast cancer

Symptoms of malignant breast cancer, signs that should not be ignored

Malignant breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women and in less cases among men. Early diagnosis of this disease plays a very important role in increasing the success of treatment and improving the quality of life of patients. Knowing the symptoms of malignant breast cancer can help to diagnose it faster and start more effective treatment. Many people do not take breast changes seriously at first, but paying attention to these signs and consulting with a specialist doctor can prevent the disease from progressing.

A lump or gland in the breast

One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is the appearance of an abnormal lump or bump in the breast. These lumps are usually firm to the touch and do not move easily. Although many lumps are benign and are caused by cysts or hormonal changes, the presence of a stable or growing lump can be a warning sign of breast cancer. It is recommended for every person to check possible changes by doing a breast self-examination on a monthly basis and to see a doctor if they see any unusual bumps or stiffness.

Change in breast size and shape

Changing the shape or size of the breast, for no apparent reason, is another warning sign of breast cancer. If one breast becomes larger or smaller than the other or changes in shape, it can be a sign of abnormal growth of cancer cells in the breast tissue. This change may appear as a bulge, a change in symmetry, or an inward stretching of the breast. Any unusual change in the appearance of the breast, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, should be taken seriously.

Changes in the nipple

The nipple usually has a definite shape and position, but in some cases, changes such as nipple indentation, discoloration, scaling, or persistent scarring can be a warning sign of malignant breast cancer. Also, abnormal discharges from the nipple, especially if they are bloody or one-sided, require immediate examination by a specialist doctor. Some patients also complain of itching or burning sensation around the nipple, which should not be ignored.

Change in breast skin

Another important sign of malignant breast cancer is visible changes in the skin of the breast. These changes can include redness, inflammation, swelling, or an "orange peel" appearance. This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in the skin tissues and the skin surface becomes uneven. Also, creating wounds that do not heal or changes in the skin tissue around the breast can be a sign of cancer. If you see these symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor for a more detailed examination.

chest and armpit pain

Some people think that breast cancer is always painful, when in the early stages, many cancerous lumps are painless. However, persistent pain or a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the chest can be a warning sign. Also, swelling or swelling in the armpit may occur due to the spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes in this area. If you experience pain or unusual sensitivity in the breast or armpit, it is recommended to see a doctor and perform diagnostic tests such as mammography or ultrasound.

Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms

There is a type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) that is different from the other types. This type of cancer usually appears as redness, swelling, warmth and pain in the breast area and may progress quickly. Unlike other types, in many cases there is no palpable lump, and skin changes such as redness or thick, raised lines can be the only symptoms. Early detection of this type of cancer is very important, because it usually progresses faster than other types.

When should we see a doctor?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, such as breast mass, skin or nipple changes, bloody discharge, or unusual pain, you should see a breast or gynecologist without delay. Performing clinical examinations, mammography, ultrasound, and if needed, biopsy will help to make a definitive diagnosis. Early diagnosis increases the chances of effective and successful treatment and prevents the progression of the disease.

Although malignant breast cancer is a serious disease, it can be diagnosed and treated in the early stages by knowing the early symptoms and seeing a doctor on time. Paying attention to warning signs such as changes in the shape of the breast, the presence of lumps, abnormal discharge from the nipple and skin changes can play a vital role in maintaining health. It is always recommended that women do periodic examinations regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of contracting this serious disease.

Change in the nipple and its relationship with malignant breast cancer

The nipple is one of the sensitive parts of the breast whose appearance and functional changes can be known as an important indicator in diagnosing the symptoms of malignant breast cancer. Normally, the nipple has a symmetrical shape and tilts outward, but in some cases, changes such as nipple depression, abnormal protrusion, or displacement of the nipple are observed. These changes become more important when they occur only in one breast and appear suddenly, because they can be a sign of the activity of cancer cells in the milk ducts or surrounding tissue.

Warning signs in the nipple

One of the most important symptoms that may be related to malignant breast cancer is abnormal nipple discharge. Discharge of blood, clear fluid, or pus that comes out of a breast suddenly and without pressure is a serious alarm. In addition, redness or peeling of the skin of the nipple and areola of the breast can be a sign of Paget's disease (a rare type of breast cancer). Persistent pain or burning in the nipple area, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as a breast mass or a change in the size and shape of the breast, requires the immediate attention of a specialist.

It is recommended that women do breast self-examination regularly and take any changes in the nipples seriously. Diagnostic tests such as mammography, breast ultrasound and biopsy can help diagnose the disease faster and start effective treatment. Timely diagnosis not only increases the probability of successful treatment, but also prevents the disease from progressing to advanced stages and involvement of lymph nodes or other organs.

Although all changes in the nipples do not mean having malignant breast cancer, paying attention to these symptoms and quickly going to the doctor for the necessary examinations can play a significant role in maintaining health and timely treatment. Taking care of breast health, performing periodic examinations and paying attention to warning signs is an important step in preventing and dealing with this serious disease.

Abnormal breast discharge in malignant breast cancer

One of the most important symptoms of malignant breast cancer that is often overlooked is abnormal nipple discharge. Normally, breasts may have milk or natural secretions only during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But when a person outside of these conditions encounters bloody, clear, green or brown discharge from one or both breasts, he should take this symptom seriously. The presence of blood in breast secretions can be a sign of cellular changes or the growth of abnormal masses in the milk ducts. This situation requires immediate examination by a breast specialist or general surgeon to determine its exact cause.

When is breast discharge a sign of malignant cancer?

Any discharge from the nipple does not necessarily mean malignant breast cancer, as some factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, infection or fibrocystic breast can also cause discharge. However, unilateral, dark, bloody, or lumpy discharge requires medical evaluation more than other types of discharge. If the secretions appear frequently, are accompanied by breast pain, skin discoloration or nipple depression, it is vitally important to see a specialist and perform a mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy. Paying attention to these signs, especially in women who have a family history of breast cancer, can play a big role in early detection and increasing the chances of treatment.

Final points and necessary actions

If you experience any type of abnormal breast discharge, it is best to see your doctor without delay. Many discharges may be caused by benign conditions, but a professional examination is the only way to be sure that there is no malignant mass. Regular breast examinations, periodical mammography, healthy lifestyle and awareness of warning signs are among the most important strategies for prevention and timely diagnosis of the disease. Don't forget that early detection is the key to success in breast cancer treatment and can save a person's life.

Changes in nipple skin and signs of malignant breast cancer

Appearance changes in the area of the nipple and the halo around it can be one of the most important symptoms of malignant breast cancer. In the normal state, the skin of this part is soft and smooth; But in case of cancer, there may be changes such as peeling, redness, or even permanent scars. Sometimes the nipple is drawn inward (nipple inversion) or the tissue appears thick and firm. These appearance changes usually occur suddenly and are accompanied by other symptoms such as a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple or swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Paying attention to these changes can play a vital role in the timely diagnosis of the disease and the initiation of treatment.

Time to see a doctor if you notice skin changes

If the nipple or the halo around it becomes discolored, persistently itchy, sore, or has abnormal secretions, it is necessary to see a breast specialist doctor or oncologist as soon as possible. Imaging studies such as mammography and breast ultrasound along with more detailed tests such as biopsy, allow the diagnosis of the type of lesion. In some cases, skin changes may be caused by problems such as infection or inflammation, but since these same symptoms can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer or other types of malignancy, it is dangerous to ignore them.

Summary

Paying attention to changes in nipple skin can save a person's life. Any unusual appearance or sensation in the nipple, especially if it is unilateral or accompanied by a lump or bloody discharge, should be taken seriously. Going to the doctor on time, doing the necessary tests and following the treatment is the best way to control and deal with malignant breast cancer. Awareness, monthly examinations and periodic checkups are the three main pillars of prevention and early diagnosis of this disease, which can significantly increase the probability of successful treatment and maintaining quality of life.

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