A change in a breast, whether it’s a lump, redness, or unusual discharge, is a symptom worth taking seriously. While it’s true that not all the symptoms are cancerous, staying alert is crucial. Especially when the statistics indicate that breast cancer is the most common cancer across the globe. 

However, most people are diagnosed with breast cancer without any early symptoms, when early detection could have saved them. 

At Sarvesh Health City, the expert team, led by the best breast cancer surgeon in Hisar, recommends early consultation with any unusual changes in the breasts. In this article, we will discuss the ten signs and symptoms that can help diagnose breast cancer at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment. 

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which eventually forms a lump or tumor. If left undiagnosed, it has the potential to become invasive or spread across the body, making it fatal and life-threatening. 

The typical age group diagnosed with breast cancer is women who are 50 or older, as well as young women. In fact, 0.5-1% of men are also prey to this disease. 

It is not known exactly what triggers the change in breast tissues to mutate and become cancerous. But certain risk factors may increase the chances of developing breast cancer, such as age, gender, family history, genetics, smoking, obesity, and radiation exposure. 

The first step towards preventing breast cancer is awareness of early detection for the timely diagnosis and beginning of the treatment. 

Breast Cancer Symptoms You Should Not Ignore 

Breast cancer symptoms do not appear immediately and can be easily overlooked. The breast lump is often the first sign, but it is not the only indicator, while other changes in or around the breast may be non-cancerous. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of how your breast typically feels and looks, so you can easily detect the symptoms and get evaluated by the doctor.

Below are the ten signs suggested by the best breast cancer surgeon in Hisar that require early consultation:

1. A Lump or Thick Area

If you feel any lump or thickened area in your breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue or other breasts, it’s time to get examined. A lump can be benign or non-cancerous, such as cysts, fibroadenomas, or normal lumps that usually occur before menstruation. It is important to consult a doctor and determine the cause for timely intervention. 

2. A Pea-like Small Mass

A lump the size of a small pea could be the beginning of a cyst formation or something benign. However, it is important to remember that breast cancer lumps may vary in size. It is important to consult the doctor if it’s a persistent, mobile, and smooth mass under the skin to rule out the cause. 

3. A Lump around the Underarms 

In many cases, a lump or swelling around the underarms usually occurs due to enlarged lymph nodes during menstrual cycles. However, if the lump or swelling is painless and constant, it could be due to infection or the spread of breast cancer. So, do not ignore and visit the doctor for correct evaluation. 

4. Change in Size or Breast Shape

It is not normal if the breast size, symmetry, or contour of your breasts are different from each other. You may compare both your breasts by the shape, it could be droopier, larger, or in a different shape from each other, and it could be a sign of underlying symptoms of cancer.

5. Persistent & Unexplained Breast Pain

Breast pain is common during menstruation and could be due to hormonal changes. But if it still persists even after menstruation without any signs of improvement, it’s a sign to consult the doctor. Breast pain alone is not a symptom of cancer, and consulting a doctor can help find out the other underlying symptoms. 

6. Skin Changes of the Breast or Nipples 

If you notice any changes in the skin texture, like dryness, flakiness, itchiness, redness, or dimpling on the breast or around the nipples, you may need a doctor’s evaluation. Sometimes it may appear as an orange peel or the skin tone gets darker, but do not mistake it for a mere infection or rash, since it can grow into cancer. 

7. Sudden Nipple Inversion

When outward-pointing nipples usually turn inward or flatten, it could be a sign of a tumor pulling other masses inside. However, a few females naturally have inverted nipples, but if it’s happening all of a sudden, it’s a concern to be taken care of. 

8. Unusual Nipple Discharge

A nipple discharge is normal if it’s related to breastfeeding, but anything other than that is unexpected and indicates underlying disease. Especially, if you come across fluid leakage, whether watery, transparent, or blood-tinged, without squeezing the nipples or coming out only from one breast, it should be promptly evaluated. 

9. Warm or Red Area Around the Breast 

If there is persistent redness, swelling, and warmth around the breasts, it may be an infection, but it may also be an aggressive inflammation due to breast cancer. In either case, it is important not to overlook and immediately consult the breast surgeon for further evaluation. 

10. Visible Veins or Skin Discoloration

If you see that the veins are too visible and the skin changes to dark patches, it shows the tumor might be affecting the lymph nodes and blood flow to the breasts. These changes might also be noncancerous, but a doctor’s evaluation is a must for timely treatment.

Self-Examination and Early Diagnosis

Now, the question arises, how do you detect these symptoms? There are self-examination processes, such as visual inspection and manual examination, that help you identify any changes in your breast. The best time to perform these examinations is after 4-5 days of your period and during a fixed time in a month if you have reached a post-menopause period. 

For visual inspection, start by standing in front of the mirror with straight shoulders and hands on your hips. Now, begin by comparing both your breasts first, and then examine the changes in texture, size, or color. Next, press your nipples to detect any unusual discharge.

In manual examination, you can check for lumps in your breasts while standing, sitting, or lying down. Use your left hand to examine the right breast and vice versa in a circular motion.

Final Thoughts

Breast cancer can be prevented with timely intervention. It is therefore very important to be aware of any changes in the breasts by performing self-examination. If you come across any lumps, discharge, or skin discoloration, please consult the cancer experts for further evaluation. 

At Sarvesh Health City, the evaluation is done in three stages: clinical examination, advanced imaging, and biopsy for accurate diagnosis. So, if you have any symptoms or know someone with the above warning signs, consult the best breast cancer surgeon in Hisar and take the first proactive step towards breast health.