Breast Cancer – Symptoms and Diagnosis

Cancer of the breast is a tumor that forms in the cells of breasts. Breast cancer may happen in both women and men, but it is more widespread in women. Symptoms of breast cancer vary widely – from swelling to changes in the skin and several breast tumors have no clear signs at all. Symptoms that are alike to the signs of breast cancer might be the outcome of non-cancerous situation such as cyst or infection.

Next to skin cancer, tumor of the breast is the most widespread cancer identified in women. However, cancer of the breast rates gone down in current years, although physicians are not sure of the reason behind it. But still, for several women, tumor of the breast is the ailment they mostly fear of. Public support in the awareness of breast cancer and research grant has helped developed the diagnosis and treatment of breast tumor. Survival rates of breast cancer have improved and the number of mortality has declined, this is because of earlier discovery, new treatments as well as better considerate of the ailment.

Self examination of the breast must be a part of the monthly health concern routine of every woman, and must visit a physician in case she experiences any changes in the breast. Women over forty years of age or at high risk for the ailment should have a yearly mammogram as well as physical check up by a physician. The earlier the breast tumor is detected, the better are the chances in beating it.

The real process of detection of the disease can take many weeks and also involve several different kinds of examinations. Waiting for the results of the different tests can feel similar to a lifetime. The insecurity stinks. However, once you are aware of the big picture, you can be able to make enhanced decision. Together with your physician, you may prepare a treatment plan intended only for you. At first, tumor of the breast may not give any signs. An inflammation might be too little for you to sense or origin of any abnormal changes you may be able to observe by yourself.

In some instances, on the other hand, the initial symptom of tumor in the breast is a fresh mass or swelling in the breast, which you or your physician can feel. An inflammation that is hard, painless and contains not smooth edges is more possible to be a tumor. But at times cancers might be soft, gentle and rounded. Therefore it is essential to have something abnormal examined by the doctor.

Any of the following remarkable changes that may appear in the breast may be a sign of cancer of the breast: Inflammation in all or part of the breast, dimpling or skin irritation, pain in the beast, pain in the nipple or the nipple turns inward, redness or thickening of the skin of the breast or nipple, discharges in the nipple other than milk and lump in the armpit area. These changes may also be the signs of less severe conditions which are not cancerous, like a cyst or infection. It is essential to have any changes in the breast examined immediately by a physician.