Early breast cancer symptoms/ What you need to know

Early breast cancer symptoms

What is Cancer ?

Cancer is a term for diseases that involve the abnormal growth of cells. These cells divide uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer can develop almost anywhere in the body – from the bones and blood to the breast and brain. There are more than 200 different known kinds of cancer.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to form new cells as needed. When cells become cancerous, this orderly process breaks down. Cancer cells can continue to grow and divide even when new cells aren’t needed. They can also invade surrounding tissues and organs, and they may travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to spread to other parts of the body.

Also Read: Breast cancer – Symptoms, causes, Pros and Cons

What is breast cancer ?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from breast tissue. It can start in one or both breasts. It happens when normal breast cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming tumors. There are different subtypes of breast cancer, categorized based on the type of cells involved.

Here’s a breakdown of breast cancer:

• Cells affected: It primarily affects the milk ducts or lobules (milk-producing glands) within the breast tissue.
• Spread: While some cancers remain localized, breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes or even other parts of the body if left unchecked.
• Gender: Though more common in women, men can also develop breast cancer.

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. If you notice any changes in your breasts, it’s important to consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

Early breast cancer symptoms

Early detection is key to successful breast cancer treatment. While regular screenings are important, knowing the early warning signs of breast cancer can also help you be aware of any changes in your breasts.

Early breast cancer symptoms: Here are some of the common symptoms of early breast cancer:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or armpit: This is the most common symptom of breast cancer, but it’s important to remember that most lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, it’s important to see a doctor to get it checked out.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast: This could include one breast becoming larger than the other, or a change in the shape of your breast.
• Changes in the appearance of the nipple: This could include the nipple becoming inverted (turning inward), or changes in the color or texture of the nipple.
• Nipple discharge: Any discharge from the nipple, other than breast milk, should be checked by a doctor. This is especially true if the discharge is bloody.
• Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin: This can make the breast skin look like the peel of an orange.
• Changes in the skin of the breast: This could include redness, dryness, scaling, or thickening of the skin.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can greatly increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Breast cancer can occur in men as well as women, although it is much more common in women.
• The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
• There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle factors.

If you are concerned about your risk of breast cancer, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and develop a plan for early detection.

Type of breast cancer ?

Breast cancer can be broadly categorized into two main types: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive breast cancer refers to cancer that has spread beyond the milk ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. Non-invasive breast cancer, on the other hand, is confined to the milk ducts or lobules and hasn’t spread further. Here’s a closer look at these two main categories and some of the specific types within them:

Invasive Breast Cancer

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby breast tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This is the second most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 10-15% of all cases. It starts in the milk-producing lobules and spreads to nearby breast tissue.
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): This is a more aggressive type of breast cancer that doesn’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors and also doesn’t make any or too much of the protein HER2. TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers and is more common in younger women and women with a BRCA1 gene mutation.
• Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): This is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that makes the breast look and feel inflamed. It accounts for about 1-5% of all breast cancers.
• Paget Disease of the Breast: This is a rare type of breast cancer that affects the skin of the nipple and areola. It can sometimes be associated with an underlying invasive cancer in the breast tissue.
• Non-invasive Breast Cancer
• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive cancer that starts in the milk ducts but hasn’t spread to nearby breast tissue. DCIS is considered a pre-cancerous condition, which means it has the potential to become invasive cancer if left untreated.
• Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): This is a non-invasive cancer that starts in the milk-producing lobules but hasn’t spread to nearby breast tissue. Unlike DCIS, LCIS is not considered a pre-cancerous condition. However, it does increase a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the future.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are other less common types of breast cancer. If you have any concerns about breast cancer, please talk to your doctor.