The first signs of breast cancer: how to recognize the disease?

In recent years, it has been rapidly increasingthe number of women diagnosed with breast cancer. It is very important to recognize this disease as early as possible, so every woman needs to know what the first signs of breast cancer look like. The earlier the disease is detected, the more successful the treatment will be.

At what signs should you immediately sound an alarm?

Appearance of discharge from the nipples. If the nipple periodically releases fluid (it can be any color: from transparent to bloody or purulent-green), you need to immediately seek advice from a specialist and get tested. A characteristic feature of such secretions is that their appearance does not depend on the phase of the woman's menstrual cycle.

Appearance of small wounds on the nipples and skin of the breast. With the further course of the course of the disease, these wounds will become ulcers, and skin lesions can be quite extensive, so in no case should this process be allowed to go by itself.

Increase in the size of the lymph nodes. One of the first signs of cancer is swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit, which can be accompanied by painful sensations.

The presence of seals in the mammary gland. Here it is necessary to say at once that the presence of seals in the chest is not an excuse for panic. Most of them eventually turn out to be benign, and the disease can be treated successfully. Such seals can be found on their own, so every woman, regardless of age, should regularly conduct a manual breast examination, which can be easily done at home and without help. At the first visit to the mammologist, you should ask him to show how to properly examine the chest.

Change the color and appearance of the skin of the breast. With cancer, the color of the skin above the location of the tumor can become pinkish or even crimson. In this case, peeling or puffiness of the skin can be observed. If, during the raising of hands over your head, the hollows or the so-called "orange peel" become visible on the skin of the chest, as well as peculiar wrinkles and wrinkles, you should immediately consult a doctor.

changing the shape of the breast or nipples. If the body is affected by breast cancer, the shape of the breast may change: it becomes flattened or, conversely, elongated. Also a disturbing signal will be that the nipples become fallen. The more the disease is launched, the more nipples will be drawn.

The appearance of painful sensations in the chest. They do not occur in all women who subsequently have cancer, but the likelihood of their occurrence is still quite large. Do not confuse them with the usual pain and swelling of the chest during a certain phase of the menstrual cycle.

Irritation or sharp increase in the sensitivity of the nipples, pain or even puffiness. In addition, abrasions or small wounds may appear on the nipples.

What should I do if I suspect breast cancer?

If at least one symptom is present fromof the above, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. There is no need to panic and postpone a visit to a mammologist because of the fear of hearing an unfavorable diagnosis. There are many different means of diagnosing oncological diseases at an early stage. All of them are absolutely painless and available to every woman. Official statistics show that at least 70% of women who are diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer every year undergo treatment and completely get rid of the dangerous disease. The main thing is to detect and recognize the disease in time. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly conduct an independent examination of the breast for the presence of seals and changes in the mammary gland, and also be sure to visit a mammologist once a year and a gynecologist once every six months. In addition, it would not be superfluous for every woman to be examined by an endocrinologist once every 3 years. You should never self-medicate. Only timely examinations and taking care of your health will help to avoid breast cancer.