Symptoms and characteristics of breast cancer that need to be watched out for

Breast cancer is one of the main causes of high mortality in women. Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, an estimated 627,000 women died from this disease. This condition often occurs because many women are not aware of the symptoms and characteristics of breast cancer from the start, so they only go to the doctor when the stage is severe.

Symptoms and characteristics of breast cancer can indeed appear without you knowing it, especially at an early stage. By recognizing these symptoms, you can still prevent breast cancer from getting worse, so that the treatment can be even more effective. Therefore, here will be a complete explanation of the signs, features, or symptoms of breast cancer that may have appeared from the very beginning to an advanced stage.

Recognizing the various symptoms and characteristics of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a disease that attacks the breast tissue and its surroundings. This disease causes different symptoms or signs at each stage of breast cancer.

In stage zero, cancer cells have formed, but the development is not severe and generally no lumps have been found. Only at stage one to the next, cancer cells have developed and tumors have formed with different sizes and spreads at each stage. The higher the stage, the more severe the development and spread of cancer cells and tumors, so that the symptoms that appear can be more pronounced.

Most women only know that breast cancer is characterized by these lumps and tumors. In fact, there are many other signs and symptoms that mark the appearance of this disease. In fact, lumps that are classified as breast cancer have certain characteristics, which are different from other types of lumps.

Here are some of the symptoms, signs, or features that may appear in people with breast cancer:

1. A lump in the breast

A lump in the breast is the most recognizable early symptom of breast cancer. Apart from the breasts, this lump can appear around the upper chest or armpits. The reason is, the breast tissue extends down the arm.

The bumps are sometimes not visible directly to the naked eye, but will be felt when touched. Cancer lumps are also not painful or painful.

In full, here are the characteristics of a breast cancer lump:

• Texture of soft lumps towards hard with indistinct borders.
• The surface of the bump is uneven.
• A lump attached to the breast.
• There is only one lump.
• The lump is not painful or painful when pressed.
• Settles after menstruation is over.

Routinely check the appearance and condition of your breasts every time you shower so you can detect any problems as early as possible. This will make it easier for you to recognize foreign and abnormal lumps in your breasts.

When the lumps don't go away after weeks, you also need to get them checked out immediately.

2. Breast skin changes

Changes in the texture of the breast skin are also often a symptom of cancer, both at an early and advanced stage. Cancer cells can attack healthy breast skin cells and cause inflammation, so that the original texture changes.

Unfortunately, this one symptom is often misunderstood as a common skin infection. To be more sure, be aware of breast skin changes that occur due to cancer as below:

• There is thickened skin in the area around the breast.
• The skin of the breast is dimpled or hollow like an orange peel, because the lymph vessels underneath are pulled until it finally wrinkles. This generally occurs at an advanced stage.

These reddish signs can occur in several types of breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer and Paget's disease. In this type of inflammatory breast cancer, the entire breast may look red or have red, painful spots.

However, in Paget's disease, a red and scaly rash generally occurs in the nipple and surrounding areas. The redness can also feel itchy and a bit like eczema.

If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor to determine whether this is related to breast cancer or a common skin infection.

3. Colored discharge from the nipple

Other symptoms and features of breast cancer that may occur, especially at an advanced stage, are discharge from the nipple. However, this liquid is not breast milk (breast milk). This fluid can be thin or thick and reddish-brown in color, like blood.

This fluid does not always indicate cancer. It could be that this discharge from the nipple is a sign of another health problem, such as a breast infection.

However, there is nothing wrong with seeing a doctor when you experience it. Your doctor will examine your condition and diagnose the exact cause of these signs.

4. Swollen lymph nodes

Swelling of the lymph nodes can also be a feature of breast cancer. The reason is, cancer cells in the breast can move and spread to the lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes (KGB) are a collection of immune system tissues that fight against foreign microorganisms, including cancer cells. If the cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, these glands will become swollen.

Apart from the armpits, the lymph nodes near the collarbone also usually swell. These lymph nodes generally tend to be small and dense, but feel soft to the touch.

This lump will also grow large and attach to the tissue around the armpit.

5. Big breasts next door

Generally, both women's breasts are not exactly the same size and shape. However, you must be vigilant if your breasts look significant one-sided. This condition could be a sign or symptom of cancer in your breast.

One large breast can occur due to a lump in the breast, due to cancer cells that develop in the area. The side of the breast where the lump is swollen, so it will appear to be drooping or drooping from the other side of the breast.

Thus, the side of the breast affected by this cancer will appear larger than the other side of the breast.

If you experience swelling in your breasts for no apparent reason, don't hesitate to get it checked out by a doctor. The doctor will determine the cause of these symptoms.

6. The nipple is retracted or pulled

Apart from the discharge from the nipple, other nipple changes can also be a symptom and a sign that you have breast cancer. This change, namely the insertion of the nipple or the nipple as being pulled in.

This condition occurs because cancer cells can attack and change the cells behind the nipple. These changes can cause the nipple to reverse or to protrude inward. In fact, normal nipples will appear to stick out.

Apart from the ingrown tip of the nipple, the shape and size of the nipple also often changes far from the original.

Even so, it does not mean that you are automatically positive for breast cancer if you experience these symptoms. Changes in the appearance of the nipples can also be caused by breast infections or cysts.

Make sure you call your doctor if these symptoms are new or have not been tested.

The importance of seeing a doctor regularly

Even if you don't have the lumps or symptoms of breast cancer above, you still need to have your breasts checked regularly. By getting checked out, you will be able to intervene to prevent this disease from progressing to an advanced stage and spreading to other organs.

Remember, not all breast cancers show symptoms in the early stages. When the doctor finds a suspicious sign on your breast, he or she can determine whether it is breast cancer or not, by performing various tests for breast cancer.

Then the doctor will immediately provide the most appropriate treatment. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctor will provide breast cancer treatment according to your condition.

Checking breast cancer symptoms can be done alone (BSE), clinical (SADANIS), and mammography.

Every woman is advised to start doing mammography for the first time at the age of 45 years. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer, screening can be done earlier as recommended by your doctor.

Even when you enter the age of 40 years and over you need to do mammography regularly. The reason is, the risk of breast cancer increases with age. So, do not delay to check for breast cancer, because breast cancer at an early stage can still be cured.