There is no shortage of chains in social media to draw attention to the important problem of breast cancer. However, one photo stands out especially from the others. Its simplicity and the load of knowledge it carries can really save a life. How it’s possible? Unfortunately, most of us do not know all the symptoms of this insidious disease.
- Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of death among women in Poland
- If detected early, cancer can often be cured. So the most important thing here is diagnostics
- You can find breast cancer through regular self-examination. However, it is important to know that the symptom of cancer does not have to be a lump
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Do you regularly check your breasts? Do you know what cancer looks like? Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer will not always appear as a palpable lump. A developing breast cancer can manifest itself in at least 12 different ways. It’s high time to get to know them all. A non-profit organization called KnowYourLemons came up with a brilliant way of visualizing the symptoms of breast cancer. For several years, it has been fulfilling its educational mission with the help of surprising graphics. The legendary lemons have already had many versions and translations. They perfectly appeal to the imagination.
12 symptoms of breast cancer that must not be taken lightly
1. Hard lump
A hard lump is the most commonly recognized symptom of breast cancer. It is usually located deep in the breast and can be palpated. It can be of any shape or size and remains stationary. You can compare it to a lemon stone.
2. Thickening
When you touch your breasts, you may feel a strange change in the structure of the breast, resembling a fleshy lump. Some changes may be physiological and result from breastfeeding or changes occurring during the menstrual cycle. However, if the lump persists or grows it may be a sign of cancer.
3. Recess
One symptom that is often overlooked is breast collapse. The lesion may be inconspicuous and of a small size. It is easiest to spot when you raise your hand behind your head. If you see a dimple in your breast it may be because a lump is deep inside the breast.
The rest of the text is below the video.
4. Nipple keratosis
Darker areola color, redness or hard skin on the nipple may be a symptom of a skin disease, but if the lesion does not respond to dermatological treatment, consult your doctor. These types of changes can also be a symptom of breast cancer.
- See also: What can you do to reduce the risk of breast cancer? The list goes on and on
5. Redness, feeling hot
If your breast feels warm, red, and looks and symptoms similar to inflammation of the breast, see a specialist for help. Inflammation requires appropriate treatment. However, if the therapy does not bring the expected results, further diagnosis is required.
6. Breast leak
There are many physiological reasons for the leakage of contents from the nipple, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding time, cysts formed, or infections. However, if a leak occurs for no good reason, always consult a specialist.
7. Breast ulceration
Breast cancer can progress rapidly and become extremely extensive, causing external ulcers and sores in the breasts. The infection can leak purulent contents with an unpleasant odor. This is a symptom of an advanced disease.
8. Lump protruding on the surface
Some neoplastic lesions are located on the surface of the breast. Many women have lumps and irregularities on their breasts, but any such changes require diagnostics. Both harmless fluid-filled cysts and neoplastic lesions can manifest themselves in the same way. Don’t panic, but your gynecologist should check the lesion.
- Editors recommend: Unusual symptoms of breast cancer. The oncologist advises what to look for
9. Concave nipple
If you’ve had inverted nipples since your breasts developed, you don’t have to worry about it. They just have this shape. However, if the nipple collapsed, even though it was protruding previously, be sure to see a doctor. Such a change in the shape of the nipple may be a symptom of breast cancer.
10. A swollen vein
Strongly visible, swollen veins on the top of the breast may appear during breastfeeding or due to weight gain. This symptom is also characteristic of women in the course of Mondor’s disease. However, if you do not belong to any of these groups, a sudden, strong blood supply to the breast may herald a cancerous tumor growing in it.
11. Changing the shape or size of the breast
Sudden enlargement of one or two breasts, not caused by weight gain or hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or changes in the menstrual cycle) should make you alert. Especially when the change is unexpected and affects only one breast. Sudden breast enlargement, shape change, swelling or flattening should prompt you to see your doctor.
12. Orange peel
This symptom resembles orange peel or cellulite. If it appears on the breast, be sure to see a specialist. “Peau d’orange” is a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer. Blocked lymph flow causes the breast to swell and its surface to become extremely uneven and wavy.
Can you have breast cancer? Perform a tumor marker test available at Medonet Market.
The symptoms of breast cancer are much more than the so-called lump. Knowing about these changes will help you stay healthy and report any worrying changes to your doctor early.
Also read:
- Poland: more and more malignant tumors
- Is it cancer already? These symptoms should be food for thought
- Breast cancer also affects men. It appears very rarely
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