Breast cancer is a very common type of cancer among women. One out of eight women face the risk of developing this cancer and 33% of total cancer cases seen in women are breast cancer. But breast cancer can be completely cured when caught in early stages. Recovery rate in early diagnosed breast cancer is 90%. Continuous efforts are made nationwide to make women more aware of breast cancer signs. Personal examination is very important for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Knowing the symptoms and simple examination techniques of breast cancer are important methods in combating this disease.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

The most well-known symptom for breast cancer is the formation of a mass in the breast tissue. Because it can be felt by hand examination, it is very important for women to follow the changes in their breasts with personal examinations.

The following symptoms may be encountered in the early stages of breast cancer:

Swelling, redness or visible changes in the chest
Mass found in the chest
Changes in breast size
Pain felt in a certain area or all of the chest
Deterioration in the nipple tissue

These symptoms are common during the early stage of breast cancer. People who experience these symptoms are recommended to see a doctor without delay. Signs can vary from person to person and depend on the type of cancer. Symptoms caused by breast cancer and some of its types are:

Invasive Breast Cancer Symptoms

Common symptoms in invasive breast cancer are:

Mass in the chest
Itching
Swelling in part or all of the breast
Pain in the breast tissue or tip
Collapse of the nipple
Swollen armpit lymph nodes
Redness, rash and hardening of the skin

Lobular Carcinoma Symptoms

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) shows no obvious symptoms. LCIS is diagnosed only by biopsy. That is why it is a dangerous type of breast cancer.

Ductal Carcinoma Symptoms

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) does not show any visible symptoms like those caused by invasive cancer. In DCIS, a mass is rarely encountered and most cases are diagnosed by mammography.

Resources for breast cancer patients

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Signs

Inflammatory breast cancer does not show itself as a significant mass as in invasive cancer. Its symptoms mostly occur on the skin.

Redness, rash, and itchy breast skin
Scaling is seen on the chest surface
Heaviness, burning and pain may be felt in the chest
One breast becomes larger than the other
Retracted or inverted nipple
Swelling in lymph nodes is seen

In this type of cancer, no mass is found by palpation, but the changes in the skin are visible. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rapidly emerging and growing type of cancer, so people who observe these changes are recommended to see a doctor immediately.

Papillary Carcinoma Signs

Papillary carcinoma manifests itself with a mass of 2 to 3 cm in the chest. In addition, 50% of this type of cancer occurs around the nipple, so it can be detected by seeing the changes in the nipple.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Several different imaging and test methods are used for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Early Stage Breast Cancer

Visualization

Mammography: Breast tissue is checked with the help of X-rays and abnormal masses are detected. It is the most common diagnostic method after the first symptoms appear.

Ultrasound: With ultrasound technology, abnormal masses are detected in the breast tissue.

MRI: MRI technology allows the human body to be imaged using a magnetic field instead of x-ray rays. An MRI is used for more detailed imaging to detect future risks in people who have not yet developed cancer.

Biopsy

A Biopsy is the examination of a small piece of body tissue under a microscope. A small piece of breast tissue or mass is taken, examined and tested. Factors such as the size and type of cells in the sample are analyzed. According to the symptoms, biopsies has several different techniques. In addition, the HER2 status of the cancer, the ER-PR test and other tumor features are examined with the biopsy test.

Breast Cancer Clinical Trials

Medical professionals and researchers are looking for ways to improve treatment of breast cancer patients. Clinical trials investigate the effects of a new treatment or drug on humans. It aims to develop treatment methods for breast cancer patients, to find new drugs, to increase the quality of life and to prolong life. Massive Bio allows you to come together with clinics who are researching your disease. You can contact Massive Bio for more information about clinical trials for breast cancer.