A lump in your breast can be scary as it is a potential sign of breast cancer among women. It is a signal that must not be ignored as breast cancer is becoming very common among females. If not diagnosed in time, it can be life-threatening. Early detection can play a very important role in progressing it to a stage where it can get fatal.
According to doctors and medical experts, Breast Cancer occurs when your breast cells increase and multiply, more than the standard rate. Over time, this can accumulate into a lump and spread to your lymph nodes or other body parts. It is believed that it often begins with the cells in the milk-producing ducts and glandular tissue or any other cell or tissue within breasts.
What are the early signs of breast cancer which you should be careful about?
Breast lump or a lump in the underarm:
There are times when you feel a lump in your breast or underarm but it disappears on its own in some time. In case it stays longer, it could be a sign of breast cancer. It must not be taken lightly and you should consult a gynecologist immediately who could examine it and get you scheduled for a consultation with an oncologist.
Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge from one breast is unusual and must be taken into notice. The discharge could either be clear or even bloody, brown, or yellow in color. It could also happen due to some infection too. But it is advisable to check with a gynecologist as it is a sign of breast cancer also.
Change in nipple’s shape
The shape change of the nipple also points towards breast cancer.
Swelling in armpit or collarbone
This happens before you notice any lump and it signals that the breast cancer has fanned out to the lymph nodes, leading to swelling.
Pain or tenderness
Mostly you won’t feel any pain in the lumps, but sometimes they may hurt. Apart from that the breast may become tender or develops sores. If you also notice any redness, rash, irritation in the breast’s skin, or itchiness, then you must see the doctor.