Although there is no known cure for breast cancer, early stage cancers can be treated effectively. This is why it is so important for woman to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the sooner it can be checked and diagnosed. Then, if it is found to be malignant, steps can be taken to eradicate it.

First, it must be understood that breast cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the breast tissue. The most common type of breast cancer begins in the lining of the ducts which carry milk to the nipple, and is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The other form of most commonly diagnosed breast cancer is called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), and occurs in the small sacs that produce milk, referred to as lobules. Because these abnormal growths are usually more dense than typical breast tissue, they can be felt physically, or seen with an x-ray.

The easiest way to check for a cancerous growth is by physical inspection. Women can do this by themselves in the privacy of their own homes, and do not need a doctor’s supervision. This is called a self exam, and should be done by women of all ages, but particularly after a woman has passed the age of forty. Although self examination is important, it is not as beneficial as getting regular mammograms. This is because a self examination only detects a lump in the breast when it has reached a large enough size for it to be felt. Mammograms can detect lumps when they are much smaller. This is beneficial because finding a small lump means that the tumor is still in an early stage, and treatment, if the tumor is found to be malignant, can be started immediately.

Early stage breast cancer doesn’t usually cause pain. When breast cancer first develops, there may be no signs or symptoms at all. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause changes that are noticeable.

One of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is the physical presence of a lump in the breast, nipple or under the arm. It is important for a woman to notice such a lump, and also if the size, shape or contour of the breast has changed. If the nipple has become inverted, or pulled back into the breast, the woman should seek medical attention. Another telltale sign is if there is blood or mucous coming from the nipple. Of course, nursing mothers should disregard the discharge of their own milk; that is not a sign of cancer.

Other signs that should be checked out are skin changes, swelling, and heat in the breast. If the skin becomes scaly, or if it is pitted like the skin of an orange, further examination by a doctor is needed. A change in the appearance of the breast, nipple or areola such as swelling or redness, or if there is an abnormal amount of heat coming from any of those areas, can mean that there is an infection or can be indicative of cancer.

If any of these symptoms are detected, the woman should seek medical attention and have a mammogram made. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which will show if there is a tumor present. It is important to note that not all tumors are malignant. In fact most, of the symptoms described above could be either signs of an infection, of could be signs of a benign tumor. HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign_breast_disease” o “Benign breast disease” Benign breast diseases like HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastitis” o “Mastitis” mastitis and HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibroadenoma” o “Fibroadenoma” fibroadenoma of the breast are more common causes of breast disorder symptoms, and can easily be treated.

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