Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer (breast) refers to the appearance of a malignant tumor in any part of the mammary gland. It is the second most common cancer in Mexico after the cervix (cervical cancer).
The growth and spread of breast cancer depends on the type of malignant cells that constitute it. If cancer is detected before it has spread to lymph or other body a part, the possibility of control is 90%, which means staying alive and without tumor five years after treatment.
It is a cancer that spreads through the lymphatic system (attachment to the blood vascular system), so that should always be reviewed and sometimes removed lymph nodes under the arm and neck to see if the cancer has not spread.
Signs And Symptoms
The main signs and symptoms are:
- A breast lump
- Bleeding or discharge from the nipple
- Change the shape or contour of the breast
- Collapse or crushing of the skin
- Nipple retraction, or peeling
- The breast looks red and swollen
Over 90% of breast lumps are detected by the patient. It is therefore important that at the least suspected cases of self-examination, contact your doctor immediately.
Despite many campaigns, is common to find women who regularly examine themselves, or do so inadequately. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about the proper way to do it.
Any suspicious lump should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Many women are delaying unnecessarily the visit to the doctor to detect a breast lump, for fear of cancer, self-denial or hope the problem goes away by itself.
It is important to emphasize those three-quarters of breast lumps are benign origin. And if it is malignant, the earlier it is detected and treated, the greater the possibility of controlling this cancer. Breast cancer is not preventable, but can be controlled if detected early.
Every woman should perform breast self-examination once a month, ideally one week after menstruating or menopausal women, the same day of each month. Start yourself raising his arms over his head and looking at breasts in a mirror.
Any suspicious lump should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Every woman should undergo a medical breast exam once a year, and even more often if you have had a tumor or who has been breast cancer in the immediate family.
- Performed first mammogram between 35 and 39 years to have a reference of what the state of the mammary glands.
- A mammogram every two years between 40 and 50.
- A mammogram every year after age 50.
The doctor will do a complete review of the breasts and ask about your medical history and other family history. Probably ask for a mammogram, especially with any suspicious finding.
The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy, it can be made directly in the office, where a needle is extracted with a sample of fluid or tissue from the affected part. For larger biopsy requires surgery and is usually performed in a clinic or hospital.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed proceed with the removal of the tumor mass that may lead to the complete elimination of the breast and even the axillary nodes. Both full and partial excision, plastic and reconstructive surgeons can try that breast reconstruction.
