Signs Of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer doesn't normally show signs like distinct mass or lumps which generally occurs with other forms of breast cancer. The disease grows as nests or sheets that clog the lymph system under the skin. Often the symptoms are attributed to other diseases and thus the diagnosis may take a long time to occur.

Generally signs of inflammatory breast cancer includes:

* Pain in the breast, which is often mistaken as a breast infection and treated with antibiotics.

* Nipple retraction or discharge

* Skin changes in the breast area when the lymph vessels become blocked by the breast cancer cells. Discoloration, giving the breast a red, purple, pink or bruised appearance. Pink or reddened areas often with the texture and thickness, dimpling or ridges on the skin of the affected breast, similar to an orange peel.

* A bruise on the breast that doesn't go away

* Sudden swelling of the breast. Rapid change in the appearance of one breast, over the course of days or weeks

* Swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or in the neck or above the collar bone on the affected side or below the collarbone. Thickness, heaviness or visible enlargement of one breast

* Itching of the breast, tenderness, pain or aching.

If these signs of inflammatory breast cancer continue for more than a week, it is advisable to make an appointment with your doctor who has experience with this disease.

Watch a video on Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms

SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN

The early signs of breast cancer are the most vital factors to discover early and to increase the surviving rates of the breast cancer victims. Knowing what are the signs of breast cancer in woman will help in early detection when these signs appear, treatments can then be done earlier. By doing regular and routine self-exams on our breasts to find any abnormalities like lumps, bruising or pitted skin. The chances to survive will be greater if you act earlier when you discover these signs.

The followings are what are the signs of breast cancer in woman:

Itching is one of the early signs of breast cancer in woman. Especially when it accompanies discharges from either one or both of the nipple. The nipples may become flatten or inverted, discolored to pink or red.

Bruising on the breast is also one of the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer in woman. Color may change without disappearing.

Swelling when not on menstruation, or feeling lumps may be the another early signs of breast cancer in young woman.

Effects like thickening skin under arms, ridges or dimpling skin are also the early signs of breast cancer in woman. Breast skin will look like an orange skin. Unusually warmth may be felt on the breast.

Whether you are young or old woman, regular and routine monthly self-exams are really suggested for early detection of the signs. Read more on how to check for lumps in breast.

Lumps In Breast

Studies have shown that chances of breast cancer recovery increases when lumps in breast are detected early. Even though 9 out of 10 are non-cancerous breast lumps, it is still best to seek advice from a doctor.

Average breast lump size through regular mammograms is 1.1cm or smaller and the average breast lump size found by self-examination is 2.1cm. However, lumps sizes and breast cancer stages are not related.

What Do Breast Lumps Feel Like?

Breast lump will normally feel smooth and squishy, in some instances, breast lumps in women feels like a mass or heap of tissues which can be hard or soft. A hard lump points toward a breast cancer or malignant tumor while soft masses are generally of benign origin. Cancerous breast lumps have irregular surface and is generally immobile while benign breast lumps are usually smooth and mobile. Breast lumps can be located near the armpits, near the nipples and also look for lump at bottom of breast.

How To Check For Breast Lumps?

1. Look For Physical Changes

a. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at the sides and look for:
- Any changes in each breast size and shape
- Any dimpling of the skin
- Any change in nipples appearance
- Any discharge from the nipples when it is squeeze gently

b. Repeats the breast check for lumps with your arms raised above or behind your head

c. Repeats the checking for breast lumps a third time, now with your hands on your hips and with chest muscles tensed

2. Feel For Physical Changes

a. Lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder and place your left hand under your head

b. Use the middle three fingers of the right hand and hold fingers flat to exam for lumps in the left breast

c. Press firmly using small circular movements to check for breast lumps

d. Check the entire breast, armpit and around the nipple where lumps can be located

e. Repeat the above checking steps using your left hand to check for breast lumps in the right breast.

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month - "Early Detection Saves Lives, Saves Breasts".