Breast cancer is not always obvious apart from the usual symptoms which woman should be aware of. There are lesser-known signs of the condition which can be sign of the condition
Many women and even men know the major red flags of breast cancer such as unusual lumps and inverted nipples which are more well known.
However the condition does not always have obvious signs you can see or feel. This why mammograms are vital but there are also lesser-known signs of breast cancer which are helpful to be aware of. Here are some of the less well known cancer symptoms we all need to be aware of.
1. Leaking nipple
Fluid leaks from one or both nipples are likely to be breast milk if you have just had a baby. However, if babies or an impending child are are not part of your world. Leaking could be a sign of very early breast cancer. A study has shown two women had a white colored fluid coming from their nipples and suggested cancer. Mammograms discovered small and widespread spots which prompted the removal of their breasts because they had they had intraductal carcinoma, according to webmd.com This is known to be an early form of breast cancer. It is however, more likely it is NOT a sign of breast cancer as hundreds of women with discharge did not have the disease. People may alternatively have galactorrhea – a discharge caused the hormone prolactin.
2. Bloody nipple discharge
Women fear they have breast cancer if blood stain appears their bra or discover a nipple smeared with blood. They can sometimes be correct, but this is usually harmless. Other reasons for having a bleeding nipple or discharge can be caused by growths in breast ducts that are not cancer. Duct ectasia can lead to a build up of fluid when ducts become wider and thicker. Clothing rubbing on your breasts can cause bleeding if you are physically active. If you do not know why your nipple is bleeding you should mention it to your doctor. If it happens often, there are other ways of halting bleeding including surgery.
3. Swollen Lymph nodes
Lymph nodes can swell when you have cancer and may also swell near the armpit or collarbone. They can also be spotted before a breast tumour can be felt. If you have a swollen lymph node, especially near the areas mentioned earlier, it is best to get them checked out by your doctor.
4. Itchy nipple
This is common condition and itchyness can be helped by with anti-itch creams. There is a rare form of breast cancer called Paget’s disease which is an exception. It begins on the nipple before spreading to the areola. The main symptom is itchyness, but it can manifest itself as tingling or redness on the nipple; flaking, crusty, or thickened skin; a flattened nipple or yellow or bloody discharge. It can also look similar to dermatitis or eczema. But you should see a doctor if your itching does not disappear with simple treatments.
5. Tender swollen breasts
Infection be cause of this symptom but inflammatory breast cancer could be prompted by these symptoms. It often often does not manifest itself in a lump. But breasts may become visibly larger, discoloured, unusually war or dimpled similar to orange peel. They can also be tender or painful. In this type of cancer, diseased cells block breast’s lymph ducts, where fluid usually drains away. A blockage causes a fluid build-up and in turn the symptoms mentioned above.
