Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the mammary glands. The affected areas enlarge and may spread to other organs. Many people die from malignant neoplasms, so women just need to know how to recognize breast cancer at the very beginning of the disease. It is on the list of the most dangerous due to high mortality.
When should I start testing?
Cancer develops due to the mutation of genes that are responsible for curbing the uncontrolled growth of cells. There are many risk factors for cancer. In order to know how to recognize breast cancer, you first need to know when to start screening.
It should be done periodically (even in the absence of symptoms) by women if the parents had (or have) cancer. In this case, the risk of transmission of the disease by heredity increases to 25 percent. Women also need to control their he alth:
- still nulliparous;
- over 50;
- if the first birth took place after the 30-year milestone;
- after abortion;
- refusing to breastfeed;
- who have been taking hormonal contraceptives for a long time;
- who have undergone mastopathy, chest injuries, her bruises;
- after hypothermia glands;
- with early puberty;
- having endocrine diseases;
- treated with radiotherapy;
- alcohol abuser;
- smoking;
- living in a radioactive area;
- often stressed.
First remote symptoms of cancer
How to recognize breast cancer in women? The first signs at an early stage are difficult to detect. When probing, a small solid tumor is felt. Lymph nodes are enlarged in the armpits. There are pains in the chest. The woman feels general weakness.
Recognizing early cancer
How to recognize breast cancer at an early stage? At the first stage of the disease, there are practically no symptoms, since the tumor is less than 2 centimeters in diameter. At this stage, there is still no metastasis and germination of cells in the tissue. But the “first signs” of oncological disease can be pulling pains in the armpits. Puffiness appears in their cavities. Affected breasts become more sensitive.
One of the earliest symptoms of cancer is breast lumps. Aftertumor is diagnosed. Discharge from the nipples begins. This process is independent of menstrual cycles. The resulting fluid may be clear, bloody, yellow-green. Often it appears in the form of pus.
With the progression of cancer, the intensity of the discharge increases. Special gaskets required. There are pains in the mammary glands. Small wounds begin to form on the chest, turning into large ulcers. This process can be observed not only on the nipples, but throughout the bust.
He changes outwardly. At the site of compaction, the skin may acquire a different shade - from yellow to dark red. The affected area begins to peel off. Cancer symptoms include small dimples and wrinkled, “orange peel” skin.
The outlines of the chest are beginning to change. It can become swollen, elongated, etc. A cancerous tumor is characterized by retraction of the nipple. If he drowns more and more, then the neoplasm is increasing.
Mammography
How to recognize breast cancer in women (there is a photo of the method in this article) using mammography? This method is good at detecting neoplasms. The method is one of the main ones for determining the disease in the early stages. A scheduled inspection should be carried out once a year. The examination is carried out in the period from 5 to 9 days of menstruation. At this time, the hormonal effect on the breast is at its lowest.
Mammology is an x-ray breast scan. Atthe initial stage of cancer in the tissues appears a shadow of compaction. The picture reveals the tumor before its first signs appear. Mammography is not done only during pregnancy and lactation.
Ultrasound
How to recognize breast cancer in women? At the first pain, tightness or discomfort, you should consult a doctor. He can prescribe an ultrasound scan. It is carried out after the detection of any abnormalities on the x-ray. But it could be a cyst, not a neoplasm.
Its structure, the presence of a cavity, growth are just determined using ultrasound diagnostics. At the same time, the state of the lymph nodes is viewed. The result is an accurate picture of the changes that have taken place. The ideal period for an ultrasound is immediately after the end of menstruation.
Tumor markers
How to recognize breast cancer with blood tests? To identify a malignant tumor, tumor markers are taken. The initial stage of the disease is detected by the CA 15-3 antigen. In 20 percent of the initial stages of cancer, this mark rises.
This marker is used for the primary determination of a malignant neoplasm. The value in the norm should correspond to 27 U / ml. The cancer antigen CA 27-29 has little sensitivity and can be elevated with pneumonia, cysts, etc.
Therefore, the presence of oncology is rarely determined by it. The CEA antigen has a normal value of 5 ng/mL. Raising thismarks up to 10 ng / ml indicates the presence of cancer. Tumor markers are prescribed as an addition to a comprehensive examination. If the tumor is not visually detected, the antigen values are not absolute.
Tomography
How to recognize breast cancer in women? Signs of the disease - the appearance of a tumor, seals, pain, etc. To refute or confirm the diagnosis, a chest tomography is performed. This method shows the neoplasm in a clear image, which clearly shows the penetration of the affected cells into other organs or the lack of adhesion with them. If the presence of a malignant tumor is confirmed, its grade is determined.
Biopsy
How to recognize breast cancer with a biopsy? The appearance of any neoplasm does not yet indicate the development of cancer. The tumor may be benign. To determine whether the neoplasm is malignant, additional studies are needed, which is done with a biopsy.
During the procedure, cells are taken from the tumor using a special device with a thin needle. Then a microscopic examination is carried out. This method of cancer detection is the most accurate, helping to determine not only the type of induration, but also the upcoming amount of treatment.
Thanks to the immunohistochemical study, the dependence of tumor growth on the hormonal background is established. At the same time, the ability of malignant cells to respond to certain drugs is determined.
Self examination
How to detect breast cancer yourself? During menopausethe chest is examined on the 7-10th day from the onset of discharge, but during the period when swelling or soreness is not observed. If the menstrual cycles are irregular or absent altogether, a breast examination should be performed monthly.
Self-determination of cancer begins with an examination of the bra at the point of contact with the nipples. There should not be any discharge or stains indicative of them. Next, the areola is examined for redness, peeling or wounds. All these manifestations should not be.
Then the nipple is examined. It should not be drawn into the chest. The latter is inspected separately for visual changes. To do this, a woman stands in front of a mirror and stretches her arms up. The underarms and breast shape are examined for bulges, dimples, or asymmetries. Skin color should not show unusual hues or crusty areas.
The first signs of cancer are determined in the supine position. The woman lies on her back and puts a roller under one shoulder blade. Feels the mammary glands from the same side in a circular motion with the pads of two fingers for the presence of any seals. Then the roller is shifted to the other side and the procedure is repeated.
The easiest way to detect a tumor is standing under the shower. When feeling, soapy fingers quickly find seals that should not be there in principle. If you find any of the above signs, you should immediately consult a doctor for a complete examination.
Detectionneoplasms, discharge from the nipples or seals - not a sentence. Without a complete examination, ultrasound, biopsy, etc., even a doctor will not make an accurate diagnosis, despite the presence of seals or neoplasms. They may be benign.
When symptoms of cancer are detected in time, treatment is prescribed, which in most cases is successful. Modern medicine is able to prevent the growth of infected cells, stop oncology at the very beginning, thereby preventing breast amputation.
