Breast cancer symptoms: Know when to worry

The disease is easy to diagnose and can be treated in the early stages. Every year in Brazil there are more than 70 thousand new cases

Did you know that there are approximately 73,610 new cases of breast cancer in Brazil this year? The numbers come from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), which researches the topic. To raise awareness among the population of the risks of this disease, the Pink October campaign was created, which also aims to raise awareness of ways to prevent breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among the Brazilian female population. And, to change this rate, experts say prevention is the best way to fight the disease. See below for some information about symptoms and answers to other questions related to the disease.

What are the main symptoms of breast cancer?

According to the oncologist Graziella Piló, creator of the page “Yes, we can talk about cancer”, breast cancer has a variety of manifestations. Many patients even become asymptomatic and discover the disease through tests such as mammography.

Those who usually present symptoms from the first moment usually present:

• Breast pain;
• Swelling;
• Redness;
• Nipple inversion;
• Exit of secretion;
• Nodules.

Initial and advanced symptoms

“Usually, these local changes can be linked to the initial stage of the disease,” explains the doctor. In more advanced stages, symptoms manifest systemically, affecting other regions of the body and can cause weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, etc. «The signs of advanced disease will vary depending on the metastases», adds Graziella.

Is a breast lump a sign of breast cancer?

Not all lumps mean cancer, just like not all pain. The doctor explains that several benign conditions also cause changes in the breast. “This is why it is important, at the slightest sign of breast changes, to contact a specialist,” reiterates Graziella.

How do you know if the tumor is benign or malignant?

The accurate diagnosis is determined by biopsy. “Some lesions (cystic ones, for example) are so characteristic that it is enough to simply monitor them.” In general, however, doctors recommend carrying out preventive tests.

What can be confused with breast cancer?

Fibroadenoma, cysts, fibrocystic changes, galactoceles (milk accumulation cysts), abscesses are other manifestations that can be confused with breast cancer.

“The most important thing is to contact the doctor, be it a gynecologist or a breast specialist. On her own, the patient cannot monitor the stages of the disease. Only the doctor will be able to say, with the help of tests, how serious these are manifestations are”, concludes the oncologist.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.