A lump in the breast is an obvious sign of cancer, although not every lump indicates oncology. Meanwhile, there are other, less known symptoms that should raise concern.
Women rely too much on self-examination, experts say. Of course, checking one’s own breasts for lumps once a month is not unnecessary. However, this method is far from the most reliable. Typically, women can only detect relatively large nodules on their own, while tiny formations, which can occur in the early stages of cancer, they are unlikely to feel.
"In my 25 years of working in oncology, I have seen too many women miss early signs of breast cancer because they only knew to pay attention to lumps," says oncologist Tiffany Troso on her channel.
According to the doctor, breast cancer does not always manifest as lumps.
"Often I hear my patients say, 'I did self-examinations every month, so I thought I was safe.' At those moments, I think: it’s a pity that no one told her about other signs of cancer," says the oncologist.
Dr. Troso decided to fill the knowledge gap. The expert named other signs of breast cancer that may not be as obvious as lumps. Still, if you experience these symptoms, be sure to see a specialist.
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The shape or size of the breast has changed.
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Dents or folds have appeared on the skin of the breast.
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The nipple has become inverted.
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Unexplained discharge from the nipples has appeared, especially if it is bloody.
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The skin on the breast has turned red, become denser, and started to peel.
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The breast has begun to itch constantly, with a persistent rash on the skin.
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Swelling is observed in the area of the armpits or collarbones.
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Sensations have changed: the breast feels heavier, warmer.
"Many of my patients learned about their cancer through changes in the skin, not lumps. Others noticed that their nipples looked different. Some experienced constant pain," notes Dr. Troso.
The expert emphasized that self-examination is not canceled. However, attention should be paid to any changes in the breasts, even if nothing can be felt in the glands.
In the comments to the video, women shared their stories about how they discovered breast cancer.
"I found out about the tumor during a routine mammogram. It was so tiny that I definitely wouldn’t have felt it myself."
"I had discharge from my nipple, and my breast started to hurt a lot. Only then did I discover a lump."
"My disease was asymptomatic. The tumor was found during a scheduled mammogram."
"General practitioners also need to be informed about the signs of breast cancer. My doctor refused to refer me to a mammologist because he couldn’t feel a lump. Two years later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and even then I couldn’t feel a lump."
