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Types of Cancer > Breast Cancer > Diagnosis, Screening, and Staging
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| Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer |
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While annual mammograms are important, regular self-examinations are also crucial as this practice can help patients detect new lumps developing in the breast, which are the most common sign of breast cancer.
Most lumps that are indicative of breast cancer are hard with irregular edges and are painless, though it is possible for cancerous lumps to be soft, round and painful. Because not all breast cancer tumors are the same, it is important for a doctor to examine any new lumps that are found in the breast.
In addition to new and changing lumps in the breast, swelling in a single area of the breast can also indicate the presence of breast cancer. If the skin of the breast is red and irritated or if it is dimpling, it can also be a sign of breast cancer and should be addressed with a physician. Sometimes, a breast that is afflicted with breast cancer will experience a discharge from the nipple and the nipple may be painful, red and scaly or may invert inwards.
If breast cancer is suspected, the lymph nodes should also be examined as it is possible for breast cancer to spread to the lymph nodes, even if tumors in the breast are not large enough to be felt. If the cancer is given the chance to spread to other parts of the body, it can cause increased difficulty with regards to treatment.
Because early detection of breast cancer is essential to successful treatment, it is important to report any of the above signs and symptoms to a physician at their onset.
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| Author: | Robert Dale, Certified Medical Writer |
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| Reviewer: | Jiade Jay Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology) |
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| Publish Date: October 28, 2004 |
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