How to recognize breast cancer at an early stage?

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the mammary glands. Affected areas increase and may spread to other organs. Many people die from malignant tumors, 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 because of high mortality.

When do I need to start examinations?

Cancer develops due to the mutation of genes, which are responsible for controlling uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Many factors are related to the cancer risk group. In order to know how to recognize breast cancer, you first need to orient yourself when you need to begin to undergo a survey.

It should be done periodically (even despite the absence of symptoms) to women if the parents had (or is) cancer. In this case, the risk of transmission of the disease by heredity increases to 25 percent. It is also necessary for women to control their health:

• Still nulliparous;
• Over 50 years;
• If the first birth took place after a 30-year boundary;
• After abortion;
• Refusing breastfeeding;
• Who took contraceptives on a hormonal basis for a long time;
• Suffered a mastopathy, traumas of the breast, her bruises;
• After supercooling of glands;
• With early puberty;
• Having endocrine diseases;
• Radiotherapy;
• Abusing alcohol;
• Smoking;
• Living in radioactive terrain;
• Often subjected to stressful conditions.

The first long-term symptoms of cancer

How to recognize breast cancer in women? The first signs at an early stage are difficult to identify. When probing, a small solid tumor is felt. In the armpits, lymph nodes increase. There are pains in the chest. A woman feels a general weakness.

Cancer recognition in the early stages

How to recognize breast cancer at an early stage? At the first stage of the disease, there is practically no symptomatology, since the tumor is less than 2 centimeters in diameter. At this stage, there is no metastasis and germination of cells in the tissue. But the "first swallows" of cancer can serve as pulling pain in the armpits. In their cavities there is swelling. The chest becomes more sensitive.

One of the earliest symptoms of cancer are breast enlargement. After a tumor is diagnosed. Begins allocation from the nipples. This process does not depend on menstrual cycles. The flowing liquid can be transparent, bloody, yellow-green. Often it appears in the form of pus.

With the progression of cancer, the intensity of secretions increases. Special gaskets are 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 also throughout the bust.

It changes externally. In the place of sealing, the skin can acquire a different shade - from yellow to dark red. The affected area begins to peel off. Among the symptoms of cancer is the appearance of small dimples and wrinkled skin in the form of an "orange peel".

The shape of the breast begins to change. It can become swollen, elongated, etc. Cancerous tumor is characterized by retraction of the nipple. If he drowns more and more, then the growth is increasing.

Mammography

How to recognize breast cancer in women (photo method is in this article) using mammography? This method clearly reveals neoplasms. The method is one of the basic for determining the disease in the early stages. Scheduled inspection should be conducted once a year. The examination is carried out from 5 to 9 days of menstruation. At this time, the hormonal effect on the breast manifests itself in the least degree.

Mammology is an x-ray scan of the breast. At the initial stage of cancer, a seal appears in the tissues. The picture reveals the tumor before the manifestation of its first signs. Mammography is not done only during pregnancy and lactation.

Ultrasonography

How to recognize breast cancer in women? For the first pain, dermatitis or discomfort, you need to see a doctor. He can prescribe a diagnosis of ultrasound. It is performed after detection of any abnormalities on the X-ray. But it can be a cyst, not a tumor.

Its structure, the presence of the cavity, proliferation is determined by ultrasound diagnosis. Simultaneously, the condition of the lymph nodes is seen. As a result, there is an accurate picture of the changes that have occurred. The ideal period for the conduct of ultrasound - immediately after the end of menstruation.

Oncomarkers

How to recognize breast cancer using blood tests? Oncologists are used to determine a malignant tumor. The initial stage of the disease is detected by the antigen CA 15-3. In 20 percent of the initial stages of cancer, this mark rises.

This marker is used for the primary detection of malignant neoplasm. The value should normally correspond to 27 U / ml. The cancer antigen CA 27-29 has little sensitivity and can increase with pneumonia, cysts, etc.

Therefore, the presence of oncology for it is rarely determined. The CEA antigen has a normal value of 5 ng / ml. Increasing this level to 10 ng / ml shows the presence of cancer. Oncomarkers are appointed as a supplement to a comprehensive examination. If the tumor is not detected visually, the antigen values are not absolute.

Tomography

How to recognize breast cancer in women? Signs of the disease - the appearance of a tumor, seals, pains, etc. To refute or confirm the diagnosis, a breast 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 non-adhesion to them. If the presence of a malignant tumor is confirmed, its degree is determined.

Biopsy

How to recognize breast cancer using a biopsy? The appearance of any neoplasm does not yet indicate the development of cancer. The tumor can be benign. To determine if the tumor is malignant, additional research is needed, which is done with biopsy.

During the procedure, a special device with a thin needle takes the cells from the tumor. Then a microscopic examination is carried out. This method of detecting cancer is most accurate, helping to determine not only the type of compaction, but also the forthcoming volume of treatment.

Due to immunohistochemical research, the dependence of tumor growth on the hormonal background is established. Simultaneously, the ability to react malignant cells to certain drugs is determined.

Self-examination

How to detect breast cancer yourself? During the menopause, the breast is examined for 7-10 days from the onset of discharge, but at a time when swelling or soreness is not observed. If the menstrual cycles are irregular or if they are not present, the examination of the mammary glands should be performed on a monthly basis.

The independent definition of cancer begins with an examination of the bra at the point of contact with the nipples. There should not be any secretions or spots that testify to them. Next, the areola is examined for redness, flaking, or sores. All these manifestations should not be.

Then the nipple is examined. He should not be drawn into the chest. The latter is inspected separately for visual changes. For this, a woman stands in front of a mirror and pulls up her hands. Axillary areas and the shape of the breast are examined for bulges, pits or asymmetry. Skin color should not contain unusual shades or cortical areas.

The first signs of cancer are determined in the supine position. The woman is put on her back and puts a roller under one shoulder. Feels the mammary glands from the same side with circular movements of 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.

To reveal a tumor is easier, standing under a shower. Soap fingers feel more quickly when feeling, which should not be in principle. If any of the above signs are found, you should immediately call your doctor for a complete examination.

Detection of neoplasms, discharge from the nipples or seals is not a verdict. Without a complete examination, ultrasound, biopsy, etc., an exact diagnosis will not be made even by the doctor, despite the presence of seals or neoplasms. They can be benign.

When cancer symptoms are detected in time, treatment is prescribed, which in most cases is successful. Modern medicine is able to prevent the growth of infected cells, to stop oncology at the very beginning, thereby preventing the excision of the breast.