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A breast cancer diagnosis is never easy news to get, but catching it as soon as possible increases your chances for successful treatment. While regular mammograms and screenings for genetic predispositions (like the BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic mutations) are vital precautions, women should know how their breasts normally look to be able to recognize on their own when something is off. If you have any symptoms listed below, be optimistic but proactive; a lot have a variety of explanations, but have them immediately checked by a doctor if you’re unsure. If it is the worst case scenario, the sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can undergo breast cancer surgery to treat it. 

Potential Signs of Breast Cancer

1. You Notice a New Lump or Mass

breast cancer surgeryThe most common symptom is the new presence of a lump in your breast. Usually, the mass will be hard and have irregular edges, but regardless of its shape or size, even if it’s a soft or rounded lump, you should immediately have a change examined by a doctor.

While initial breast cancer surgeries such as biopsies and lumpectomies can seem like only a confirmation of your suspicions, again, optimism is the key to this scary situation. These measures can confirm a diagnosis, but they can also rule out breast cancer entirely. 

2. Your Breast Looks or Feels Different

Besides a lump, other physical changes in your breast can be signs of breast cancer. General swelling or changes in the size or shape of the breast can be a warning sign, even if no lump is felt. Other symptoms include:

  • Skin irritation
  • Dimpling that is often compared to an orange peel
  • Redness
  • Scaliness
  • Thickening of the breast skin

3. Your Nipples Look or Feel Different

Similarly, early signs of breast cancer can be manifested on your nipple. Look for these symptoms when doing a self-breast exam:

  • Nipple retraction (turning inward)
  • Thickening of the nipple
  • Nipple pain
  • Rash on nipple

5. You Have Nipple Discharge (Besides Breast Milk)

Your nipple leaking can be an unsettling event, but it can also be your body’s natural reaction it being squeezed. Nipple discharge is usually caused by infections and other conditions or can even be a sign of breast cancer. If discharge occurs without squeezing the nipple, if it occurs in only one breast, or if it is bloody or clear instead of milky, get it checked immediately.

4.Your Lymph Nodes Under the Arm or Around the Collarbone Are Swollen

In some cases, breast cancer spreads to the nearby lymph nodes, causing swelling there, even if the cancer hasn’t manifested itself on the breast yet. Swollen lymph nodes should be checked out if they persist beyond a few days or interfere with the ability to breathe or swallow. See a general practitioner if these symptoms persist. 

 

If any of your symptoms result in a formal diagnosis, it’s important to turn to specialists at Lincoln Surgical Group PC when it’s time for breast cancer surgery. As one of the most comprehensive surgical practices in the Lincoln, NE area, their doctors are dedicated to the best surgical options to fit your situation. Learn more about their treatments online or call (402) 483-7825 to schedule an appointment.
 

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