Breast cancer can manifest and be detected in various ways. Even in developed countries, the most common form of manifestation is a palpable lump in the breast. More and more women are finding such lumps during self-examinations, leading them to seek clarification.
In many cases, when a woman routinely checks herself, the lump she feels may still be small. Early diagnosis is defined as a cancerous lump with a size of 15 millimeters or less. This is a very general definition, as advanced disease is possible even with a small growth (though this is not common). On the other hand, a larger lump does not necessarily rule out good chances of recovery.
The second most common form of detection is through findings in mammography. The rate of diagnosis through routine mammography is increasing, and in some places, it is the most common method of detection, indicating a well-functioning medical system and high awareness in the population.
Mammography can detect small growths that are not yet palpable, usually because they are still small, which is its significant advantage. Of course, it is also possible that a palpable growth is diagnosed through mammography, confirming the findings from the manual examination.
Other less common forms of manifestation include enlargement of lymph nodes in the armpit due to involvement in the growth, sometimes without a palpable lump in the breast, nipple discharge, inward drawing of the nipple or breast skin, and eczema-like symptoms sometimes accompanied by itching in the breast and areola area. It is important to note in this context that a sunken nipple that has been present for many years has no significance.
Breast cancer can also manifest as redness in the breast skin. Usually, redness in the breast is part of the picture of inflammation in the breast. Inflammation (mastitis) is relatively common, especially but not exclusively, during breastfeeding, and is usually accompanied by fever and elevated white blood cell count in the blood.
Breast pain is a very common complaint among women and can cause many concerns. Breast pain is not a common manifestation of cancerous growth and does not need to be worried about in this regard. However, in the case of unfamiliar pain, especially when it is accompanied by a change in breast tissue, it is wise to seek an examination.
All the findings mentioned, including a palpable lump, are usually not diagnosed as cancerous growths in the end. Nevertheless, in any case, where such a finding is discovered, it is essential to undergo appropriate examination.