Mammary gland is a paired organ, which is a distinctive feature of the mammalian class, to which a person belongs as well. The ability to feed their offspring with milk containing easily digestible nutrients has given mammals a huge competitive advantage over other branches of the animal kingdom. However, you have to pay for everything. Mammary glands are also complex organs, whose work depends on the effects of sex hormones. The slightest deviations in the biochemical processes occurring in the body, affect the breast. This organ is made up of a multitude of alveoli, which are collected in the fraction of the alveoli, in which milk is produced. Milk is delivered to the nipple through special ducts, where it is secreted during lactation. Also in the chest a lot of fat and connective tissue, there are blood and lymphatic vessels. Women are well aware that their breasts are subject to various diseases - mastitis and mastopathies. Not uncommon and benign breast tumors, such as adenoma. Under certain circumstances, they can be born malignant. However, breast cancer can also appear on its own, with no connection to other diseases. A tumor is essentially a conglomerate of glandular cells that is growing and spreading its pathogenic influence on other organs.
Malignant breast tumours are one of the few oncological diseases where self-diagnosis is extremely effective. This means that a woman can often find a tumor herself when she examines her breasts. However, it is only necessary to know the set of symptoms that accompany the disease. Indeed, in about 70% of cases of breast tumours, suspicious lesions were initially detected by the patients themselves, rather than being detected by medical examination.
Cancer cells can get into the lymph nodes when the disease develops, so they can increase in size. These signs - the increase in lymph nodes, their uneven surface - should also be alarming. In most cases, the lymph nodes affected by cancer cells remain painless. In addition, a frequent symptom of glandular tumours is the discharge from the nipples, which is not associated with lactation. These secretions are usually pathological and contain blood or pus. It should be noted that pain is not a defining symptom in this case. Breast tumors in most cases develop at an early stage almost painlessly. If a woman finds painful compaction during self-examination, in most cases it is a benign formation. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Symptoms of rhine-like, armored, and inflammatory diffuse tumors usually include severe chest pain.
In most cases, malignant breast tumors are found in older women. The peak of the disease is 60-65 years old. The proportion of women under 30 years of age who have been diagnosed with the disease is low. And in most cases, the tumor in them is not particularly aggressive. And in adolescent girls, the disease occurs only in isolated cases.
Breast thickening is only one possible sign of a malignant breast tumour in men or women. This disease can be accompanied by several additional skin changes on and around the breast. In some cases, the disease is not accompanied by symptoms, but the doctor may detect a seal on the mammogram. A breast cancer screening recommended by your doctor can help determine this condition at an early and most curable stage. If the following symptoms occur, it is necessary to consult a physician to carry out the necessary tests to check for the presence of a malignant tumour.
Breast cancer can cause inflammation in the skin cells, which can lead to changes in its structure. These changes can also be accompanied by itching. Such manifestations on the skin may be symptoms of a rare type of breast cancer, called Pegeta's disease. Similar symptoms can also occur as a result of benign skin conditions, including dermatitis and ekzema.
Nipple excreta may appear, which may be insignificant or abundant, and may also vary in color from transparent, milk, yellow to green or red. This is the norm for women during lactation, when milk rushes to the nipple before feeding the baby. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor for any other discharge from the nipples. Although in most cases such excretions are not a symptom of a malignant tumour, they can be a threatening sign of serious illness in some people.
Skin roughness can sometimes be a sign of inflammation in an aggressive type of malignant tumor. Cancer cells can cause lymphatic fluid to retain in the chest, which leads to swelling, as well as hilly skin. Doctors call this change in skin appearance "peau d'orange" because the hilly skin resembles the orange surface.
Lymph nodes are small, rounded tissue formations related to the immune system. They filter the fluid and capture potentially dangerous cells. These include bacteria, viruses and malignant tumor cells. If a cancer cell leaves the breast, the first place it moves to is in the area of the armpit lymph nodes on the same side as the affected iron. This can lead to swelling in this area. In addition to the swollen lymph nodes in the armpit area, similar changes may occur around the collarbone. When palping, they are defined as small, swollen, hard, swollen areas and can be sensitive to the touch. However, lymphatic tissue can also change due to breast infection or other diseases.
A malignant tumour in the mammary gland can cause changes in skin cells. This leads to soreness, hypersensitivity and discomfort in the chest. Although breast cancer is often painless, it is important not to ignore any signs or symptoms that may be caused by the disease. Some patients describe pain as burning.
Breast cancer can cause cellular changes in the papillary area. These changes can cause the nipple to shift or retract into the chest. Its shape or size may also change. Changes in nipples are often noted in women during ovulation or other phases of the menstrual cycle. However, you should see your doctor if there is any noticeable change.
Breast cancer can cause changes in the skin, accompanied by discoloration or even bruising. Skin may be red or purple or blueish. In case of recent breast injury, you should contact a specialist if these changes occur. It is also important to consult a physician if the change in breast colour does not disappear, even if the cause of the change was injury.
Breast cancer can cause swelling of the whole breast or a separate breast area. This process may result in significant asymmetry of the glands, which is visible to the naked eye. Although some people have this asymmetry as the norm, this process is a change in size. Tactile skin can also be felt more densely.