Symptoms and Diagnosis

The most common symptom of breast cancer is an abnormal lump or swelling in the breast. It is usually painless and hard with irregular borders and may also appear beside the breast or under the arm. Other symptoms may include unexplained breast pain, a change in the size or shape of the breast, abnormal nipple discharge, change in appearance or sensation of the nipple, changes in breast texture, or changes in the skin on or around the breast. Bone pain, weight loss, swelling of one arm and skin ulceration are symptoms of advanced disease.

Breast tumors may be first discovered by the patient as the result of a regular breast self-examination (BSE) or by a routine screening mammogram. Further testing such as a diagnostic mammogram may help identify the breast mass and an ultrasound can show whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled. A needle aspiration or needle biopsy of a lump can also demonstrate if it is fluid-filled and provide material to send to the laboratory for analysis. A surgical biopsy or breast lump removal provides a portion or all of a breast lump for laboratory study.

If breast cancer is diagnosed, additional testing is performed, including chest X-ray and blood tests. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these may then be recommended, not only for treatment but also to help determine the stage of disease which is very important to help guide future treatment and follow-up and to give some idea of what to expect in the future.

Next: Breast Cancer Staging

 

Related informational links:

American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Matching Service

National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer

CancerNet - A service of the National Cancer Institute

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Net

New York Times - Breast Cancer News

CancerTrack - Tracking cancer online

Mamm Magazine online

Health Central

Breast Cancer Society of Canada