Breast cancer is another deadly form of cancer that develops in the breast cells; it forms in the breast ducts or lobules.
Table of Contents.
The ducts are the glands in females responsible for producing the mother’s milk, while the lobules act as the pathway for the milk from the gland to the nipple. The cancerous cells can also grow in the fatty or fibrous tissue connected to the breast.
Although, during the early stages, the tumor in the breast can not exhibit any discomfort or symptoms, some of the common symptoms you may experience are as follows.-
- A Breast Lump
- Inverted Nipple
- Back Pain
- Swelling Under the Arm
- Blood Discharge From the Nipple
- Breast Pain
If you encounter any of the symptoms or have a family history of breast cancer, do not wait to consult icrmc.org.
They’ll physically analyze your breasts, and if they have any doubts, they recommend you take the PCR Master Mix test to clear the doubts. It is a globally renowned diagnostic test for breast cancer.
Now, coming in many ways, breast cancer affects your body. Follow this article till the end to find out:
Changes to Your Breast when Cancer
Firstly, breast cancer can affect both of your breasts.
According to the American Cancer Society, the breast tumor’s common sign is lump formation.
During the initial days, the lump is in an irregular shape and causes no pain. However, as the cancerous mass increases, you may experience discomfort. With time, you may notice that your breasts have changed significantly in terms of size and color.
Although the lump is not painful, swelling around the breast can lead to pinching pain. Besides, the nipples also undergo certain noticeable changes.
You might see a clear or bloody discharge coming out of one breast, even when you’re not breastfeeding. The nipples also appeal to have been turned inwards.
Skin
Apart from the breast, this cancer also impacts the skin surrounding the breasts. The skin can look dirty, cracked, and somewhat itchy.
Some even experience dimpling of skin around their breast region.
Breast tissue thickening is also a not-so-common symptom of breast cancer.
Immune and Excretory Systems
In the advanced stages of breast cancer, when the tumor can spread to the lymph nodes, the underarm is affected because it is close to the breasts. You may experience tenderness or swelling under the arm.
The other lymph running throughout the body can also get affected, causing cancer to spread to different tissues or organs. If the lungs are affected by cancer, then you are going to experience the following
symptoms:-
- Regular Coughing
- Breathing Difficulties
- Breath Shortness
Skeletal and Muscular Systems
Yes, cancer can spread to the muscles and bones in the body. You may experience slight pain in the beginning and movement restriction, and with time, the discomfort becomes severe. Your joints may feel stiff if the cancerous cells have moved to the muscles. Such efforts further increase your injury risks because of the mobility issue. Bone fracture is also possible.
Body Nervous System
During the third or fourth stage of cancer, it may have spread to the brain. This contributes to a myriad of neurological effects as follows:-
- Seizures
- Mobility Troubles
- Confusion
- Chronic Headache
- Memory Loss
- Blurry Vision
Other Symptoms On the Body Caused by Breast Cancer Are:-
- Sudden Weight Loss
- Loss of Appetite
- Excessive Fatigue
- Weakness
It is of paramount importance to undergo breast screenings and mammograms as prescribed by the doctor.
The imaging test can detect cancer, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment becomes.
Treatment of Breast Cancer
Your cancer stage and how far the cancerous cells have spread determine what kind of treatment is right for you.
First, your doctor will determine the size of your breast, grade, and stage. After that, you can sit down with your doctor to discuss the treatment plan. Surgery is the most common type of breast cancer—additional treatments include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, or targeted therapy.
Several risk factors increase the odds of developing cancer. These include age, lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, having dense breast tissue, genetic history, early menstruation, giving birth at an older age, and never being pregnant.
Final Thoughts
Talk to your healthcare provider to discuss your risk factors for getting breast cancer and the changes your body may experience over the course.
