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The Signs and Stages of Breast CancerBreast cancer doesn't always give us early signs and warnings. That is why it is so important to do regular breast self-exams, and get professional screening. If you have high risk factors, it is even more important to have regular breast screenings. If you have a tumor in the breast, as it continues to grow, it will start producing symptoms. These symptoms do not always mean you have breast cancer, but they do require an examination by a health care professional.
A lump or thickening on the breast or under the arm is one symptom. If you notice any lump consult your doctor
immediately. Other signs are; changes in breast size or shape, nipple turning inward, discharge from the nipple, scaling, or redness of the nipple, and pitting and redness anywhere on the breast. If you experience any of these symptoms or feel a bump, even a tiny one, it's important to be checked. Early detection is the key to the cure for breast cancer.
If you have determined you have one of these symptoms, your doctor may recommend further testing. A diagnostic mammogram may be prescribed, this is another set of mammogram x-rays, but are more complete. They offer close up views of any suspicious areas that need checked. An ultrasound may also be recommended. It uses high frequency sound waves on areas of the breast that are in question. It can often distinguish between tumors that are benign or malignant.
If the doctor is still unsure, he may arrange for a biopsy of the affected area. This involves taking cells from the area of the breast in question and examining it under a microscope. There are different procedures for taking specimens for examinations. One doctor may use a fine needle; another may use a larger needle or even make a small incision to extract cells that need to be examined. After removal of the cells, a pathologist will look at the specimen. He will be able to decide if the cells are cancerous, grade it, and discover if it is invading surrounding tissues.
The stages of cancer start with stage O. This is an abnormal cell found in the gland lining in the breast. It does not mean it is cancer, but it does mean an increased risk for development of breast cancer.
Stage I is considered an early stage of breast cancer when the tumor is less than 2 cm and has not spread.
Stage II is diagnosed when the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or larger than 5 cm but hasn't spread past the breast site.
Stage III is an advanced form of cancer with a tumor larger than 5 cm and has spread to lymph nodes under the arm, near the breastbone, or other sites in the breast.
Stage IV is the most severe stage of cancer. This stage is diagnosed when the cancer has spread to other organs of the body. If you are stage III or IV, your doctor will probably order more testing to look for cancer in all organs and other areas of the body.
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