A woman’s breast health can change throughout her life and is the result of age, environment and genetics. According to BreastCancer.org, an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in U.S. women in 2017, along with 63,410 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.
This is why it is important to know the breast cancer symptoms and signs so you can make informed decisions about your own health. Read on to know what to look for and what actions you should be taking with your breast cancer doctor in Austin.
Benign Breast Changes
There are some very common, benign or noncancerous changes in breast health that you should be aware of. These changes can include generalized breast lumpiness, enlargement of the lymph nodes, breast pain, and nipple discharge. Some women also suffer from fibroadenomas or painless, moveable and firm round lumps in the breast. Some also suffer from damaged fatty tissue (fat necrosis), intraductal papillomas or growths inside the ducts or thrombophlebitis, also known as inflamed blood vessels.
If a woman has had breast implants, this adds another level of potential issues. If the breast is injured, the implant can shift, rupture or leak which can cause a whole host of issues. In cases like this, the implant might harden, change shape or position or develop ripples and could even require removal.
Early Detection is Key
The two most common methods of early detection include a clinical breast exam and a mammogram. A clinical breast exam is performed during your routine physical. Your doctor will check the breast and under the arms for any lumps or unusual changes. Mammograms are x-rays of the breast tissue and can often detect lumps that are too small for you or your doctor to feel in a clinical or self breast examination. Some experts believe mammograms should be done beginning at age 40, while others believe age 50 is the magic number. Check with your doctor to determine what the best course of action is for you.
Self breast examinations are also an important tool in early detection, however they should not take the place of mammograms and clinical examinations. You can check your breasts by looking in a mirror and by standing and lying in different positions to feel for lumps and look for obvious physical changes.
Other breast cancer symptoms that you should watch out for include:
• Changes in the skin, like puckering or dimpling, or changes in the shape of the breast.
• Nipple discharge (treatable with nipple ductoscopy), especially if it is bloody or greenish in color, or if it is watery or milky and occurs without pressure on the nipple or breast.
• The area around the nipple becomes darker or there is a change in the color or feel of the skin.
• They nipple begins to draw inward or develops scaly skin.
• Any breast problem that lasts more than two weeks or pain that continues and is not caused by an injury.
• Signs of infection such as pain, swelling, redness or warmth.
If you detect a lump in your breast, armpit or chest, especially if it is hard and unlike the rest of the surrounding tissues, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Breast Cancer Center in Austin
Any changes in health can be concerning. It’s important to work with a breast cancer center in Austin and medical professionals who understand the latest research and know the options available to give you the best outcome possible. Dr. Darlene Miltenburg and the team at the Breast Health Institute Austin can guide you in the next steps you might need to take if you suspect something may be wrong with your breasts. Don’t wait if you have concerns about your breast health. Contact the top breast cancer doctor in Austin today and schedule a consultation.