Breast Cancer is the most common cancer amongst Indian women which comprises about 25%—30% of all female cancers. Indian breast cancer cases are detected at a younger age than that of those occurring in the West. According to Dr. Dhruv Mehta at SGHOC, Indian breast cancers often present at a more advanced stage and may show signs and symptoms other than a lump more frequently than the cases in Western countries. They may also be biologically more aggressive. So, early detection, screening education, availability of breast cancer specialists in rural and semi-urban areas, and access to advanced therapies like immunotherapy and targeted therapies would
significantly reduce high mortality rates, which are seen in Indian breast cancer cases. Today, through this blog, we will discuss the unusual ways breast cancer presents itself — other than breast lumps, which most women often overlook.
BREAST CANCER SIGNS WOMEN OVERLOOK
1.INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER
Inflammatory breast cancer [IBC] is a sign of an advanced-stage disease requiring aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy or targeted therapy prior to surgery. Radiation therapy after surgery is also required to decrease recurrence risks. Depending on ER/PR and HER2 receptor status, local recurrence and metastasis risks vary but are significantly higher than in early stages. The entire breast may appear red, swollen, or warm and may be painful to the touch. The overlying skin may also appear reddish or have a bruised or purplish appearance. It is often mistaken by primary care physicians for mastitis, a bacterial infection, and is usually treated with oral antibiotics first. If the inflammation does not subside within a week of taking antibiotics, it is advisable to seek advice from a breast cancer specialist in Surat.
2.PEAU – D’ORANGE
As the name suggests, a peau d’orange appearance refers to an orange-peel-like texture of the breast skin. There may be shallow depressions or dimpling of the skin, especially when leaning forward or raising the arms. This occurs when cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels, disrupting lymph flow and causing swelling, pitting, thickening, and inward tethering of the skin.
3.UNEXPLAINED NIPPLE CHANGES
Unexplained nipple changes are the most overlooked sign of breast cancer. Nipple changes are commonly attributed to poorly fitting innerwear, friction during breastfeeding, and hormonal changes. A sudden inversion or retraction of the nipple can sometimes indicate an underlying mass behind the areola. Persistent scaling, flaking, or ulceration of the nipple that does not improve with moisturizers or antifungal creams may be a sign of a rare form of breast cancer called Paget’s disease of the breast.
4.NIPPLE DISCHARGE
Bilateral nipple discharges are common and mostly due to hormonal fluctuations. But a concerning nipple discharge may be when it is coming from one side, is spontaneous [without squeezing of the breast], and is clear and watery or blood-tinged. Persistent, unilateral nipple discharge should be evaluated further and should not be neglected.
5.SWOLLEN ARMPITS
Swelling in the armpits or above/below the collarbone may be a sign of lymph node swelling. Cancerous lymph node enlargements are mostly painless, hard to feel, and sometimes matted. However, lymph node swellings that are painful to touch, red, or firm may be a sign of infection. But any persistent fullness or knot in armpits or near collarbones that does not resolve within 2 weeks should be evaluated by a breast cancer specialist in Surat.
6.BREAST PAIN
Breast pain, or mastalgia, is mostly linked to menstrual periods, and it is usually cyclical. But when pain is localized to a single spot, continuous, sharp, or burning in nature, and not related to one’s menstrual cycle, then it needs to be evaluated by a breast cancer specialist.
CONCLUSION
The most important thing to remember when you notice any of these changes is not to panic. Almost 80% of these symptoms, when evaluated, are found to be benign and are usually caused by simple cysts, fibroadenomas, or hormonal changes. But it is important to follow recommended screening guidelines, like — Self-Breast Examination [SBE] starting at age 20 years, Clinical Breast Examination [CBE] starting at age 30 years, and sonomammography every 1-2 years from the age of 40 years.
Anything that is different from one’s usual baseline, anything that is not normal, should not be dismissed. Be breast-aware and go for screening if you notice these symptoms. If the symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, consult a breast cancer specialist for further evaluation
