The first symptoms of cancer: how to recognize oncology in the early stages. How to recognize breast cancer in time? Features of symptoms of various forms

Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases. Pathology of a malignant nature is mainly observed in women after 45 years. Breast cancer occurs under the influence of various factors. Symptoms and methods of treatment of oncological disease depend on timely diagnosis and the degree of its development.

To indicate the stage of development of breast cancer, the international TNM classification system is used. The form of a malignant tumor is determined during the initial diagnosis of the disease, the nature of the disease is clarified after the tumor is removed.

Deciphering the TNM classification includes the nature and size of the neoplasm in the mammary gland:

• "T" - parameters of the primary tumor (from 0 to 4 sentiments).
• "N" - the degree of spread to the lymph nodes (from 0 to 3 centimeters).
• "M" - the presence of distant metastases (from 0 to 1 centimeter).

The detailed description of each stage in the TNM system is fixed with additional letters and numbers.

Histological types

According to the histological structure of neoplasms in the mammary gland, there are two main forms of a malignant tumor:

1. non-invasive carcinoma. This type of breast cancer refers to the initial stage of the development of the oncological process. A malignant neoplasm is located in a separate lobe or in the lactiferous canal of the mammary gland and has no connection with adjacent tissues.
2. invasive carcinoma. This type of breast tumor has a more complex malignant course, since the pathological process affects the surrounding breast tissues, with the possible spread of metastases to other organs.

Non-invasive breast cancer is divided into several types:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ is the earliest stage in the development of the oncological process.
• Lobular carcinoma in situ - pathology most often develops simultaneously in two mammary glands and is characterized by the localization of malignant cells only in the lobules of the paired organ.

Invasive breast cancers include:

• Infiltrating flow carcinoma - a malignant tumor that spreads beyond the borders of the milk ducts.
• Infiltrating lobular or lobular carcinoma is the development of a pathological process outside the lobules of the breast.
• A malignant lesion with an inflammatory character is a rapidly developing and most dangerous form of breast cancer with the presence of characteristic seals in the gland that block the lymphatic ducts.
• Medullary carcinoma is a tumor in the gland with an average degree of invasiveness, which has fairly pronounced boundaries between cancer cells and healthy tissue.
• Paget's cancer is a pathological process that affects the nipple and its surrounding tissue.

There are several histological types of breast cancer, which are extremely rare:

• Metaplastic pathology - characterized by a bumpy surface and has an aggressive malignant course.
• Mucinous carcinoma - characterized by a high content of mucus both inside and outside the cancer cells.
• Tubular carcinoma of the breast - refers to small neoplasms of a malignant nature, which rarely form metastases.

The degree of danger of a cancerous tumor in the mammary gland largely depends on the level of differentiation. The lower it is, the higher the rate of development of cancer cells.

Molecular taxonomy

To determine the aggressiveness and degree of danger of an overgrown malignant neoplasm, molecular diagnostics is carried out, which is based on the study of various tumor markers, including the HER2 gene. The absence or presence of its amplification indicates the nature of the tumor in the mammary gland, and also allows you to choose a more effective treatment.

Depending on the molecular structure, a breast tumor is divided into four main subspecies:

• Luminal cancer type A is a non-aggressive pathology with a fairly good prognosis.
• Luminal type B is an aggressive neoplasm characterized by a satisfactory prognosis.
• HER2+ is a dangerous breast tumor belonging to an aggressive category of cancer with a negative prognosis;
• The triple negative subtype is a neoplasm with a high degree of aggressiveness of development and a low survival rate.

All four subspecies are classified as estrogen-dependent.

Main causes and risk factors

The oncological process in the mammary gland in most cases occurs in women. The cause of the formation of cancer cells can be:

• hereditary predisposition
• chronic type diseases
• high levels of estrogen in the body
• low level of immune defense

Often the cause of breast cancer is the presence of pathological processes in the gland. The following factors may influence the development of a malignant tumor:

• long-term use of hormonal drugs
• the presence of gynecological, as well as somatic chronic diseases
• malnutrition, excessive consumption of fatty foods
• metabolic disorder, obesity
• chest injury
• lack of regular sex life
• early start of the menstrual cycle
• late pregnancy - after 35 years
• a large number of abortions
• past oncological diseases of the female organs, including breast cancer
• having bad habits
• menopause after age 55
• exposure to ionizing rays
• refusal to breastfeed during lactation

According to studies, the formation of malignant cells can also be affected by poor ecology in the region of permanent residence.

Women over the age of 40 are at risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer in men occurs in only 1% of patients.

Symptoms of the disease

The nature of the manifestations of breast cancer depends on the degree of development of the pathology. In the initial stages of the oncological process, there are no pronounced symptoms. The first signs of a malignant tumor in the gland can be detected by self-examination:

• expansion of the saphenous veins in the chest area
• presence of seals
• breast deformity
• sores, skin redness
• discharge from the nipple
• swollen lymph nodes
• the formation of "lemon peel" on the skin
• lump around the nipple

With the development of breast cancer observed:

• tissue edema
• neoplasm pressure on nerve endings
• crowding out healthy cells
• aching chest pain

There are several characteristic symptoms of breast cancer that mammologists use when making a diagnosis:

• Payr's sign - as a result of squeezing the chest on both sides, a pronounced fold is formed on the skin.
• Krause's symptom - the presence of a pronounced thickening of the areola and nipple folds.
• A sign of a "platform" - when the skin is compressed at the site of the focus, an irreversible process of its deformation occurs.
• Kernig's symptom - the structure of tissues is noticeably compacted and the level of elasticity of the skin is noticeably reduced.
• Symptom of umbilization - over the affected area, the skin is stretched, while a small depression is observed at the site of the focus.
• Pribram's symptom - when sipping on the nipple, the tumor is displaced.

The initial stage of development of breast cancer is painless. Unpleasant sensations appear in the process of trophic changes in the tissues of the mammary gland. Severe pain in cancer is observed at the stage of tumor metastasis.

A sign of breast cancer can also be nonspecific symptoms:

• increase in body temperature
• sudden weight loss
• aches and pains in the muscles
• nausea, vomiting reflexes
• headache
• yellowing of the skin
• fatigue, weakness and drowsiness

During the formation of metastases, shortness of breath and cough with blood particles in the sputum are sometimes observed.

There are four main stages in the development of the oncological process in the mammary glands:

• The first - the size of the neoplasm does not exceed 2 centimeters. The pathological process occurs only in the cells of the mammary gland, without affecting the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissues.
• The second - the tumor increases in volume up to 5 centimeters, does not penetrate into the adjacent tissues, but spreads to the regional nodes of the lymphatic system.
• Third - the neoplasm in the chest grows significantly, penetrating the lymph nodes, the skin, touching the chest wall.
• Fourth - there is a divergence of malignant cells in all organs, including lymph nodes above the collarbone, bone metastases, damage to the lungs, liver and brain.

Each stage of breast cancer requires a different treatment approach.

Diagnosis of breast cancer in women

The success of breast cancer treatment depends on the stage of development of the pathological process. Therefore, it is important to detect the tumor in time.

To assess the patient's condition, first of all, the doctor performs palpation, an external analysis of the mammary glands and the collection of the patient's history. After that, laboratory and instrumental screening is prescribed, which consists of a number of studies:

• mammography
• ultrasound procedure
• blood test for tumor markers
• biopsy
• immunohistochemistry (IHC)

A FISH test can also be prescribed for breast cancer, which confirms the presence of oncology, clarifies the prognosis of the disease, and determines the possibility of using specific chemicals.

To find out where breast cancer has metastasized, a PET CT scan is performed. This method combines radiological and computed tomography and allows you to identify changes in the body at the cellular level. With the help of a three-dimensional PET CT image, differential diagnosis of a malignant tumor is carried out.

The productivity of further therapy depends on the accuracy of determining the size, location, nature of the tumor. Therefore, when establishing a diagnosis, an integrated approach to the diagnosis of breast cancer is required.

Treatment of breast cancer

It is possible to eliminate the malignant process only in the early stages of oncological disease. Therapeutic actions in breast cancer are aimed at the complete destruction of mutating cells in the body. The type of therapy depends on the nature of the tumor in the breast and the stage of its development.

Surgery is the main treatment for malignant tumors. There are several types of surgeries used for breast cancer:

1. Organ-preserving surgery. This method consists in removing only the neoplasm and adjacent tissues. At the same time, the main part of the mammary gland is preserved. The operation is possible in the early stages of the development of pathology with a tumor size of not more than 5 centimeters with the absence of metastases. An exception is the localization of the focus near the nipple and the presence of a pathological process in several places of the mammary gland.
2. Mastectomy. The operation is performed in case of extensive spread of a malignant tumor. This type of surgery involves the complete removal of the breast.

In more severe cases, not only the breast is removed, but also the lymph nodes, blood vessels, pectoral muscles and ribs.

Radiation therapy

Ionizing radiation of a tumor is carried out in order to stop its malignant development. Radiation therapy for breast cancer is prescribed in the following cases:

• Before surgery to transfer an aggressive tumor to an operable state.
• After surgery to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
• To support the condition of patients whose cancer cannot be removed.

The irradiation procedure is carried out for six weeks. The exact course of radiation therapy is set depending on the stage of growth of a malignant tumor and its localization.

Chemotherapy

This method of treatment involves the use of anticancer drugs with a chemical composition. Used in combination with other therapies. Indications for chemotherapy are:

• tumor larger than 2 cm
• the presence of poorly differentiated cancers
• childbearing age of the patient
• lack of estrogen and progesterone receptors in cancer cells

Chemotherapy consists of the use of cytotoxic drugs that are capable of destroying cancer cells. This group includes drugs:

• "Adriablastin"
• "Doxorubicin"
• "Cyclophosphamide"
• "Fluorouracil"
• "Mitoxantrone"

Medicines are used both for intravenous infusion and for oral administration.

hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is used when estrogen and progesterone receptors are detected during research. This method is used as part of complex treatment and involves:

• The use of drugs to block the functions of the endocrine system.
• The use of hormone antagonists that suppress estrogen receptors, thereby destroying cancer cells.

These drugs include Tamoxifen, Bromocreptin, as well as drugs that reduce estrogen levels - Femara and Arimidex.

Hormone therapy for breast cancer is prescribed only by the attending physician. The duration of the course depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the susceptibility of his body to the administered drugs.

Targeted Therapy

The basis of such a modern technique for the treatment of cancerous tumors in the mammary gland is a point effect on the affected tissues. In the course of treatment, targeted drugs are used that affect only cancer cells.

The course of such treatment consists of taking:

• aromatase inhibitors
• estrogen receptor blockers
• selective drugs that suppress growth factors
• PARP protein blockers

During treatment, side effects are sometimes observed - fever and chills. Traditional medicines are used to relieve symptoms. Targeted therapy for breast cancer is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.

Of no small importance in the process of therapy is a diet with a restriction of fats, spicy and acidic foods, spices, strong coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. Proper nutrition with cancer significantly increases the chances of recovery.

Treatment of breast cancer with non-traditional methods involves the use of poisonous herbs and plants that can destroy cancer cells. There are a lot of traditional medicine recipes against malignant tumors. The most common tinctures are:

• fly agaric
• nutty
• potato flowers
• celandine
• hemlock

The use of such herbal mixtures requires precise adherence to the proportions of preparation and daily dose. Improper treatment with folk remedies can lead to poisoning of the body. All healing actions must be agreed with the attending physician.

Prognosis and life expectancy

The success of the treatment of a malignant tumor depends on the degree of its aggressiveness, the presence and number of metastases. Of great importance for a positive outcome is timely treatment and the absence of recurrence of breast cancer for five years. Having overcome such a period without negative changes in most patients, the chances of life expectancy increase significantly.

According to statistics, the five-year survival rate for each stage of tumor development in the mammary gland has its own percentages:

• first - 95%
• the second - up to 80%
• third - 40%
• fourth - no more than 10%

Scientists have found that a low prognosis and the possibility of recurrence in hormone-independent neoplasms.

Prevention of the appearance of a tumor

It is impossible to completely eliminate the occurrence of breast cancer, but there are methods that can reduce the risk of developing oncology.

Prevention of a malignant tumor in the breast, based on the prevention of the disease, includes the following activities:

• Regular self-examination of the mammary glands.
• Proper nutrition, weight control.
• Planned pregnancy up to 30 years, prolonged breastfeeding after childbirth.
• Annual examination in medical centers.
• Exclusion of bad habits, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Cancer prevention should be carried out throughout life. It is recommended to pay special attention to the state of health of people who have a genetic predisposition to oncological diseases. Regular examination of the mammary glands by a mammologist, as well as ultrasound and MRI studies, will help prevent the appearance of pathology.

Breast cancer is a dangerous and widespread disease, the development of which can cost a person life. It is very important to recognize the tumor in the early stages of its formation, therefore, at the first suspicion of a neoplasm in the breast, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Cancer is a malignant neoplasm that is constantly growing and as a result can metastasize first to the nearest tissues, organs and lymph nodes, and then through the blood to any place in the body.

Before considering all the symptoms of cancer, it is necessary to clarify one small detail for readers. You must understand that even the totality of any signs may not necessarily indicate a malignant cancer. Often these are common diseases, infection, inflammation, which can manifest themselves in the same way.

Cancer of organs is only in the initial stages tied to a specific tissue, later, after development in phase 4, the tumor begins to spread metastases that can cover any organs.

To find out exactly if you have an oncological disease, you must pass, for biochemistry and. And after confirmation, connect additional diagnostic methods: MRI, CT, ultrasound, etc. Consider all the common symptoms of cancer and how to recognize oncology?

Headache

If you have a constant headache for no apparent reason in one place, then this may also indicate brain cancer. At the same time, donating blood for tumor markers is not worth it, since the tumor does not have a specific antigen and it is better to immediately go for an MRI.

tumor markers

• Bun S100

Birthmarks of an unusual and strange shape

Usually strange moles that are irregular in shape, as well as strange age spots, indicate melanoma or skin cancer. You can go first of all to donate blood for the oncomarker S-100.

Elevated temperature

If you constantly have chills, fever without additional reasons - snot and other signs indicating a cold. It is impossible to say what kind of cancer this symptom indicates. Therefore, first of all, you need to pass a general and biochemical blood test. The temperature in cancer lasts quite a long time.

Lumps in the chest

Usually indicates breast cancer in women. On palpation, it is necessary to note exactly the solid clots inside the mammary gland. In the aggregate, any mucous fluids with an unpleasant odor may be released from the chest. In this case, you should immediately go to a mammologist, who, after examination, will send you to an oncologist for examinations.

tumor markers

• SA 15-3

Deteriorated condition of nails and hair

When the tumor is actively developing, a large amount of antibodies and waste products are produced in the blood, and severe inflammation is possible. Plus, the neoplasm itself consumes a large amount of energy and nutrients for growth. Therefore, nails and hair may not be enough. In this case, the hair may fall out, their color becomes dull, and the nails become brittle and constantly peel off.

Bleeding from the vagina

Usually indicates cancer of the body of the uterus, ovaries. In addition, the lower abdomen may hurt. In the intermenstrual period, there may be heavy bleeding, and it also happens that blood is present in the urine.

tumor markers

• SA 125

NOTE! To quickly diagnose uterine cancer, you just need to visit a gynecologist once a year, who can recognize the disease in time. At the same time, a neoplasm is very clearly visible on the cervix.

Frequent fainting

If fainting occurs for no known reason. That could indicate brain cancer. In this case, a clinical and biochemical blood test is given, and then the doctor is already looking at the test results.

Bumps on the bones

If you have hard lumps on your legs, arms, thigh, or shoulder, then this may indicate bone cancer. But you must understand that they could arise from bruises or fractures. You should immediately consult a doctor and take an x-ray of the bones.

tumor markers

• TRAP 5b

Distractedness and memory impairment

Indicates that a cancerous tumor has begun to grow seriously in the head. This is due to the fact that the tumor uses a lot of resources for its growth.

Decreased appetite

This is accompanied by significant weight loss. It can indicate both cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, and on. At later stages, it can refer to almost any oncology.

Profuse sweating

If everything was fine with you before, and then you abruptly began to constantly sweat, even in a cool room, then this may indicate a violation of the nervous system. Usually refers to a number of malignancies in the neuroendocrine region.

Heat

If you feel hot flashes in your face and throughout your body at different intervals, then this may indicate cancer of the endocrine system.

Mood change

It can indicate both brain cancer and some tumors that affect the hormonal background of a woman.

vision loss

Indicates malignant neoplasms of the optic nerve. But it may be due to severe stress, physical shocks or external factors. Also, vision falls due to genetics. Against the background, general well-being worsens.

Abdominal pain

May indicate cancer of the stomach, pancreas, or intestines. At the same time, the type of pain is similar to gastritis or an ulcer. In this case, it is imperative to undergo an examination of fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) and fluoroscopy of the stomach. The disadvantage of this group of oncology is that the first signs of cancer appear only at stage 3.

weight loss weight loss

It should be noted here that the decline is rapid and despite the fact that a person does not lose weight, does not diet and does not play sports. It usually indicates cancer in the colon, small intestine, or rectum. In addition, there may be a difficult act of defecation, a constant feeling that the intestines are full.

Skin color changes

Yellow color usually indicates pathologies in the liver and pancreas. In this case, when the color changes, the color of the sclera of the tongue may change and skin itching may appear. I would also like to add that this can also occur at the last stage of almost any cancer, when metastases reach the liver.

Labored breathing

Dry cough, later sputum appears. At the very beginning, a cough may be without any symptoms at all. After that, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, shortness of breath may appear. Indicates, but cough may also be present in stomach cancer, but in more rare cases.

Difficult to swallow

May indicate cancer of the pharynx, throat. In this case, the tumor can grow to such a size that a person then simply cannot swallow, as well as breathe.

Heartburn

When gastric juice enters the esophagus due to a tumor. In this case, a person constantly feels severe heartburn. It can indicate both stomach cancer and duodenal cancer.

Enlarged lymph nodes

By itself, edema mainly appears on the face. This is due to the fact that the lymph nodes react to the tumor. It can indicate cancer of anything, which is why it is better to immediately consult a doctor and take blood tests.

Swelling of the upper body

Squeezing of the lymphatic vessels and circulatory system near the lungs due to a growing tumor leads to the fact that puffiness appears on the face and in the upper body. Occurs against the background of frequent smoking.

Fatigue

The tumor has waste products that are intensively produced in the blood, plus with the growth of cancer, the tumor can interfere with the normal functioning of the organ, which causes stagnation of substances. There is intoxication, pain in the head, malaise, constant weakness in oncology.

Blood in stool

Indicates bowel cancer. It may also be accompanied by a difficult act of defecation due to the fact that the cancerous tumor has already grown strongly. The stool becomes dark in color due to blood. It is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, because later, due to the tumor, the patient will not be able to go to the toilet at all. Blood appears as a result of damage to the vessels by the tumor as a result of violent growth.

Constipation, diarrhea

A general disorder of the digestive process may indicate several oncological zones: from stomach cancer to the intestines.

Difficulty urinating

It is not always accompanied by pain, usually it can already begin at stages 1, 2 of prostate cancer. This is due to the fact that the prostate gland swells and narrows the urethra. Then the man needs to make every effort and tighten the press in order to go "in a small way."

In the last stages of cancer, the act of urination may not be possible at all, and doctors put a catheter. A cancerous tumor overwhelms the nerves responsible for male libido, and the man begins to have sexual problems.

Blood in the urine

In men, it can be associated with prostate cancer, and in women, cancer develops in the uterus. At the same time, these diseases at stage 3 begin to affect the nearest organs, kidneys, liver and bladder, from which there can also be blood.

Swelling of the scrotum and penis

Testicular or penile cancer. But in the last stage of a prostate tumor, these symptoms may also appear. Plus there is swelling of the lower extremities.

Back pain

This does not always indicate osteochondrosis or inflammation in the spine. Sometimes it can be cancer of the vertebrae.

Discharge from the nipples

Accompanied by pain in the chest. Indicates the defeat of breast cancer cells with metastases. In addition, it is best to check the breast itself for lumps and if there are any, then immediately consult a doctor. The discharge itself smells bad.

What can cause cancer?

The exact causes of cancer development have not yet been established, but there are several factors and assumptions.

1. Improper nutrition
2. Ecology
3. Work related to pesticides and chemistry.
4. Smoking
5. Alcohol
6. Genetics
7. Unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases.
8. Stress

How to detect cancer at an early stage?

Not all of the above symptoms of oncology indicate that you have a malignant tumor. But if there are at least 10 signs of cancer, then you should worry. But you must understand that it is impossible to identify the disease only by internal symptoms and it is worth resorting to other studies.

How to fully detect cancer?

1. Take a blood test with a leukocyte formula
2. Donate blood for biochemistry
3. Tests for tumor markers.
4. Biopsy of suspicious tissue.

Signs of cancer in women

Oncological diseases in women appear a little brighter in the initial stages than in men. During pregnancy, this can lead to miscarriage.

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the mammary glands. The affected areas enlarge and may spread to other organs. A lot of people die from malignant neoplasms, so women just need to know how to recognize breast cancer at the very beginning of the disease. It is on the list of the most dangerous due to high mortality.

When should surveys be started?

Cancer develops due to the mutation of genes that are responsible for curbing the uncontrolled growth of cells. There are many risk factors for cancer. In order to know how to recognize breast cancer, you first need to know when to start screening.

It must be done periodically (even despite the absence of symptoms) to women if the parents had (or have) cancer. In this case, the risk of transmission of the disease by heredity increases to 25 percent. Women also need to control their health:

• still nulliparous;
• over 50 years old;
• if the first birth took place after the 30-year milestone;
• after abortion;
• refused breastfeeding;
• taking hormonal contraceptives for a long time;
• who have undergone mastopathy, chest injuries, bruises;
• after hypothermia of the glands;
• with early puberty;
• having endocrine diseases;
• undergoing radiation therapy;
• abusing alcohol;
• smokers;
• living in a radioactive area;
• often exposed to stress.

The first remote symptoms of cancer

How to recognize breast cancer in women? The first signs at an early stage are difficult to detect. When probing, a small solid tumor is felt. The lymph nodes are enlarged. There are pains in the chest. The woman feels general weakness.

Recognizing cancer in the early stages

How to recognize breast cancer at an early stage? At the first stage of the disease, there are practically no symptoms, since the tumor is less than 2 centimeters in diameter. At this stage, there is still no metastasis and germination of cells in the tissue. But the “first signs” of oncological disease can be pulling pains in the armpits. Puffiness appears in their cavities. A sore chest becomes more sensitive.

One of the earliest symptoms of cancer is breast lumps. After the tumor is diagnosed. Discharge from the nipples begins. This process is independent of menstrual cycles. The resulting fluid may be clear, bloody, yellow-green. Often it appears in the form of pus.

With the progression of cancer, the intensity of the secretions increases. Special gaskets required. There are pains in the mammary glands. Small wounds begin to form on the chest, turning into large ulcers. This process can be observed not only on the nipples, but throughout the bust.

He changes outwardly. At the site of compaction, the skin may acquire a different shade - from yellow to dark red. The affected area begins to peel off. Among the symptoms of cancer are the appearance of small dimples and wrinkled skin in the form of an "orange peel".

The outlines of the chest begin to change. It can become swollen, elongated, etc. A cancerous tumor is characterized by retraction of the nipple. If he drowns more and more, then the neoplasm is increasing.

Mammography

How to recognize breast cancer in women (there is a photo of the method in this article) using mammography? This method is good at detecting neoplasms. The method is one of the main ones for determining the disease in the early stages. A scheduled inspection should be carried out once a year. The examination is carried out in the period from 5 to 9 days of menstruation. At this time, the hormonal effect on the breast is manifested to the least extent.

Mammology is an x-ray scan of the breast. At the initial stage of cancer, a shadow of compaction appears in the tissues. The picture reveals the tumor before its first signs appear. Mammography is not done only during pregnancy and lactation.

Ultrasound procedure

How to recognize breast cancer in women? At the first pain, seals or discomfort, you should consult a doctor. He can prescribe an ultrasound scan. It is carried out after the detection of any abnormalities on the x-ray. But it could be a cyst, not a neoplasm.

Its structure, the presence of a cavity, growth are just determined using ultrasound diagnostics. At the same time, the state of the lymph nodes is viewed. The result is an accurate picture of the changes that have occurred. The ideal period for an ultrasound is immediately after the end of menstruation.

tumor markers

How to recognize breast cancer with blood tests? To identify a malignant tumor, tumor markers are taken. The initial stage of the disease is detected by the CA 15-3 antigen. In 20 percent of the initial stages of cancer, this mark rises.

This marker is used for the primary determination of a malignant neoplasm. The value in the norm should correspond to 27 U / ml. The cancer antigen CA 27-29 is of little sensitivity and may increase with pneumonia, cysts, etc.

Therefore, the presence of oncology is rarely determined by it. The CEA antigen has a normal value of 5 ng/mL. An increase in this mark to 10 ng / ml indicates the presence of cancer. Tumor markers are prescribed as an addition to a comprehensive examination. If the tumor is not visually detected, the antigen values ​​are not absolute.

Tomography

How to recognize breast cancer in women? Signs of the disease - the appearance of a tumor, seals, pain, etc. To refute or confirm the diagnosis, a chest tomography is performed. This method shows the neoplasm in a clear image, which clearly shows the penetration of the affected cells into other organs or the lack of adhesion with them. If the presence of a malignant tumor is confirmed, its degree is determined.

Biopsy

How to recognize breast cancer with a biopsy? The appearance of any neoplasm does not yet indicate the development of cancer. The tumor may be benign. To determine whether the neoplasm is malignant, additional studies are needed, which is done with the help of a biopsy.

During the procedure, cells are taken from the tumor using a special device with a thin needle. Then a microscopic examination is carried out. This method of cancer detection is the most accurate, helping to determine not only the type of compaction, but also the upcoming amount of treatment.

Due to the dependence of tumor growth on the hormonal background. At the same time, the ability of malignant cells to respond to certain drugs is determined.

Self examination

How to detect breast cancer yourself? During menopause, the breast is examined on the 7-10th day from the onset of discharge, but during the period when swelling or soreness is not observed. With the irregularity of menstrual cycles or their absence at all, an examination of the mammary glands should be carried out monthly.

Self-determination of cancer begins with an examination of the bra at the point of contact with the nipples. There should not be any discharge or stains indicative of them. Next, the areola is examined for redness, peeling or wounds. All these manifestations should not be.

Then the nipple is examined. It should not be drawn into the chest. The latter is inspected separately for visual changes. To do this, a woman stands in front of a mirror and stretches her arms up. The underarms and breast shape are examined for bulges, dimples, or asymmetries. Skin color should not show unusual hues or crusty areas.

The first signs of cancer are determined in the supine position. The woman lies on her back and puts a roller under one shoulder blade. Feels the mammary glands from the same side in a circular motion with the pads of two fingers for the presence of any seals. Then the roller is shifted to the other side and the procedure is repeated.

It is easiest to identify a tumor while standing in the shower. Soapy fingers, when feeling, quickly find seals that should not be there in principle. If you find any of the above signs, you should immediately consult a doctor for a complete examination.

Identification of neoplasms, discharge from the nipples or seals is not a sentence. Without a complete examination, ultrasound, biopsy, etc., even a doctor will not make an accurate diagnosis, despite the presence of seals or neoplasms. They may be of good quality.

With timely detected symptoms of cancer, treatment is prescribed, which in most cases is successful. Modern medicine is able to prevent the growth of infected cells, stop oncology at the very beginning, thereby preventing breast amputation.

is one of the deadliest diseases. At the moment, the success of the treatment of most cancers depends on timely diagnosis. Quite often, a late visit to the doctor leads to the impossibility of providing proper assistance to the patient. That is why all women should be aware of the signs that may indicate the development of breast cancer.

Signs of breast cancer

In order to be able to respond in time to a possible oncological disease and undergo effective treatment, all women should constantly conduct an independent examination. To do this, you need to go to the mirror and examine the chest.

The first signs of cancer development may be:

• the presence of breast deformities;
• swelling of the chest;
• breast enlargement or reduction for no particular reason;
• changes in the areola or nipple area: the presence of erosion, inverted nipples, the appearance of discharge that is not associated with breastfeeding or pregnancy;
• the appearance of "lemon peel" on the skin;
• the presence of a painful, dense mass or indurated area in the mammary gland that you are able to feel.

If, after conducting a self-examination, you find one of the above signs, then you should contact the specialists.

But even if you do not find any signs of cancer after a visual examination, every woman aged 40+ should have an annual mammogram. It is also necessary for women under the age of 40 to undergo an examination by specialists, we are talking about an annual consultation with a gynecologist and ultrasound of the breast. According to research results, about 80% of all women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer were able to identify the first signs of cancer themselves. At the same time, most of the tumor formations independently discovered by women are benign, but the help of a specialist is required in any of the cases.

It is worth remembering that breast cancer detected at an early stage can be completely cured in almost 90% of cases, while the third stage of cancer can only be cured by 40%.

Risk factors

Risk factors are any conditions or exposures that increase the likelihood of developing a disease. Different types of cancer are associated with different risk factors. However, the presence of several risk factors does not mean that a woman will definitely be diagnosed with breast cancer. A proportion of women with a certain set of risk factors do not develop cancer, while a large proportion of women with breast cancer do not have overt risk factors. Risk factors can be divided into several groups.

High risk group

Women who have been diagnosed with cancer of one of the mammary glands. In this case, the risk of developing a new malignant tumor is very high.

Moderate risk group

This risk group includes women:

• over the age of 50, so, about 77% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50 years old, while half of them are women aged 65+;
• diagnosing breast cancer in close relatives increases the likelihood of developing it. The risk is increased if a relative was diagnosed with cancer before menopause;
• genetic factors. The risk is increased if there are altered forms of any of the genes associated with familial breast cancer. We are talking about BRCA1 / 2. If a woman has a hereditary mutation of any of these genes, then the risk of developing cancer reaches 80%.

Slightly increased risk group

This group includes the following factors:

• diagnosing breast cancer in distant first-degree relatives;
• the presence of deviations in the results of previous biopsies. If the presence of complex component hyperplasia, fibroadenomas, single papillomas was found;
• the birth of the first child over the age of 30;
• early menstruation (before 12 years);
• late menopause (after 55 years);
• Diagnosis of other types of cancer in relatives (ovarian cancer, cancer of the body or cervix);
• long-term use of combined progesterone and estrogen preparations.

Breast cancer - there is a way out!

At the moment, breast cancer is not a sentence, because modern medicine is ready to offer various methods of dealing with this disease. In this case, the specialist chooses a strategy for treating cancer, taking into account many factors:

• type of cancer;
• stage;
• susceptibility of tumor cells to hormones;
• immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumor;
• the general health of the patient.

If breast cancer has been diagnosed in the early stages, the tumor tissue can be removed surgically (lumpectomy). In the presence of malignant tumors of a larger size, the mammary gland can be removed completely (mastectomy). Nearby lymph nodes are also removed. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are performed after surgery, their main goal is to destroy cancer cells remaining in the patient's body. Including radiation therapy and chemotherapy are carried out before surgery in order to reduce the size of the malignant neoplasm and increase the effectiveness of the intervention. If the tumor is sensitive to hormones, then hormone therapy is performed.

Today, oncologists also use targeted therapy in the treatment of breast cancer, in which drugs are delivered directly to the tumor tissues and have a minimal negative effect on healthy cells.

Targeted therapy may be used as monotherapy or may be part of a treatment regimen along with other types of therapy. At the same time, the effectiveness and safety of the treatment, first of all, depends on the timely diagnosis of neoplasms, as well as the full and clear compliance of the treatment with international protocols, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Malignant formation, may have different locations in the chest. Cancer can affect both breasts equally. There are cases when a tumor is diagnosed in one breast, and a tumor with metastasis or a separate tumor may be detected in the other. How to recognize breast cancer? A neoplasm can be found on its own, to the touch it can be a small seal, it is somewhat reminiscent of a lump or dough.

The tumor may have a round shape with smooth borders or with projections. There are cases when the tumor has a huge size. You can discover it yourself.

If you find a neoplasm, do not panic. It is necessary to consult a gynecologist and take a referral for examination.

Regular examination

Dear women, do you know how to detect cancer at an early stage?

To detect a tumor at an early stage, a woman after 35 years of age needs to undergo a special examination every year, and preferably six months. It is necessary to self-examine on the 9th day of the monthly cycle in reproductive women and once a month for a woman in menopause.

You can make it a rule to conduct a self-examination after each shower. Therefore, every woman / girl should know how it is carried out. If health is expensive, take responsibility for your breasts. The results of the examination can become a pretext for contacting a mammologist and conducting additional diagnostics.

self-examination

Learn how to determine yourself.

Self-examination is carried out in a prone position, standing, tilt, with a raised hand. It is carried out not with fingers, but with the entire surface of the palm.

Let's consider in detail how to identify breast cancer, the symptoms of cancer, what they can mean, and how to detect.

neoplasm

A lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. These lumps are often painless, although some may be painful. Not all lumps are cancer. There are a number of benign breast conditions that can cause lumps, such as cysts. However, it is very important that specialists determine the origin of the tumor. And the sooner he diagnoses, the better.

Edema

Swelling may be found in or around the chest, collarbone, or armpit, and swelling of the breasts are symptoms of a more aggressive form of the disease. Swelling or lumps around the collarbone or armpits may be symptoms of a tumor that has spread to the lymph nodes. Swelling can occur even before a woman feels a lump in her breast, so if you have this symptom, hurry to the doctor.

Pain

While most cases of breast cancer do not cause chest pain, there are some that do. Most often, women feel discomfort that is associated with their monthly cycle. This type of pain is present for a week and as soon as menstruation begins, it goes away. Some other breast growths, such as mastitis, can lead to more sudden pain. In these cases, the pain is not associated with the monthly cycle.

If you have chest pain that is severe or persists and is not related to your monthly cycle, you should be checked out by a gynecologist, surgeon, or mammologist. Everything must be done to prevent a benign condition or cancer that needs to be treated.

Itching and warmth

Thickening of the skin, redness of the breast, itching and warmth can be symptoms of mastopathy or breast cancer. If antibiotics do not help, see your doctor again.

Changes in the shape of the nipples

Breast cancer can sometimes cause changes in the appearance of the nipple. If your nipple turns inward, or the skin on it thickens or becomes red or scaly, you need to see a mammologist immediately. All factors can be symptoms of breast cancer.

Allocations

Discharge (other than milk) from the nipple can be alarming, but in most cases it is caused by infection, trauma, or a benign tumor (non-cancer patient). If the secreted liquid is bloody, then it is better to check with a doctor.

Diagnostics

Learn how to recognize breast cancer in a clinic or specialist setting. Cancer is most often diagnosed after symptoms appear, but many women with early cancer have no symptoms. That is why screening tests are recommended. If cancer is found, other tests will be done to determine the stage (grade) of the cancer.

Medical checkup

If you have any signs or symptoms that look like breast cancer, be sure to see a breast specialist as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask you questions about symptoms, you need to tell all the health problems.

Recognition is done to look for any lumps or suspicious areas and determine the texture of the pectoral muscle.

Any changes in the nipples or breast skin should be noted. Enlarged or hardened lymph nodes may indicate that breast cancer has spread to the lymphatic system. The doctor does a complete physical exam to judge general health and whether there is any evidence of cancer that may have spread.

You can learn from a mammologist about diseases that are treated conservatively.

• Mastopathy
• Mastitis
• Fibroma
• Cyst
• lactostasis

If, as a result of your physical examination, a pathological process in the mammary gland is revealed, then additional tests are done to clarify. These may include imaging tests, looking at samples of nipple discharge, or biopsying suspicious areas.

Detecting breast cancer early gives you a better chance of successful treatment. But in addition to self-examination, it is necessary to undergo a mammogram, and preferably an ultrasound scan that detects breast cancer in the early stages before any symptoms appear.

Benign (non-cancerous) breast neoplasms are much more common than malignant tumors. Imaging tests are used to diagnose breast disease. The visualization test is a way that allows you to see what is happening inside your body.

Images can show normal body structures and functions, as well as abnormal ones caused by diseases such as cancer. Mammography and other breast imaging tests for more details. How to recognize breast cancer at an early stage?

Here are some of the most common imaging tests used to screen breasts for cancer:

Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray that can detect breast cancer. Screening mammography is used to look for breast changes in women who do not have any signs or symptoms of a breast problem.

Screening mammograms usually take 2 views (X-rays taken from different angles) of each breast. Diagnostic mammography is used to get a more accurate diagnosis.

ultrasonic

Ultrasound, also known as echography, uses sound waves to highlight a part of the body. This is done to see changes that are not visible on mammograms. It also helps to recognize breast cancer from a cyst filled with fluid and solid masses.

MRI

In magnetic resonance therapy, energy from radio waves is absorbed and then released in a pattern based on the type of tissue in the body that determines the disease. The computer translates the pattern into a very detailed picture. In order to be able to identify the cancer, a contrast fluid is injected into the vein to better see the details of the image and to determine the extent of the spread of the disease.

Ductogram

Ductogram (galactogram) is used to help find the cause of nipple discharge. In this test, a very thin metal tube is inserted into the airway opening in the nipple. A small amount of contrast medium is placed in the channel shape. The x-ray can show if there is a mass inside the canal. If fluid comes from the nipple, some fluids may be collected and tested for signs of infection or cancer cells.

Biopsy

A biopsy is done after the results of a mammogram and other tests that show a change in the breast or the presence of growths. A biopsy is the only way to tell for sure if there is cancer. For a biopsy, a specific sample (small piece) is taken from a suspicious area of ​​the breast and examined in a laboratory. The analysis is called a sample biopsy.

It is possible to determine breast cancer only after a comprehensive examination. A diagnosed patient can live a long time if the tumor is removed in time. The recognized biopsy specimen is stored in the laboratory. In recent years, Cuban specialists have achieved impressive results in the treatment of cancer patients. Recognized disease at an early stage will save life.

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