Recognizing Breast Cancer Symptoms

Recognizing Breast Cancer Symptoms  - Understanding can be difficult since often early signs are not always recognizable. So where do symptoms begin and what are they? Cancers begin with a group of diseases which cause cells to rapidly change and grow out of control. Most cancer cells grouped together in masses are labeled tumors. A tumor formed by the abnormal growth or swelling of cells which is called neoplastic.
Tumors can be benign or malignant and are not defined the same as cancer. Cancers are always malignant. Symptoms are not always recognized and treatment varies on the discovery of the size, location, and stages of cancer in the victim.

Breast cancer symptoms can be a noticeable flattening of the breast. This could mean a deep tumor which cannot yet be detected or felt. Because lumps are usually painless a person should be aware of tingling or tenderness and pain in the chest or breast. Any changes in size, color, itching, discharge, texture, or even the temperature of the breast, are all known breast cancer symptoms. A red pitted skin surface resembling the skin of an orange could signify advanced stages of breast cancer.

It cannot be said enough that a key factor for a cure, is recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer. Annual mammogram tests save lives. The earlier the detection of breast cancer and breast cancer symptoms is recognized, the higher your rate of survival becomes. The Internet on line support groups are available and can be very comforting to victims of breast cancer. Foundations such as the Susan G. Kommen foundation and the American Cancer Society reach out to victims of breast cancers. Support groups and programs often help with expenses and support.

Once a diagnosis of cancer is given, therapy can commence. Milder stages of cancer may only require local therapies. Local therapy includes the use of radiation and surgery. Methods for systematic therapy for a bit more advanced breast cancers include medication drugs given orally by mouth that go into the blood stream and destroy any remaining cancer cells. Chemo therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies are all part of systematic therapy.

Adjuvant therapy is a preventative measure for patients who have no visible signs of breast cancer remaining to be treated. Adjuvant therapy tries to kill hidden cancerous cells that break away from the primary breast tumor that may continue to spread to other places in the body and form new tumors.

Neoadjuvant therapy is when treatment such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapies is given before surgery. Treatments are given before the surgery for the purpose of giving the breast cancer victim a less invasive or intensive surgery. The hope is that it may shrink the cancer location enough to give less discomfort to the patient after surgery.