Do you feel a Lump in Breast? It can be a Warning Sign of Breast Cancer

Generally, cancer is as a result of irregularities or changes occurring in the genes that are responsible for regulating cells growth. Each cell’s nucleus contains the genes and this is the control point of each cell. In a normal and arranged process, our body cells replace themselves resulting to new and healthy cells taking over dead ones. But when certain genes are caused to come forth and certain others are caused to turn off through the process of mutation; the cell that is changed could be multiplying uncontrollably resulting to tumor.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is used to describe malignant tumors that have formed from cells residing in the breast. The common starting point of breast cancer is in the stromal tissues; the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. But the usual starting place of cancer is either the lobules’ cells (the glands that produce milk) or the ducts (the milk draining passages). There are stages of breast cancer and this refers to the extent to which cancerous cells have grown or stretched further than the original tumor

Possible Causes of Breast Cancer

Studies have shown that abnormality in the genetic material is responsible for five to ten percent of breast cancer cases. However, a greater percentage (as high as 90%) of breast cancer cases occur due to genetic abnormalities resulting from aging factor and depreciation that comes in the course of life.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

No symptom might be noticeable at the initial time; strange changes might not be obvious at this initial stage since the lump might still be little in size to arouse any unusual feeling. Any detection at this stage has to be medically carried out.

When a symptom for breast cancer shows forth, it comes in form of mass in the breast or a fresh lump that can be self-felt; the doctor as well can feel it. This kind of lump that evidences the presence of cancer of the breast is usually with edges that are not even, it is also hard and causing no pain. This might not always be the case as cancer lump might be rounded, soft and tender in some cases; the best thing is to see the doctor for a proper check when you feel something strange at your breast region.

Other symptoms might include pain in the breast, skin irritation, breast parts swelling, and discharge from the nipple, nipple / breast skin reddening and thickening, a lump appearing at the underarm segment. These symptoms are according to ACS (American Cancer society). These symptoms might not be connoting the presence of cancer sometimes but other serious infection; therefore a consultation with the doctor is the best step to take.

Tests for Breast Cancer

The various tests for breast cancer include self examination (done undressed under a bright light, in front of a good mirror and in private), a clinical examination (conducted by a medical doctor). An x-ray of the breast using the mammogram will reveal any abnormal area or part on the screening mammogram. Subsequent tests will accompany such as Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Prevention for Breast Cancer

Like the steps to take in preventing cancer generally, living a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards preventing breast cancer. Such healthy habits include healthy dietary habit, limit in alcohol intake. When a healthy lifestyle is combined with restraint from exposure to chemical substances that promote cancer, great result will be achieved.

Treatment for Breast Cancer

The first treatment for breast cancer is usually surgery. There are different types of surgery and the stage of the breast cancer will determine the kind of surgery the doctor will embark on. The different types of surgery for breast cancer include; Lymph node removal, Prophylactic mastectomy, Lumpectomy, Prophylactic ovary removal, Breast reconstruction, Mastectomy. As mentioned earlier; a surgery type will be chosen based on the stage of the breast cancer and what is best suited for an individual; it’s all left for your doctor to determine. There‘s a lot to learn about breast cancer and the various treatment methods.