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- Changes in breast’s skin colour, making it appear reddish or orangish.
- Enlarged pores make the texture of the skin look like an orange peel.
- Dimpling of the skin making it appear pulled and the hollow may be created in the skin.
- Change in the direction in which the nipples point.
- Change in shape and size of the breast. It might have developed a bulge or a dip. It might have grown bigger or become smaller.
- Rash or sore on the breast skin or nipple.
- Bloody discharge from the nipples or any spontaneous fluid discharge from the nipples.
- Breast pain, tenderness or swelling.
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Diagnosis:6 | 7 |
Most commonly used methods to detect breast cancer are:
- Clinical examination of breasts
- Mammography
- Biopsy
- Ultrasonography
Clinical examination of breasts
Clinical examination is extremely helpful in early diagnosis of breast cancer. A lump felt during the examination can roughly give clues about the size of the tumor, its texture, and other details such as whether it is mobile, etc.
If the initial suspicions are well-warranted, the patient will be stepped to seek more detailed investigations.
Mammography
The mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It can detect cancer at an early stage which can be cured. Mammography can identify breast cancers that are too small to be detected by physical examination.
It can also detect the presence of lumps if it is localized (Ductal Carcinoma in situ.)
Digital mammography is a latest technique which uses computers and specially designed detectors to produce a digital image of the breast which can be displayed on high-resolution monitors. But, these tests cannot say whether the cancer is benign or malignant. Biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Biopsy7
A small amount of cells or fluid is removed from the breast tissue and examined for its pathology.
There are three types of biopsy:
- Aspiration biopsy
- Needle biopsy
- Surgical Biopsy
Aspiration biopsy
A thin needle is used to withdraw fluid or cells from the breast tissue and examined for the presence of the tumor. The presence of tumor is further confirmed by ultrasound.
Needle biopsy
A sample of cells is removed with the help of a needle from the suspected region, which perhaps may not have been detected even in a mammogram.
Surgical Biopsy
- Incisional biopsy
- Excisional Biopsy
In Incisional biopsy, a sample of the lump is excised for studying its pathology whereas in Excisional biopsy the entire lump is removed to study its pathology.
Biopsy can provide with the following data about tumor:
- Benign or malignant
- Invasive or noninvasive
Ultrasonography
An ultrasound of the breast is currently used as a diagnostic tool for breast cancer.
After a lump or other suspicious finding is noticed on a clinical breast examination, further evaluation can be done with an ultrasound. This can tell if the abnormality is a hollow cyst or something solid and if it has malignant characteristics like irregular shape and calcifications.
Ultrasound is also used as an imaging guide during a needle biopsy of a suspicious breast mass.
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