Early detection of breast cancer symptoms can lead to early diagnosis of the disease. Identifying the disease at an early stage improves the chances of effective treatment and reduces the risk of mortality.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of malignant tumor that originates in the tissue of the mammary gland. It develops when breast cells undergo changes in their genetic material, allowing them to evade normal cell cycle control mechanisms. These abnormal cells can proliferate uncontrollably, avoiding apoptosis (programmed cell death) and the immune system. This cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Approximately 20% to 30% of patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will eventually develop metastases. In addition, about 5% to 6% of patients are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer early on.
Main types:
Ductal carcinoma:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): non-invasive cancer found in the breast ducts.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): cancer that has spread outside the breast ducts.
Lobular carcinoma:
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): noninvasive cancer found in the milk-producing lobules.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): cancer that has spread outside the lobules.
Inflammatory breast cancer
A rare but aggressive type of breast cancer.
Paget’s disease of the nipple
Affects the skin of the nipple and is usually associated with an underlying ductal carcinoma.
Molecular classification
In recent years, the development of innovative techniques has made it possible to analyze the genes of each breast cancer and to carry out a more precise classification of the disease in order to adjust the most appropriate treatment for each type of tumor:
- Luminal A
- Luminal B (may be HER2 negative or HER 2 positive)
- HER 2 positive
- Triple negative
Importance of recognizing symptoms
Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, the prognosis of breast cancer continues to depend mainly on the extent of the disease at the time of detection. Hence, early diagnosis remains the best way to improve the chances of cure.
Mammography has been credited as the most effective screening test for women at average risk. Mammography screening programs achieve a decrease in breast cancer mortality.
Early symptoms of breast cancer
Lump or mass in the breast
A palpable lump in the breast is the most common sign of breast cancer, usually painless.
Alterations in the skin of the breast
Skin alterations such as redness, or changes in texture, should also be evaluated by your physician.
Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge can be a symptom of several conditions, both benign and otherwise. Persistent and increased nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody, may indicate the presence of a tumor.
Noticeable skin changes
The skin may show changes such as thickening, redness, ulceration.
Nipple retraction or inversion
The nipple may retract or dip inward due to the presence of a lump.
Nipple changes including scaling or crusting may be a sign of breast cancer.
Swelling or pain in the arm or armpit
Swelling or pain in the arm or armpit may be due to lymph node involvement, which can block lymphatic drainage. In turn, this blockage can cause edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
Risk factors associated with symptoms
According to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the main risk factors associated with breast cancer are:
- Age is the main risk factor for breast cancer. The risk increases with increasing age.
- Personal history of invasive breast cancer (women who have had invasive breast cancer are more at risk for contralateral breast cancer), ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ.
- History of atypical hyperplasia.
- Elevated breast density on mammography.
- Reproductive factors that increase exposure to endogenous estrogens, such as early onset of the first menstrual period, late menopause or nulliparity (never having been pregnant).
- The use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Exposure to ionizing radiation, especially during puberty, and hereditary mutations related to breast cancer, increase the risk.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Obesity.
- Genetic predisposition (family history or mutations in certain genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2).
What to do if you experience these symptoms
The detection of some of the above symptoms should be consulted with your gynecologist or primary care physician to assess and initiate further study if deemed appropriate. In this case, the specialist may recommend mammography, an ultrasound or a biopsy to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Prevention and regular check-ups
Mammography has been accredited as the most effective screening test for women with an average risk of developing breast cancer. Currently, all the Spanish Autonomous Communities have population-based breast cancer screening programs for women aged at least 50 to 69 years.
A breast cancer screening program is a public health strategy designed to detect breast cancer in its early stages, before symptoms appear. The main objective is to diagnose the cancer as early as possible to improve the chances of treatment and reduce mortality. Mammography screening programs achieve a decrease in breast cancer mortality.
In summary, early detection and recognition of breast cancer symptoms are critical to improving prognosis and chances of cure. Education about symptoms and participation in screening programs can make a big difference in the fight against this disease.
The IVOQA Breast Unit is firmly committed to excellence in the treatment of breast disease, combining the advanced techniques of oncoplastic surgery and cryoablation.
