Breast cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women globally. Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer among Asian countries, as one in every nine women has a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Therefore, early detection is critical to save lives. However, here are a few breast cancer symptoms to help detect risk factors.
1. Changes to the skin’s texture
Breast cancer can cause inflammation and changes in skin cells that can lead to texture changes. Examples of these texture changes include scaly skin around the areola and nipple, extremely dry, sunburned, or thickened skin.
These changes can also cause itching, which people often confuse with breast cancer, although it is not common. Texture changes can also occur due to benign skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis.
2. Nipple discharge
Any kind of discharge from the nipple, which can be thick or thin and range in color from clear to milky to green, yellow, or bloody, is a symptom of breast cancer. The discharge typically comes from one nipple. However, if both breasts are cancerous, it can come from both nipples.
The concerning type of nipple discharge tends to be bloody, and it is spontaneous and usually affects one nipple. Other possible reasons for nipple discharge include birth control, infections, or some medications.
3. Dimpling
Skin dimpling is a sign of an aggressive type of breast cancer. Cancer cells can cause a buildup of lymph fluid in the breast that leads to swelling as well as pitted or dimpled skin. Therefore, consulting a doctor is a must if you notice any skin dimpling or swelling around your breast. Anyone who notices skin dimpling must speak with a doctor. Moreover, this may also be accompanied by the onset of edema or erythema of the breast (swelling or redness).
4. Lymph node changes
Lymph nodes are small collections of immune system tissue that capture potentially harmful cells and filter fluid. These include viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.
Another factor to consider is underarm swelling, because if you notice any swelling in or around your underarm area, this may be due to cancer cells. After all, when they leave the breast, the first place they typically travel to is the underarm lymph node region of the affected breast.
In addition, you may notice swollen lymph nodes around the collarbone. However, lymph tissue may also change due to unrelated illnesses or breast infections. Therefore, it is critical to immediately speak with the doctor about these changes to identify a potential cause.
5. Breast or nipple pain
Breast cancer can cause changes in skin cells that lead to feelings of tenderness, pain, and discomfort in the breast, such as a feeling of tenderness and burning. However, it can also be painless, but if you notice any signs or symptoms that could be due to breast cancer, do not ignore them.
6. Nipple inversion or retraction
Breast cancer can result in cell changes causing the nipple to invert and reverse inward into the breast. However, sometimes the ovulation phase or other phases of the menstrual cycle are responsible for changes in the appearance of the nipples.
7. Swelling
Breast cancer can cause an area of the breast or the entire breast to swell. You may not feel a distinct lump after this swelling, but the breasts vary in size and form. Moreover, the skin may also feel tight due to the swelling.
8. Changes in breast size
Usually, both breasts are not the same size as each other, which is normal. However, a rapid increase in the size of the breast could be an indication of inflammatory breast cancer, which is an aggressive form of breast cancer.
Breast cancer diagnostic services at Chughtai Lab
Chughtai Lab offers world-class diagnostic services for breast cancer, which are as follows;
1. Imaging Services
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Mammography
Mammography is a primary screening tool that utilizes low-dose X-rays to detect early signs of breast cancer, even before the symptoms appear.
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MRI Breast with Contrast
This imaging technique is recommended for high-risk patients or those with dense breast tissue, as it provides detailed images and is particularly useful when mammography results are inconclusive.
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Ultrasound
Ultrasound is used as a complementary tool alongside mammography to help differentiate between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses in the breast.
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CT Scan
This test provides detailed cross-sectional images to assess the extent of cancer spread.
2. Biopsy and Histopathology
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and Trucut Biopsy
These are minimally invasive procedures to extract breast tissue samples for analysis to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
Histopathology Services
We at Chughtai Lab have experienced pathologists in our histopathology department who provide timely and accurate diagnoses. They handle a high volume of biopsies annually, which ensures their expertise in cancer detection.
3. Genetic Testing
This Next-Generation test analyzes multiple genes associated with hereditary breast cancer, aiding in personalized treatment planning and risk assessment.
4. Tumor Marker Testing
This test is primarily used to monitor treatment response and detect recurrence because it measures the level of Cancer Antigen 15-3 in the blood, which can be higher in breast cancer patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, modern cancer care infrastructure is scarce in Pakistan due to the low health budget of the country. This highlights that there is an urgent need to educate women to promote early diagnosis of breast cancer. Early diagnosis, proper awareness, and an accessible and affordable healthcare system can win the war against breast cancer while improving the cancer survival rate in the country.
