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Proper breast health and early prevention of both benign and malignant disease are of the utmost importance in womens' health. Knowing all of the signs and symptoms of common conditions of the breast and surrounding tissues, gives you the knowledge needed to help live a long and healthy life. Whenever any of these symptoms emerge, make an appointment with your doctor to find the true cause of them.
Changes in Shape
Obvious changes in the shape of the breast sometimes indicates breast disease such as cancer or inflammatory breast cancer. The change of size, or shape of the breast often cause the breasts to appear asymmetrical, with one breast being noticeably larger than the other, or misshapen. The texture of the breast also changes, in addition to the shape and size. Small dimples appear, or bumps, on the surface of the skin of the breast.
Discharge
A bloody or pustular discharge coming from the nipples often indicates breast disease such as breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. The evidence of this discharge usually denotes a malignant condition that requires immediate diagnosis in order to take proper steps in treating it.
Inverted Nipples
In conjunction with other symptoms, when the nipples appear inverted or flattened, breast diseases such as inflammatory breast cancer and breast cancer may be possible. The symptom often coincides with other symptoms such as pain and swelling.
Pain
Pain in the breasts and nipples, although indicative of several conditions and issues, can be a telltale sign of breast disease. When the pain accompanies such symptoms as nipple discharge, breast swelling or lumps, contact your physician.
Peeling of Skin
Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin, in conjunction with other indicative symptoms, is symptomatic of breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Lumps
Noticeable lumps in or surrounding breast tissue, such as underneath your arms, indicate both benign and malignant breast diseases. Lumps that come and go with a woman's menstrual cycle are normal hormonal occurrences, however, when lumps don't go away it may be indicative of malignant breast disease.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
According to the Mayo Clinic, lymph nodes under your arms, in your breasts and sometimes in your neck become swollen and hard when breast disease and other conditions are apparent. Lymph nodes swell to fight off infection, which is a normal function, but when the lymph nodes continue to swell without going down, contacting your doctor is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Tags: breast cancer, breast disease, inflammatory breast, inflammatory breast cancer, Mayo Clinic, with other, according Mayo