Breast Cancer Signs & Stages ~ Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women and is responsible for the deaths of more women between 45 and 55 and than any other cause. While often associated with finding a lump in the breast, in most cases there are no physical signs of the cancer that can be seen or felt. This is why breast cancer screening, like mammograms and clinical breast examinations, are so important. Patients are more likely to survive and cope successfully with breast cancer when it is discovered in an early stage. There are five stages (0-4) that measure--in increasing severity--the progression of the cancer.

Many breast cancer patients display no noticeable symptoms; however, it is not uncommon for some outward signs to appear. These include lumps in the breast, thickening breast tissue and small depressions in the breast. Other possible symptoms include swelling in the breast, redness, swollen lymph nodes under the arm, tenderness in the nipples, inverted nipples, and nipple fluid discharge. These signs to do not necessary indicate breast cancer, but it is important to consult a physician if you notice any of them.

While it is beneficial and convenient for women to screen themselves by performing self-breast examinations, it is also important for women--especially ages 45 to 55--to visit a physician's office and have professional screening tests performed. One of the most common breast cancer screening tests is the mammogram, which utilizes x-rays to make detailed images of the breast so specks and lumps can be detected. Another common screening is a clinical breast examination, where a doctor examines breast tissue for consistency as well shape and texture. Discovering breast cancer at an early stage means that treatment will be more effective.

Stage 0 means a patient has either lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), where abnormal cells appear in the lobule, or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where abnormal cells appear in the duct. While LCIS rarely develops into invasive cancer, DCIS can if left untreated.

Stage 1 indicates the presence of invasive breast cancer. It identifies a tumor smaller than 2 cm wide. All cancerous cells are still in the breast at this stage.

Stage 2 indicates the tumor has grown to between 2 and 5 cm, or that the tumor is greater than 5 cm. At this stage, spread to the underarm lymph nodes is often observed.

Stage 3 represents a cancer that is locally advanced. Various levels of expansion are classified as stage 3, including the spreading of the cancer to lymph nodes in and behind the breastbone.

Stage 4 indicates that the breast cancer is fully metastatic, and has spread to various parts of the body. At this stage the cancer is, more often than not, fatal.

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