Breast Cancer Warning: Not every cancer case shows lump; Be alert to these signs

Breast Cancer disease occurs when breast cells start growing abnormally and damage the tissue and take the form of a tumor.

New Delhi: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and in India too, lakhs of women are affected by it every year. According to the World Health Organization, one in every eight women is at risk of getting breast cancer in her life.

Breast Cancer disease occurs when breast cells start growing abnormally and damage the tissue and take the form of a tumor. People usually believe that a lump in the breast is the first and most important symptom of breast cancer, but this is not necessary. Sometimes cancer can occur even without a lump.

Breast Cancer Without Lump

According to Dr Saloni Chadha, gynecologist at Safdarjung Hospital, breast cancer does not always appear as a lump. A lump is a major symptom, but sometimes this disease can develop even without it. Many women ignore the early symptoms due to the absence of a lump, while there may be other signs of cancer.

Here are some common symptoms including breast cancer without lump

• Shrinkage or pitting of the breast skin
• Abnormal discharge from the nipple
• Sudden change in breast size
• Persistent pain or burning sensation
• Nipple turning inward
• Swelling near the armpit or collar bone

These symptoms can also occur without a lump and ignoring them can be dangerous.

If such symptoms persist for a long time, a doctor should be contacted immediately. Breast cancer can be controlled with timely examination and treatment, which reduces the spread of the disease and makes the treatment successful.

Preventive measures:

• Do regular breast self-examination.
• Get mammography done from time to time after 40 years.
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise daily.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Consume hormonal medicines carefully.
• If there is a history of breast cancer in the family, get regular checkups done.
• Caution and awareness are the biggest strengths to fight breast cancer.

Types of Breast Cancer

• Ductal carcinoma: Cancer starts in the milk ducts, the most common type.
• Lobular carcinoma: Cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules).
• Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare, aggressive type with symptoms like redness and swelling.

Breast Cancer in Men

• While rare, breast cancer can also occur in men.
• Men with BRCA2 mutations have a higher risk.