What causes swelling on the chest above the breast. How to identify symptoms of chest lumps. When should you seek medical attention for a chest lump. What are the treatment options for swelling above the breast.

Common Causes of Chest Lumps and Swelling

Discovering a lump or swelling on your chest can be alarming, but it’s important to understand that many potential causes are benign. While breast cancer may come to mind, various non-cancerous conditions can lead to chest swelling. Let’s explore some common causes:

Cysts: Fluid-Filled Sacs

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in various parts of the body, including the chest area. In the breast, cysts are particularly common in women aged 35-50, especially as menopause approaches. These cysts can sometimes be caused by blocked milk ducts, known as galactoceles.

Are breast cysts painful? Generally, breast cysts are painless unless they grow significantly large. They may feel soft and smooth when close to the skin’s surface, but deeper cysts can feel firm to the touch. Interestingly, breast cysts may fluctuate in size and tenderness with the menstrual cycle, often becoming more pronounced just before menstruation.

Fibroadenomas: Common Benign Breast Lumps

Fibroadenomas are the most frequent type of benign breast lump in women. These lumps typically emerge in women in their 20s or 30s but can occur at any age. How can you identify a fibroadenoma? These lumps are characterized by their firm, smooth texture and mobility when touched. Unlike some other breast lumps, fibroadenomas are usually painless.

Lipomas: Fatty Tissue Growths

Lipomas are slow-growing, painless lumps composed of fatty tissue that develop just beneath the skin. They have a distinctive rubbery feel and can be moved when pushed. While lipomas can appear anywhere on the body, including the chest, they’re most commonly diagnosed in individuals between 40 and 60 years old.

Are lipomas dangerous? Generally, lipomas are harmless and benign. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a rare form of cancer called liposarcoma that grows in fatty tissues and can mimic the appearance of a deep lipoma. This underscores the importance of professional medical evaluation for any unusual lumps.

Inflammatory Conditions Causing Chest Swelling

Inflammation in the chest area can lead to swelling and lump formation. Let’s examine some inflammatory conditions that might cause chest lumps:

Abscesses: Inflamed Pockets of Pus

An abscess is a collection of pus that becomes inflamed, potentially causing a lump in the breast or chest area. What are the symptoms of a breast abscess? Besides the noticeable lump, individuals might experience soreness, fatigue, and fever. Abscesses often require medical intervention for proper drainage and treatment.

Fat Necrosis: Damage to Fatty Breast Tissue

Fat necrosis occurs when fatty breast tissue is damaged, either from an injury to the breast or as a result of procedures like lumpectomy or radiation treatment. This condition creates a non-cancerous lump that is typically painless, round, and firm to the touch.

Nodular Fasciitis: Benign Tissue Overgrowth

Nodular fasciitis is a type of benign tumor that can occur anywhere in the body, including the chest wall. While it rarely affects the breasts directly, it can cause a fast-growing lump that feels firm and may have irregular edges. Some individuals might experience tenderness in the affected area.

Trauma-Related Swelling in the Chest

Physical trauma to the chest can result in various types of swelling and lump formation. Here are some trauma-related causes of chest lumps:

Hematomas: Blood-Filled Masses

A hematoma is a blood-filled mass that can result from a surgical procedure or injury to the breast. While it may initially appear as a lump or swelling, hematomas typically heal on their own over time. However, large or persistent hematomas may require medical attention.

Chest Wall Injuries

Direct trauma to the chest can lead to the formation of superficial lumps shortly after the injury. These lumps may be accompanied by pain and swelling. Can you alleviate symptoms of a chest wall injury at home? Applying ice to the affected area can often help reduce pain and swelling associated with minor chest injuries.

Broken Sternum

A broken sternum, while less common, can cause significant swelling in the center of the chest. This injury is usually the result of severe blunt force trauma, such as a car accident, sports injury, or fall from a great height. In addition to swelling, individuals may experience bruising and the formation of a hematoma.

Rare Conditions Affecting the Chest Area

While less common, several rare conditions can lead to chest swelling or lump formation. It’s important to be aware of these possibilities:

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis isn’t limited to the lungs; it can affect bones, including those in the chest wall, ribs, spinal column, and sternum. This condition, known as bone tuberculosis, can cause lumps in these areas. What other symptoms might accompany bone tuberculosis? Besides lumps, individuals may experience tenderness, pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that can affect organs and lymph nodes throughout the body. In rare cases, it may involve bones in the chest area, including the ribs, spine, and sternum. Symptoms may include chest pain, swelling, and unexplained weight loss.

Xiphoid Syndrome

Xiphoid syndrome is an uncommon condition characterized by inflammation of the lower tip of the sternum, known as the xiphoid process. This can result in a noticeable lump, along with pain in the sternum, chest, and back. What causes xiphoid syndrome? It can be triggered by blunt trauma or repetitive injury to the area.

Breast-Specific Conditions Causing Swelling

Several conditions specifically affect breast tissue, leading to swelling or lump formation. Let’s examine some of these breast-specific causes:

Sclerosing Adenosis

Sclerosing adenosis occurs when there’s an overgrowth of tissues in the breast lobules. This condition can result in lumps that may appear as calcifications on a mammogram. While not cancerous, sclerosing adenosis can sometimes mimic the appearance of breast cancer, making professional evaluation crucial.

Breast Cancer

While many chest lumps are benign, it’s essential to consider breast cancer as a possibility. Cancerous lumps in the breast can vary in texture and may or may not be painful. What are the signs of breast cancer beyond a lump? Other indicators can include dimpling of the skin, changes in breast skin texture or color, nipple inversion or discharge, breast pain, and swollen lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone.

Diagnostic Approaches for Chest Swelling

When faced with unexplained chest swelling or a lump, proper diagnosis is crucial. Healthcare providers employ various methods to determine the cause:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination is often the first step in diagnosing chest swelling. During this exam, the healthcare provider will carefully palpate the affected area, noting the size, texture, and mobility of any lumps. They will also check for other symptoms like skin changes or nipple discharge.

Imaging Studies

Various imaging techniques can provide detailed views of chest structures:

• Mammography: Often used for breast lumps, especially in women over 30
• Ultrasound: Helpful in distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts
• MRI: Provides detailed images and can be particularly useful for dense breast tissue
• CT scan: May be used to evaluate chest wall structures and deeper tissues

Biopsy Procedures

In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to definitively diagnose the cause of chest swelling. This involves taking a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis. Common biopsy methods include:

• Fine-needle aspiration: Uses a thin needle to extract cells from the lump
• Core needle biopsy: Removes a small cylinder of tissue for analysis
• Surgical biopsy: Involves removing part or all of the lump for examination

Treatment Options for Chest Swelling and Lumps

The treatment approach for chest swelling or lumps depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatment strategies:

Conservative Management

For many benign conditions, conservative management may be sufficient:

• Monitoring: Regular check-ups to track any changes in the lump
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort
• Warm compresses: Can help with certain types of cysts or inflammatory conditions

Medications

Depending on the cause, various medications might be prescribed:

• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections or abscesses
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: To reduce swelling and pain
• Hormonal therapies: May be used for certain breast conditions

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary:

• Lumpectomy: Removal of the lump and some surrounding tissue
• Mastectomy: Removal of breast tissue, usually for cancer treatment
• Drainage procedures: For abscesses or large cysts

Cancer Treatments

If the swelling is due to cancer, treatment may involve:

• Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to destroy cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s natural defenses against cancer
• Targeted therapies: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells

The choice of treatment will depend on various factors, including the specific diagnosis, the size and location of the swelling, and the individual’s overall health status. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many causes of chest swelling are benign, it’s important to know when to consult a healthcare provider. Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:

• A new or changing lump in the chest or breast area
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the chest
• Changes in the appearance of breast skin or nipples
• Nipple discharge, especially if bloody
• Swelling that doesn’t resolve on its own within a few days
• Any symptoms that concern you or impact your quality of life

Early evaluation can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving outcomes for both benign and malignant conditions. Remember, while it’s natural to feel anxious about chest swelling or lumps, many causes are non-cancerous and treatable. A healthcare provider can offer reassurance and appropriate care based on your specific situation.

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

When you find a lump somewhere on your chest, your thoughts might immediately turn to cancer, particularly breast cancer. But there are actually many things other than cancer that can cause a chest lump.

For example, it could be a cyst or an abscess. And even if it does turn out to be a tumor, there’s a good chance it’s benign.

The chest includes the breasts and skin. It also includes the chest cavity (thoracic cavity), which contains the spinal column, ribs, and breastbone (sternum). Behind the ribs and sternum are the heart, lungs, and esophagus.

The chest cavity also contains muscle, connective tissue, and membranes, as well as lymph nodes, arteries, and veins.

We look at some of the causes of chest lumps and what to expect when you see a doctor.

Even benign chest lumps can cause problems if they grow too large, so it’s important to get a diagnosis. The following are some types of lumps that might develop in the chest:

Cyst

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or other material. Breast cysts usually happen in women between 35 and 50 years old and are common with the approach of menopause.

You can also get a breast cyst from a blocked milk duct (galactocele).

Breast cysts may get bigger and more tender just before your period. When they develop just under the skin, they feel soft and smooth. When they develop deeper down, they can feel hard.

Breast cysts are usually painless, unless they grow particularly large. They’re rarely cancerous.

Fibroadenoma

Among women, fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast lumps. The painless lump can happen at any age, but particularly in your 20s or 30s.

The lump is firm and smooth, and it moves freely when you touch it.

Lipoma

A lipoma is a clump of fatty tissue just underneath the skin. Lipomas are slow growing and painless, unless they press on a nerve or grow around blood vessels. They feel rubbery and move when you push on them.

Anyone can develop a lipoma, but they’re usually diagnosed in people between 40 and 60 years old.

Lipomas are usually harmless and almost always benign. However, there’s a very rare type of cancer called liposarcoma that grows in fatty tissues and can appear to be a deep lipoma.

Fat necrosis

Fat necrosis happens when fatty breast tissue is damaged from an injury to the breast or following lumpectomy or radiation treatment. This noncancerous lump is painless, round, and firm.

Abscess

Sometimes, a breast lump turns out to be an abscess. That’s a build-up of pus that becomes inflamed.

Symptoms can include:

• soreness
• fatigue
• fever

Hematoma

A hematoma is a blood-filled mass caused by a surgical procedure or injury to the breast. It should heal on its own.

Sclerosing adenosis

This happens when there’s an overgrowth of tissues in breast lobules. It can cause lumps that look like calcifications on a mammogram.

Nodular fasciitis

Nodular fasciitis is a type of benign tumor that can occur anywhere in the body, including the chest wall, but rarely in the breasts.

The lump is fast growing, feels firm, and might have irregular margins. It may cause a certain amount of tenderness.

Injury to the chest

Sometimes, a superficial lump can form shortly after an injury to the chest. It may be painful, but pain and swelling are likely to improve when you apply ice.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis

Bone tuberculosis can cause lumps in the chest wall, ribs, spinal column, and sternum. Other symptoms include:

• tenderness
• pain
• weight loss

Breast cancer

A lump in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer. Cancerous lumps are usually hard and have irregular edges, but lumps due to breast cancer can also be soft or round. They may or may not be painful.

Other signs of breast cancer include:

• dimpling of the skin
• red, flaky, or thickening skin
• swelling of the breast, even if there’s no noticeable lump
• nipple turning inward
• nipple discharge
• nipple or breast pain
• swollen lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone

In addition to those listed above, there are some other reasons you can develop a lump in the middle of your chest.

Broken sternum

A broken sternum is usually the result of blunt force trauma, like a car accident, sports injury, or fall from a great height. You might also have swelling, bruising, or hematoma.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that can also affect organs and lymph nodes. It’s not common, but it can sometimes affect bones, including the ribs, spine, and sternum.

Symptoms may include:

• chest pain
• swelling
• weight loss

Xiphoid syndrome

Xiphoid syndrome is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the lower tip of the sternum, which is called the xiphoid process.

In addition to the lump, it can cause pain in the sternum, chest, and back. It can be caused by blunt trauma or repetitive injury.

Epigastric hernia

An epigastric hernia occurs just below the sternum and above the navel, usually in children. It can be present at birth or can develop later due to weak or strained abdominal muscles.

Other symptoms include swelling, discomfort, or pain that worsens during a sneeze or cough.

Benign lumps are usually soft and movable, while cancerous lumps tend to be hard and immovable.

If you have a new lump on your chest, it’s a good idea to see a doctor, especially if accompanied by:

• swelling
• chest pain
• muscle atrophy
• chest expansion
• impaired movement

You should also see a doctor if you have a personal or family history of cancer or have experienced trauma to the chest.

A doctor will ask you questions about how long you’ve had the lump, how fast it’s growing, and any other symptoms.

In some cases, a physical examination will be enough to diagnosis the lump. This may be the case with cysts, fibroadenoma, and lipoma. Many times, other testing is necessary to make a diagnosis.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests can help provide a detailed view of the chest to determine the lump’s exact location and size. It can also help determine if the lump is growing too close to blood vessels, bones, or internal organs.

These are some of the imaging tests you may need:

• chest X-ray
• CT scan
• chest MRI
• mammography
• breast ultrasound

Biopsy

The only way to rule out or confirm cancer is with a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample for examination under a microscope.

Depending on the location of the lump, this can be accomplished by needle aspiration or surgical biopsy.

Treatment for chest lumps depends on the cause.

Watch and wait

Sometimes, a doctor may want to watch and monitor the lump to see if it goes away on its own before choosing a treatment. That may be the case with lipomas and some cysts.

Medication

Lumps due to chest injury can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

Abscesses, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and other infectious causes may be treated with antibiotics or other medications.

Surgery

Noncancerous tumors may need to be surgically removed if they interfere with blood vessels, muscles, bones, or major organs.

Fibroadenomas, fat necrosis, and sclerosing adenosis are usually surgically removed. Because nodular fasciitis is difficult to differentiate from cancer, these lumps should also be removed.

Surgery may be an option for injuries to the bone.

Primary malignant tumors are typically surgically removed. In some cases, a chest tumor can be secondary, meaning it spread to the chest from another part of the body. When that’s the case, surgical options depend on the extent of the disease.

Cancer treatments

In addition to surgery, other treatments for cancer may include:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapies
• palliative care
• clinical trials

Chest lumps can be caused by a variety of factors. Most aren’t cancerous and many are easily treatable.

If you have a lump of unknown origin, ask a doctor if you should have it checked out. Whatever the cause, early diagnosis and treatment generally results in more options and a better outcome.

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

When you find a lump somewhere on your chest, your thoughts might immediately turn to cancer, particularly breast cancer. But there are actually many things other than cancer that can cause a chest lump.

For example, it could be a cyst or an abscess. And even if it does turn out to be a tumor, there’s a good chance it’s benign.

The chest includes the breasts and skin. It also includes the chest cavity (thoracic cavity), which contains the spinal column, ribs, and breastbone (sternum). Behind the ribs and sternum are the heart, lungs, and esophagus.

The chest cavity also contains muscle, connective tissue, and membranes, as well as lymph nodes, arteries, and veins.

We look at some of the causes of chest lumps and what to expect when you see a doctor.

Even benign chest lumps can cause problems if they grow too large, so it’s important to get a diagnosis. The following are some types of lumps that might develop in the chest:

Cyst

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or other material. Breast cysts usually happen in women between 35 and 50 years old and are common with the approach of menopause.

You can also get a breast cyst from a blocked milk duct (galactocele).

Breast cysts may get bigger and more tender just before your period. When they develop just under the skin, they feel soft and smooth. When they develop deeper down, they can feel hard.

Breast cysts are usually painless, unless they grow particularly large. They’re rarely cancerous.

Fibroadenoma

Among women, fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast lumps. The painless lump can happen at any age, but particularly in your 20s or 30s.

The lump is firm and smooth, and it moves freely when you touch it.

Lipoma

A lipoma is a clump of fatty tissue just underneath the skin. Lipomas are slow growing and painless, unless they press on a nerve or grow around blood vessels. They feel rubbery and move when you push on them.

Anyone can develop a lipoma, but they’re usually diagnosed in people between 40 and 60 years old.

Lipomas are usually harmless and almost always benign. However, there’s a very rare type of cancer called liposarcoma that grows in fatty tissues and can appear to be a deep lipoma.

Fat necrosis

Fat necrosis happens when fatty breast tissue is damaged from an injury to the breast or following lumpectomy or radiation treatment. This noncancerous lump is painless, round, and firm.

Abscess

Sometimes, a breast lump turns out to be an abscess. That’s a build-up of pus that becomes inflamed.

Symptoms can include:

• soreness
• fatigue
• fever

Hematoma

A hematoma is a blood-filled mass caused by a surgical procedure or injury to the breast. It should heal on its own.

Sclerosing adenosis

This happens when there’s an overgrowth of tissues in breast lobules. It can cause lumps that look like calcifications on a mammogram.

Nodular fasciitis

Nodular fasciitis is a type of benign tumor that can occur anywhere in the body, including the chest wall, but rarely in the breasts.

The lump is fast growing, feels firm, and might have irregular margins. It may cause a certain amount of tenderness.

Injury to the chest

Sometimes, a superficial lump can form shortly after an injury to the chest. It may be painful, but pain and swelling are likely to improve when you apply ice.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis

Bone tuberculosis can cause lumps in the chest wall, ribs, spinal column, and sternum. Other symptoms include:

• tenderness
• pain
• weight loss

Breast cancer

A lump in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer. Cancerous lumps are usually hard and have irregular edges, but lumps due to breast cancer can also be soft or round. They may or may not be painful.

Other signs of breast cancer include:

• dimpling of the skin
• red, flaky, or thickening skin
• swelling of the breast, even if there’s no noticeable lump
• nipple turning inward
• nipple discharge
• nipple or breast pain
• swollen lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone

In addition to those listed above, there are some other reasons you can develop a lump in the middle of your chest.

Broken sternum

A broken sternum is usually the result of blunt force trauma, like a car accident, sports injury, or fall from a great height. You might also have swelling, bruising, or hematoma.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that can also affect organs and lymph nodes. It’s not common, but it can sometimes affect bones, including the ribs, spine, and sternum.

Symptoms may include:

• chest pain
• swelling
• weight loss

Xiphoid syndrome

Xiphoid syndrome is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the lower tip of the sternum, which is called the xiphoid process.

In addition to the lump, it can cause pain in the sternum, chest, and back. It can be caused by blunt trauma or repetitive injury.

Epigastric hernia

An epigastric hernia occurs just below the sternum and above the navel, usually in children. It can be present at birth or can develop later due to weak or strained abdominal muscles.

Other symptoms include swelling, discomfort, or pain that worsens during a sneeze or cough.

Benign lumps are usually soft and movable, while cancerous lumps tend to be hard and immovable.

If you have a new lump on your chest, it’s a good idea to see a doctor, especially if accompanied by:

• swelling
• chest pain
• muscle atrophy
• chest expansion
• impaired movement

You should also see a doctor if you have a personal or family history of cancer or have experienced trauma to the chest.

A doctor will ask you questions about how long you’ve had the lump, how fast it’s growing, and any other symptoms.

In some cases, a physical examination will be enough to diagnosis the lump. This may be the case with cysts, fibroadenoma, and lipoma. Many times, other testing is necessary to make a diagnosis.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests can help provide a detailed view of the chest to determine the lump’s exact location and size. It can also help determine if the lump is growing too close to blood vessels, bones, or internal organs.

These are some of the imaging tests you may need:

• chest X-ray
• CT scan
• chest MRI
• mammography
• breast ultrasound

Biopsy

The only way to rule out or confirm cancer is with a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample for examination under a microscope.

Depending on the location of the lump, this can be accomplished by needle aspiration or surgical biopsy.

Treatment for chest lumps depends on the cause.

Watch and wait

Sometimes, a doctor may want to watch and monitor the lump to see if it goes away on its own before choosing a treatment. That may be the case with lipomas and some cysts.

Medication

Lumps due to chest injury can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

Abscesses, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and other infectious causes may be treated with antibiotics or other medications.

Surgery

Noncancerous tumors may need to be surgically removed if they interfere with blood vessels, muscles, bones, or major organs.

Fibroadenomas, fat necrosis, and sclerosing adenosis are usually surgically removed. Because nodular fasciitis is difficult to differentiate from cancer, these lumps should also be removed.

Surgery may be an option for injuries to the bone.

Primary malignant tumors are typically surgically removed. In some cases, a chest tumor can be secondary, meaning it spread to the chest from another part of the body. When that’s the case, surgical options depend on the extent of the disease.

Cancer treatments

In addition to surgery, other treatments for cancer may include:

• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapies
• palliative care
• clinical trials

Chest lumps can be caused by a variety of factors. Most aren’t cancerous and many are easily treatable.

If you have a lump of unknown origin, ask a doctor if you should have it checked out. Whatever the cause, early diagnosis and treatment generally results in more options and a better outcome.

Thickening in the chest – Alexandrovskaya Family Clinic

The pride of any woman is a beautiful breast. To lose her is a tragedy. That is why, having discovered a seal in their chest, they immediately begin to panic and prepare for a sad outcome. Calm down, beautiful ladies, not all seals are malignant. Some of them are quite easy to treat, and some go away on their own – after stopping the use of hormonal drugs or after menstruation. Many factors influence the health of female mammary glands: the environment, bad habits, unhealthy diet, and much more.

Book an appointment: Mammologist examination, Breast ultrasound , Breast ultrasound

For what reasons do neoplasms appear, which of them can be classified as malignant, and which are not? What to do if you find some kind of seal in your chest? In any case, you cannot self-diagnose and self-medicate, so carefully read these simple recommendations.

Alexander Nikolaevich Kosolapov – Oncologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, General Director of Alexandrovskaya Family Clinic, Mammology Expert Med74.ru.

So, many seals are found in the mammary glands, most of them are benign. While standing in the shower, did you suddenly find a lump in your chest that you hadn’t noticed before? An adequate reaction is both panic and thoughts about the worst. Most of the seals newly discovered by the woman herself are absolutely harmless, and as a rule, do not even need treatment. However, any formation of the mammary glands must be shown to the doctor! Take your time to check your breasts and not regret your inaction for the rest of your life! After taking, remember the normal state of your body in order to notice any unexpected change in time.

How to understand that the formation is most likely malignant? These five basic rules should be known to every woman.

• Painful induration is rarely malignant.
• Soft seals are less dangerous than hard seals.
• Lumps that move freely are less suspicious than those that are not.
• Seals with a smooth surface are less likely to be malignant than those with an uneven surface.
• Lumps that grow very quickly (within a few days) are unlikely to be dangerous.

Remember: are just general principles that work in most but not all cases and if you have the slightest suspicion, consult a doctor immediately!


Detection of breast cancer in Family Clinic Alexandrovskaya

Love yourself! Take care of yourself! Be happy and healthy!

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Author: Kosolapov Alexander Nikolaevich
Chief Physician. Candidate of Medical Sciences. Assistant professor.

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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Pathology ranks first among female malignant tumors. The tumor often occurs in reproductive age. Therefore, every woman should know the main symptoms of breast cancer in order to detect it in time, consult a doctor and receive timely treatment. Indeed, in this case, oncologists manage not only to completely cure the disease, but also to avoid complete removal of the mammary gland.

Contents

1. The first symptoms of breast cancer
2. Subjective signs of breast cancer in women
3. Does the breast hurt with cancer
4. What symptoms are objectively detected in breast cancer?
5. Self-examination
6. Late symptoms
7. Clinics and costs of treatment
8. Breast cancer treatment in Germany

First symptoms of breast cancer

Often the disease is not detected in the early stages since breast cancer usually starts without symptoms. In addition, a woman may not attach much importance to them and not see a doctor for a long time, although the tumor continues to grow.

With breast cancer, the first signs in most cases can only be detected by palpation (when probing the breast). Visible changes in the skin or shape of the breast usually do not occur if the tumor is inside the duct and is less than 5 cm in diameter. It can be:

• Enlargement of one gland in size
• Its displacement upwards or to the side
• Increased mobility of one breast or its fixation, limiting mobility
• Indrawing of the nipple, change in its shape, rash or ulceration – possible early signs of breast cancer
• Discharge from the nipple (this can be blood, pus, colostrum)
• Change in the condition of the skin over the breast – its bulge, tension or swelling
• Local expansion of blood vessels over one of the areas of the breast
• The presence of weeping surfaces
• Redness of the skin

Sometimes the first signs of breast cancer are symptoms of intoxication and an increase in axillary lymph nodes. Especially in cases where the mammary glands are large. Then changes in them visually begin to be determined much later.

In breast cancer, early symptoms should be a reason to see a doctor and get diagnosed. It is likely that the detected signs do not indicate a malignant tumor, but speak of mastopathy, inflammation of the mammary gland, or a benign neoplasm. But still, it is better to make sure of this, so that in the case of cancer, it will not be allowed to go to the stage when the treatment becomes ineffective.

Subjective signs of breast cancer in women

Signs that are based on a woman’s feelings are considered subjective in breast cancer. In fact, these are complaints with which the patient turns to a mammologist or oncologist.

The main subjective signs of breast cancer:

• Pulling sensations in the mammary gland
• Itching in breast cancer is observed with swelling of the skin, the appearance of rashes on the nipple
• Possible signs of intoxication syndrome in breast cancer: fever, nausea
• Rarely cases noted pain
• Women may also complain of swelling of the breast, discharge from the nipples

In most cases, breast cancer appears only in the later stages. Therefore, an objective examination is required for timely diagnosis.

Do breasts hurt with cancer

Patients often ask their doctor if breast cancer hurts. Some of them believe that the presence of pain in the mammary gland is a sign of a malignant tumor. But it’s not.

If you have chest pain, it is more likely that dishormonal processes are causing this symptom than cancer. Because the chest hurts with cancer, usually already in the later stages, when the fact of the presence of a tumor is also determined by other clinical signs.

But there are forms of the disease when the breast hurts with breast cancer. This is primarily an edematous-infiltrative form. It is accompanied by an inflammatory process. This is associated with breast cancer pain. In other cases, the pain syndrome appears only in the later stages, when the neoplasm reaches a large size. In this case, the disintegration of the tumor begins, hemorrhages into it are possible. The neoplasm compresses the nerves and surrounding tissues, causing pain.

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What symptoms are objectively detected in breast cancer?

Objective signs and symptoms are most important in breast cancer. That is, those that the doctor detects during the examination and probing of the mammary glands.

In most cases, breast cancer has little to no symptoms in its early stages. The main of them is the presence of a palpable tumor in the mammary gland. Nevertheless, in some cases, some symptoms of breast cancer in women can not only help determine the very fact of the presence of a malignant neoplasm, but also suggest its histological form and location.

When examining a woman, the doctor pays the most attention to: displacement (one of the symptoms of breast cancer is fixation of the skin over the tumor )

On examination, the doctor often reveals reddening of the skin of the breast. It can be local or total. The palpable tumor is fixed to the chest wall and is not always displaced. The skin above it is not only hyperemic, but often swollen.

Lemon peel symptom of breast cancer develops. Swelling and redness may spread to the skin of the hand. Sometimes ulcers appear on the mammary gland. On palpation, seals in the form of nodules or diffuse (uniform) hardening of the breast tissue are determined.

Paget’s cancer, which affects the nipple, shows a rash or weeping patches on the areola. There are such clinical forms of this disease:

• Psoriasis-like – the appearance of plaques and scales
• Exematous – weeping eczema on the areola or rashes
• ulcerative – is characterized by the appearance of ulceration
• Tumor – in the nipple, the tumor -shaped formation

5 Breast cancer appear in acute forms of the malignant process. They are considered the most unfavorable in terms of prognosis.

In this case, with breast cancer, a bump in the mammary gland is not even always detected, since other symptoms are more pronounced:

• Increased body temperature and general signs of intoxication
• Erysipelas of the breast – redness and infiltration of the skin of the breast, engorgement
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bloody discharge from the nipple

Self-examination 9018 7

The easiest way to detect breast cancer is at an early stage. stages, if you regularly engage in self-diagnosis. Breast examinations are recommended for women from the age of 20, since breast cancer can be detected at almost any age. It is carried out once a month.

Self-examination is especially important in developing countries where cancer screening is poorly organized. So, in the CIS countries, on average, in 80% of cases, women manage to determine breast cancer on their own, which becomes the reason for visiting a doctor. And only in 20% of cases, the tumor is first detected by doctors.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the patient notices changes only when the symptoms become severe: deformity of the breast, skin ulceration, discharge from the nipple, etc. appear. If you do regular self-examinations, you can understand that you have breast cancer much earlier. And early detection improves the results of treatment, in most cases allowing the disease to be completely cured.

The following are international recommendations on how to determine breast cancer on your own:

1. It is necessary to conduct an examination one week after menstruation, which is associated with a decrease in the sensitivity of the mammary glands.

2. Be sure to pay attention to the laundry. If it is dirty at the site of the projection of the nipples, this may indicate a discharge. Carefully inspect the areola (pigmented circle around the nipple). See if there are peelings, rashes, ulcers on it.

3. One way to understand breast cancer is to compare two breasts. Normally, they should be symmetrical. Stand in front of a mirror and put your hands behind your head. Take a close look at your chest.

Pay attention to the following changes:

• One breast has become larger than the other (if before they were the same or the other mammary gland had a larger size)0041
• Areas with discoloration of the skin appeared on one breast

The asymmetry of the mammary glands and their different relative positions are not signs of a malignant tumor. After all, it is likely that they have always been different or became so a few years ago. Timely detection of breast cancer helps to monitor the mammary glands in dynamics. If the asymmetry is growing and has appeared recently, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

4. The next step is to palpate the breast. This is the best way to find breast cancer with a small tumor size. Palpation is carried out in a horizontal position. Lie down on your back. The chest in the region of the palpable breast should be slightly elevated. Therefore, a pillow should be placed under the back on the probing side. Feel the chest with three or four fingers of the opposite hand. Remember the “route” of palpation. If it is the same every time, it will help to detect changes in the mammary gland in time. At the end of the self-examination, squeeze the nipple to check for discharge and palpate the axilla for swollen lymph nodes.

5. Another additional method for recognizing breast cancer is palpation in the shower. Water changes the properties of the skin, and the tumor is sometimes easier to detect. In addition, fingers glide better, which makes examination easier.

If you notice signs of a tumor, see your doctor. There is no need to be afraid, because not every bump in the chest is cancer. Most of the pathological formations that women reveal in themselves are not oncological. After all, there are dozens of other diseases that are found with a much higher frequency than malignant tumors.

Choose a specialized clinic and treatment

Late symptoms

fabrics. Distant metastases may be found. They most often affect the bones, spine, spinal cord, lungs, liver.

What breast cancer looks like depends on its clinical form. Often the disease is detected only at stage 3 or later. At this time, the tumor can be seen with the naked eye. It is already growing into the chest wall, which is accompanied by pain. Skin ulcers often appear in breast cancer. Symptoms of intoxication may occur.

With a large tumor, progressive weight loss is often noted, since the tumor consumes a large amount of nutrients in order to grow, which it “takes” from the blood.

In the advanced stages of breast cancer, open wounds on the skin of the breast may bleed and fester. They don’t heal. The neoplasm may be partially located outside the mammary gland, and not inside it. Pus and necrotic masses are discharged from the nipple. Bleeding occurs from time to time.

In stage 4 breast cancer, symptoms are also associated with the presence of metastatic foci. Clinical signs depend on the location of the metastases. If they are present in the bones, painful sensations and pathological fractures are possible.

In the case of metastatic lesions of the structures of the respiratory system in breast cancer, fluid in the lungs causes shortness of breath and is often the direct cause of death. Possible damage to the spinal cord with the development of sensory and motor disorders, dysfunction of the pelvic organs.

Clinics and costs of treatment

The average cost of the main types of treatment is: fascia of the pectoralis major or minor muscle €13 840

The total cost of the medical program depends on the treatment plan. It is determined after receiving the results of the initial examination.

In the treatment of breast cancer, such clinics lead:

1. Clinic Helios Berlin-Buh, department of gynecology, mammology and obstetrics
2. Tubingen University clinic, department of adult and children’s gynecology, mammology, midwife

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3. University Hospital Ulm, Department of Obstetrics, Adult and Pediatric Gynecology
4. University Hospital Charité Berlin, Department of Adult and Pediatric Gynecology, Mammology
5. University Hospital. Goethe Frankfurt am Main, Department of Adult and Pediatric Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mammology

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If symptoms of a cancerous growth appear, a doctor should be consulted to undergo treatment. But it is not equally effective in different countries.

Germany is one of the world leaders in the treatment of breast cancer and other malignant tumors. You can use the services of German oncologists, and Booking Health will help you with this.

Thanks to cooperation with us, you get a number of advantages:

• Treatment will start faster
• You will save up to 70%
• You will be treated by the best doctors in Germany, and not by young specialists from provincial clinics
• The cost of treatment will not increase, because everyone extra expenses, if any, will be covered by insurance
• After completing the course of therapy, you will get the opportunity to receive a doctor’s consultation for 3 months free of charge

Leave a request on the site. Our specialist will contact you and offer several options among the best clinics specializing in the treatment of breast cancer. Having agreed on all the issues, we ourselves will organize treatment for you – you will not have to think about anything but your health. We will contact the administration of the clinic, help prepare the documents and open a visa, translate the documentation into German.