Breast cancer is a disease that has a very high chance of treatment when diagnosed early. However, it is possible to notice the symptoms of this disease at an early stage by knowing one’s own body well and having regular check-ups. “How is breast cancer diagnosed?” The answer to the question is related to various changes that occur in the breast tissue. In this article, we will examine the symptoms and diagnostic methods of breast cancer in detail.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed in Women?
Breast cancer in women is usually diagnosed by changes in breast tissue or by noticing a mass. Women may experience tenderness or changes in breast tissue from time to time due to the menstrual cycle. However, when a hardness or abnormal change in the breast tissue is noticed, this may be a sign of breast cancer.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed in Men?
Although breast cancer is more common in women, it can also be seen in men. Breast cancer in men is a rare condition, but a mass or swelling noticed in the breast tissue can still be a symptom of the disease. The question of how to recognize breast cancer in men can be answered with masses or changes in breast tissue, similar to those in women.
While men are looking for the answer to the question of how do you know that you have breast cancer, they should consult a doctor when they notice a hardness or mass felt in their breasts. Although the symptoms of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women, this condition can often be noticed late. Therefore, men should also pay attention to changes in their own body.
How to Understand a Breast Cancer Mass?
The breast cancer mass is usually hard, with irregular edges and immobile. However, not all breast cancer masses are like this. Some masses may be round and soft. For this reason, any mass noticed in the breast should be shown to a specialist doctor to understand whether it is breast cancer or not.
The answer to the question of which test will show breast cancer is usually given by imaging methods such as mammography or ultrasound. These imaging methods used in the diagnosis of breast cancer are one of the most effective ways to detect abnormalities in breast tissue. In addition, doctors can definitively diagnose whether the masses are cancerous by performing a biopsy.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed at Home?
The most important way to diagnose the symptoms of breast cancer at home is through breast self-examination. Breast self-examination is a practice that every woman should do regularly once a month. During this examination, it is checked whether there is any hardness or mass in the breast tissue or armpit. The breast cancer mass is usually hard and immobile. If swelling or skin changes such as acne are noticed in the breast, this requires consulting a specialist.
How is breast self-examination performed?
Breast self-examination is a very important method for early detection of breast cancer. It is recommended for every woman to do it regularly on the 5th-7th day of the menstrual cycle. The inspection is carried out in the following steps:
Review in front of the mirror: With the hands free, then the arms up, it is observed in the mirror whether there is any recession, dimpling, redness or swelling of the breasts.
Manual inspection: In the lying position, one hand is placed under the head, while the breast tissue is examined with circular movements with the other hand. By applying light pressure with the fingertips, it is checked whether there is an abnormal hardness or mass in the breast.
Examination of the armpit area: It is checked manually whether there is a mass in the armpit.
Although this regular exam does not reduce the risk of breast cancer, it can help notice possible changes.
At What Age Does Breast Cancer Occur?
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Breast cancer in women is usually more common in women aged 40 and over. However, for those with a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition, this risk may increase at an earlier age. Women should have regular mammograms from the age of 40. Mammography is one of the most effective imaging methods for detecting breast cancer at an early stage. In addition, other examinations such as ultrasound and MRI can be used when the doctor deems it appropriate.
Does Breast Cancer Cause Pain?
Breast cancer usually does not cause pain in the early stages. However, in the later stages, pain or tenderness may be felt in the breast tissue. The breast cancer treatment process gives successful results when started at an early stage. However, if pain or tenderness in the breast is noticed, a specialist should be consulted to determine the cause of this condition.
Result
Breast cancer is a disease that can be treated when diagnosed early. Both women and men can notice the signs of breast cancer early on, paying attention to changes in their bodies. The breast cancer treatment process can be done with various methods such as surgical intervention, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The answer to the question of how to understand breast cancer can be given by paying attention to the changes in the breast tissue. Breast self-examination and regular doctor check-ups play a vital role in the early detection of breast cancer.
