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Breast cancer symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms are unique to every person. If any symptoms occur, you should seek examinations immediately.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in either chest or armpit. When you check your breasts regularly, you will get to know your breasts and learn how to recognize new lumps and any other changes occurring in your body. Most breast nodules (e.g. cysts) are benign, but all changes should of course be checked.

If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or if on the basis of your symptoms you suspect it, you can access Helena Puonti’s consultation quickly and without a referral.

Discovering breast cancer symptoms

The most common breast cancer symptoms – you should get any of these checked immediately!

The most common breast cancer symptoms include:

  • A lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
  • Retraction of the skin of the breast
  • Any change in the size, shape or elasticity of a breast
  • Bleeding or a liquid discharge from the nipples
  • A rash on the areola
  • Retraction of the nipple
  • Skin changes in the breast
  • Pain or swelling in a breast
  • Infection in a breast without an accompanying pregnancy

If you notice any of these symptoms, we would advise you to book an appointment with your doctor immediately for more detailed examinations to be carried out.  All unclear breast symptoms or changes should be subjected to mammogram and breast ultrasound examinations (and a needle biopsy if necessary) to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Lump in a breast

A lump in a breast or an armpit

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in a breast or an armpit. The lump may be clearly visible or can be felt by hand when examined. Sometimes the first symptom of breast cancer may be a metastasis in the lymph node, which can feel like a lump in the armpit.

It is wise to bear in mind, however, that not all nodules in the breast area mean cancer. Changes in a breast may also result from benign cysts.

A change in the size or shape of a breast

Breast cancer does not always manifest itself as a lump in the breast. Sometimes breast cancer occurs as a change in breast size, shape, or elasticity.

Retractions, as well as tender or dense tissue areas, may also form in the breast.

A change in the size or shape of a breast
Chest pain, swelling or tingling

Chest pain, swelling or tingling

Breast cancer symptoms may include heat, itching or tingling in the breast. A lump in the breast itself is often painless, but sometimes it can cause tingling, sensitivity to contact, or stinging pain in the breast.

Skin changes and ulcers in the breast

Breast cancer can also cause changes in the breast skin. “Orange-peel skin”, or cellulite, may occur in the breast.

Sometimes the skin tone may present an unusual redness, and the skin of the breast can retreat inwards.

Skin changes and ulcers in the breast
Changes in the nipple

Changes in the nipple

Changes in the nipple area may be signs of breast cancer. The cancerous tumour in a breast may appear as an inverted nipple, withdrawal of the nipple or with symptoms as a clear or bloody discharge from the nipples. 

An incurable ulcer or a rash on the areola may also be symptoms of breast cancer.

Other breast cancer symptoms

The symptoms of breast cancer may also appear in other ways. Abnormal tiredness, (CRF i.e. cancer-related fatigue), weight loss, or other types of pain may all be signs of cancer in the body. Self-monitoring of the breasts is important so that changes can be detected well in time. In Finland, women aged between 50 and 69 are invited to participate in mammography screenings every two years. This countrywide and effective breast cancer screening is carried out so that breast cancer can be detected as early as possible. More than 80% of those invited participate in screening, and about two-thirds of breast cancers are found in the course of this regular screening.

Quick examinations and treatment

If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer or if, on the basis of your symptoms, you suspect it, you can access Helena Puonti’s consultation quickly and without a referral.

Why choose Clinic Helena:

  • World-class expertise in breast cancer treatment, using the most modern methods.
  • Helena Puonti’s unique Sensing Breast-method – available only at Clinic Helena.
  • We devote ourselves to helping You recover completeley from your illness.

From symptoms to proper care

What should I do if I find abnormalities in my breasts? When should I seek breast cancer treatment? What tests are needed to check for breast symptoms? The following questions and answers will help you find the right advice and solution for your situation.

Questions and answers about breast cancer symptoms and treatment

Breast Self-Examination

Breast self-examination is important for detecting breast cancer as early as possible. Please examine your breasts regularly to get to know them well. By doing so, you will more readily notice any changes in the breasts. You can find more detailed instructions for self-checking your breasts here.

Cooperation with “Tunne rintasi” association

Clinic Helena cooperates with Tunne Rintasi ry association to increase breast cancer awareness. Together, we provide information about breast self-monitoring and its effects on the early detection of breast cancer. On Tunne Rintasi ry website, you can find a lot of breast self-monitoring material for different target groups.

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