Cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body.
This refers to a malignant tumor that develops from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands or the ducts. The passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.
When starting to grow breast cancer may not cause symptoms. The first sign of the disease is a new lump or mass in the breast that can be felt. The lump is normally painless, hard and has uneven edges. Sometimes cancers can be tender, soft and rounded. It is wise to visit the doctor if you notice anything unusual.
The following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer:
* swelling of all or part of the breast * skin irritation or dimpling * breast pain * nipple pain or the nipple turning inward * redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin * a nipple discharge other than breast milk * a lump in the underarm area
These changes also can be signs of less serious conditions that are not cancerous, such as an infection or a cyst. One should control the following to reduce the risk
Weight
Family history
Exercise
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Exposure to estrogen
Recent oral contraceptive use
Stress and anxiety
