What Does Breast Cancer Look Like in Its Early Stages?

When breast cancer first starts, it can present itself in a variety of ways. A hard, painless mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but

breast cancer

can also be soft, round, tender, or even painful. This rare, fast-growing type rarely causes a distinct bump. Instead, the breast skin may become thick, red, and look boneless, like an orange peel.

The area may also feel hot or tender and have small bumps that look like rashes.It's important to note that a formal self-exam is more likely to result in false positives, i.e., errors that suggest the presence

of breast cancer

when it doesn't exist. However, if you notice any changes in your breast tissue, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some women have a higher risk of developing

breast cancer

due to changes or mutations in certain genes at birth.Ductal

carcinoma

in situ is a non-invasive form of

breast cancer

. It's usually detected during a breast biopsy to detect another problem in the breast area.

Because these cells don't spread to surrounding tissues, doctors don't usually consider it a cancer. However, having ductal carcinoma in situ may increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer later on.As with other types of cancer, early treatment can prevent the cancer from spreading and lead to a better prognosis. There is no guaranteed way to prevent

breast cancer

, but there are certain steps you can take to reduce your risk. Paying attention to breast changes during regular activities such as showering or dressing and getting an annual mammogram if you're 40 or older is one of the best ways to increase your chances of detecting

breast cancer

at an early stage when it's easier to treat.Doctors use stages 0 to IV to describe whether the cancer is only in the breast, has moved to nearby lymph nodes, or has spread to other organs such as the lungs.

Triple-negative

breast cancer

is an aggressive condition that is less common than other types of

breast cancer

. If you're diagnosed with

breast cancer

, it's important to determine how large the tumor is and what part of the body it affects. This information will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment for you. With early detection and treatment, there is every reason to be hopeful.