How would you know if you have breast cancer?

See a doctor: Needs physical examination and likely mammogram with possible breast ultrasound depending on the woman's age and physical exam findings.

Here is how...: Breast cancer usually presents as a painless lump in the breast. This can be detected by the patient if she knows how to look for it and do breast self examination. If you suspect something you should go to your doctor and ask for a clinical breast examination. He/she may do a mammogram to confirm the lump and often have to do a biopsy if a lump is discovered. Biopsy is the final proof of cancer.

See a doctor: Needs physical examination and likely mammogram with possible breast ultrasound depending on the woman's age and physical exam findings.

Work up: A very thorough breast examination by an experienced doctor will be able to help. In addition, a screening mammogram as per guideline is something you should do. If there is anything either on the examination or mammogram- then a sonogram and /or MRI breast can be done. Ultimately it is a biopsy of the lesion that will tell you definitively whether you have a cancer or not.

It's subtle: Breast cancer usually announces itself as a dominant lump in the breast and a developing breast cancer usually becomes palpable or visible on imaging before it becomes a major danger to your life. A "rash" on the nipple is another warning.

See a doctor: Need to see a doctor for annual breast physical examination to look for breast lumps. Usually get mammogram yearly starting age 40, and sooner if your doctor's examination feels an abnormality.

Mass: A dominant lump in the breast that you find yourself must be brought without delay to your physician. I think this is more helpful than mammography, but i'd urge you to comply with your physician's recommendations about breast imaging. Only a pathologist can tell for certain whether you have breast cancer based on analyziing tissue.

Agree w Dr.: Friedlander. Need evaluation to know one way or another. Breast cancer sx’s can include a mass. Masses that are painless, irregular ; hard are more suggestive of cancer but they can also be tender, painful ; soft. Swelling of breast; thickened, red, skin; non-milky nipple discharge; new retraction of nipple, puckering or irritation of skin or pain ; sometimes swollen lymph nodes under arm(s).

By visiting: Your doctor for examination , if needed by tests like sonogram or mammogram if need.

Breast cancer sx’s: Can include a mass. Masses that are painless, irregular ; hard are more suggestive of cancer but they can also be tender, painful ; soft. Swelling of breast; thickened, red, skin; non-milky nipple discharge; new retraction of nipple, puckering or irritation of skin or pain ; sometimes swollen lymph nodes under arm(s). Seek med eval if you have suspicious symptoms to allow for accurate diagnosis.