Understanding Breast Changes

Signs and Symptoms of breast cancer -

No symptoms in early stages, but pre-symptom stages may be detected by mammogram.

• Swelling or lump in the breast.

• Vague discomfort in the breast without pain.

• Retraction of the nipple.

• Distorted breast contour.

• Dimpled or pitted skin in the breast.

• Enlarged nodes under the arm (late).

• Bloody discharge from the nipple (rare).

When and if breast cancer is diagnosed, ask your doctor the following questions:

• What did my biopsy or needle aspiration show?

• What kind of breast cancer do I have?

• What were the results of my estrogen and progesterone tests? (This will impact your treatment.) What were the results of the other tests (flow cytometry and other markers of tumor aggressiveness)?

• What tests will I have before surgery to see if the cancer has spread to any other organs (liver, lungs, bones)?

• What are my treatment options? What procedure are YOU recommending for me and why?

• What are the potential risks and benefits of these procedures?

• What is your opinion about breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) followed by radiation therapy? Am I a candidate for this type of treatment?

• Will I need additional treatment with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or hormonal therapy following my surgery? If so, will you be referring me to a medical oncologist?

• If I have a mastectomy, can breast reconstruction be done at the time of the surgery as well as later? Would you recommend it for me?

• What potential risks and benefits are involved?

I also recommend you ask whether or not your surgeon will be using drains for the incisions on the breast and/or the lymph nodes. How do drains compare with having the surgeon aspirate the breasts as needed? Also, if drains are used, how are they cleaned and changed and will special help be required. Since my breast cancer and therefore surgery was on both sides, I had additional questions. I wanted recommendation as to how to maintain some degree of cleanliness and/or hygiene regarding defecating. (My husband created a special tool to use.)

This information is adapted from the National Cancer Institute publication "Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Breast Cancer." The publication also contains questions for women who find a lump in their breast, those who are scheduling a routine mammography, and those who are undergoing a breast biopsy. The last six sheets provide questions about breast cancer surgery (listed above), after surgery considerations, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction. You may receive a copy by calling the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. CIS information specialists provide callers with information and free publications on all aspects of cancer and local cancer-related services. Spanish-speaking CIS staff is also available.

The booklet titled "Understanding Breast Changes - Health Guide for All Woman -" is recommended to familiarize yourself with the terms you will need to know. This booklet contains an excellent glossary. You can get a copy by calling 1-800-994-WOMAN or 1-800-4-CANCER.

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