Breast cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in breast tissue. It is the **second most common cancer** (after skin cancer) diagnosed in women in the United States. However, **breast cancer can affect anyone**, including men, because everyone is born with some breast tissue.
This article explores the **types, symptoms, causes, and stages** of breast cancer.
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### **Types of Breast Cancer**
There are several types of breast cancer, including:
- **Angiosarcoma** (a rare cancer in blood or lymph vessels)
- **Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)** (non-invasive early-stage cancer)
- **Inflammatory Breast Cancer** (aggressive and often causes redness/swelling)
- **Invasive Lobular Carcinoma** (cancer that spreads beyond milk-producing glands)
- **Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)** (non-cancerous but increases risk)
- **Male Breast Cancer** (rare but possible in men)
- **Paget’s Disease of the Breast** (affects the nipple and areola)
- **Recurrent Breast Cancer** (cancer that returns after treatment)
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### **Symptoms of Breast Cancer**
Breast cancer symptoms vary, but common signs include:
✔ A **lump or thickening** in the breast or underarm (may feel like a small pea)
✔ **Changes in breast size, shape, or contour**
✔ **Skin changes**, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling
✔ A **hardened area** under the skin
✔ **Nipple discharge** (bloody or clear fluid)
✔ **Persistent pain or tenderness**
**Note:** Many of these symptoms can also be caused by **benign (non-cancerous) conditions**, hormonal changes, or infections.
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### **Other Causes of Breast Changes**
Not all breast changes indicate cancer. Possible causes include:
- **Benign breast conditions** (cysts, fibroadenomas)
- **Hormonal fluctuations** (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause)
- **Medications** (birth control, hormone therapy)
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### **Stages of Breast Cancer**
Breast cancer is classified into stages based on its spread:
- **Stage 0 (Non-invasive):** Cancer remains inside milk ducts (DCIS).
- **Stage I:** Small tumor in breast tissue (no lymph node involvement).
- **Stage II:** Larger tumor or spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- **Stage III (Locally Advanced):** Cancer has spread to lymph nodes and surrounding tissue.
- **Stage IV (Metastatic):** Cancer has spread to distant organs (bones, liver, lungs, brain).
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### **When to See a Doctor**
If you notice **any unusual changes** in your breasts—such as a lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge—**consult a doctor immediately**, even if a recent mammogram was normal. Early detection improves treatment success.
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### **Final Thoughts**
Breast cancer can affect anyone, so awareness of symptoms and regular screenings are crucial. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
