Breast examination

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer from which women die in Latvia and other countries. Regular breast examination at the gynaecologist’s or self-examination allow to diagnose cancer at an early stage, ensuring timely treatment and the same quality of life after the treatment.

What may be signs of breast cancer?

The most common symptoms of breast cancer are pain and discomfort. Not always women have a tumour in their breast.

Symptoms of malignant tumour in breast can be the following:

• Lump of thickening in breast;
• swollen lymphatic glands in the armpit;
• changes in the size or colour of breast;
• nipple sensitivity or pain;
• brownish or bloody discharge form the nipple or its shrinking inside;
• redness, scale-like skin, rash of the breast skin or nipple;
• fold or dimple in the breast skin;
• reticulation more obvious than normally;
• strange sensitivity, especially, if only in one breast.

Remember! Usually it turns out that the reason behind these symptoms is not breast cancer, but they definitely indicate that you must visit your gynaecologist, GP or oncologist. Do not be afraid when we mention oncologist – in Latvia breast diseases (also non-malignant) are traditionally under oncologist supervision.

If a woman notices changes in her breast condition, she should consult with her gynaecologist. Performing breast examination at gynaecologist’s office, you should ask your gynaecologist to show you how to do breast self-examination. Regularly visiting a gynaecologist in combination with breast self-exams allow to notice problems at an early stage and that guarantees successful treatment.