Symptoms Requiring a Breast Ultrasound

By Abigail Aaronson

A woman's body is ever changing. Sometimes, changes that seem normal could be signs of cancer, though. New symptoms are an indication that something has changed in your body and you may need to take action by getting a breast ultrasound. What do doctors recommend you watch for?

Changes in the Breasts

A majority of lumps aren't cancer, but your doctor should be made aware of them. Other changes that require your doctor's attention are skin dimpling or puckering, inward turned nipples, nipple discharge, or redness/scaling of the skin. To determine the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may perform a physical exam and tests such as a breast ultrasound and biopsies.

Changes in the Lymph Nodes

Commonly, changes in these bean-shaped glands located around our bodies, are caused by common infections. But, some cancers can cause lymph nodes to swell. If you experience any lumps or swelling lasting longer than a month, it's a good idea to notify your doctor. He can decide to run tests such as a breast mammogram or x-ray.

Changes in Your Weight

Specifically, a loss of 10 pounds or more without changes in your diet or exercise habits could signal an issue. Although most unintended weight loss is not cancer, your doctor may run tests to rule out the possibility.

Changes in Your Energy

Obviously, most women are tired - leading hectic lives as mothers, wives, and/or in the workforce. But, an extreme tiredness that continues to persist is not normal. Schedule an appointment with your doctor, especially if you have other symptoms, such as blood in your stool. Your doctor will review your medical history and perform blood tests.

Fever

A continuous fever that cannot be explained could mean leukemia or another cancer. Your doctor will need to examine your medical history and search for the cause.

Pain

Most aches are not the result of a problem. But any ongoing pain could be a signal Consult your doctor about any pains lasting longer than a month.

Although all of these symptoms can be caused by things other than cancer, they should be reported to your physician so that they can find the cause. Sometimes, we may believe we know our bodies and all their quirks, but some symptoms can show themselves in tricky ways. For example, sometimes a breast cancer can spread to a lymph node under the arm or near the collarbone, causing a lump or swelling there long before the original tumor can be felt in the breast tissue. This is why it is important to report symptoms to your doctor so the proper tests, such as a breast ultrasound or blood work, can be performed.

Sometimes cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt. Swollen lymph nodes should also be reported to your doctor.

When considering a breast ultrasound, New Jersey residents visit PINK Breast Center. Learn more about this procedure at [http://www.pinkbreastcenter.com/Ultrasound.aspx]http://www.pinkbreastcenter.com/Ultrasound.aspx.

Article Source: Symptoms Requiring a Breast Ultrasound