Table of Contents
- What Exactly Is Breast Cancer During Pregnancy?
- Why It’s Hard to Spot the Difference
- Early Signs of Breast Cancer in Pregnancy
- 1. A firm or Irregular Breast Lump
- 2. Localised Breast Pain or Discomfort
- 3. Noticeable Changes in Breast Shape or Contour
- 4. Unusual Nipple Changes
- 5. Unexplainable Skin Changes
- 6. Swelling Near the Armpit or Collarbone
- When to Call Your Doctor?
- Treatment: Protecting Two Lives at Once
- Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is truly a wonderful journey—a journey filled with expectation, amazement, and such a mix of feelings that it is very difficult to express in words. Every tickle, every heartbeat, every new mound of your body speaks the story of the origin. Still, in the middle of this miracle, there can be instances of doubt. Not all changes feel like a miracle. Some changes may feel unusual. Possibly even worrisome! And breast cancer during pregnancy is one of those concerns, albeit infrequently.
What a horror it can be to associate these two words: breast cancer and pregnancy! However, if you are an expectant mother, take a deep breath and calm down. Having the right information is a great advantage. Understanding which symptoms are normal which are not, and when it is time to ask for help can have an incredible effect.
What Exactly Is Breast Cancer During Pregnancy?
Breast cancer during pregnancy is a rare situation. It occurs in about one case per 3,000 pregnant women. However, as a result of more women postponing pregnancy to their 30s or 40s when the risk of breast cancer is higher, the number of cases in which pregnancy and breast cancer coexist has increased.
Pregnancy turns the body into a hormonal storm, mainly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones make the breasts grow, getting them ready to feed a baby. However, in a small number of cases, these hormones can cause the multiplication of already existing cancer cells.
Therefore, knowing the condition of your breasts during pregnancy is not only a wise decision, but it is also indispensable.
Why It’s Hard to Spot the Difference
Honestly, pregnancy changes your breasts in so many ways. They enlarge, tingle, become sore, and feel heavy. Also, it’s not uncommon for veins to become more visible on the skin. The nipples get darker. The areolas get bigger. All of these changes are your body’s way of getting it ready for nursing.
Thus, when a lump appears or your breasts become extremely tender, you might be tempted to just say that it is a result of pregnancy. The line between pregnancy-related breast changes vs cancer is often blurred.
Most lumps and pains in the breasts during pregnancy are nothing to worry about. However, a few can be serious. The important thing is to know when a symptom is not typical or when it is still there longer than it should.
Early Signs of Breast Cancer in Pregnancy
Each woman’s body has its own way of communicating. It is important to understand this, especially during pregnancy. Here is the list of early signs of breast cancer in pregnancy:
1. A firm or Irregular Breast Lump
A lump in the breast during pregnancy is not always something to be scared of. However, a hard, immovable lump that does not change with the cycle of your body or a lump that stays with you for more than two weeks requires immediate medical examination.
2. Localised Breast Pain or Discomfort
The painful hormonal imbalance usually affects both breasts. However, if the pain is deep, sharp, and localised, you should definitely see your doctor. Mastalgia related to cancer or pregnancy could be different in their duration and characteristics, but still, they could be the same ones.
3. Noticeable Changes in Breast Shape or Contour
While some asymmetry may be normal, of course, the question arises if one breast suddenly changes shape, becomes dimpled, or feels swollen. In such cases, it’s time for a checkup.
4. Unusual Nipple Changes
Look for inversion (check if nipple has turned inward), flaky skin, or discharge that contains blood. During pregnancy, discharge may happen, but it is usually of a milky or clear type and not red or rusty in colour.
5. Unexplainable Skin Changes
Breast cancer, especially the inflammatory type, can cause redness, warmth, or thicker skin that looks like the peel of an orange (called peau d’orange). It is a very rare cancer, but it develops fast.
6. Swelling Near the Armpit or Collarbone
It can be the lymph nodes close to the breast that affect you first. Enlarged lymph nodes in this region might indicate that the cancer has spread.
So what is the bottom line? Don’t wait and waste time. If you feel uncomfortable, consult a doctor immediately.
When to Call Your Doctor?
Reach out without delay if you notice:
- A lump that still exists after two weeks
- Continuous or localised breast pain
- Nipple bleeding or any other discharge that is new or unusual
- Skin puckering, redness, or a feeling of burning
You are the best judge of your body. If something is not right, don’t wait for your next prenatal visit. Call your doctor straight away. Early detection can save both you and the baby inside you.
Treatment: Protecting Two Lives at Once
Knowing about breast cancer during pregnancy can have a devastating impact on moms-to-be. But treatment is possible, and after that, many mothers have gone on to make healthy deliveries and live long, happy lives.
The treatment depends on the pregnancy stage and the cancer condition.
- Surgery, either a lumpectomy or mastectomy, is a possible solution during all trimesters.
- Chemotherapy is often advisable only after the second trimester; it is the first three months after which the baby’s major organs start to develop.
- Radiation therapy comes into consideration after the delivery of most of the time.
A team of specialists—obstetricians, oncologists, surgeons—will be there for you to work out a plan that is a balance between your health and your baby’s safety.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a whole new world of changes- mostly lovely but sometimes a bit confusing. However, being informed is the same as being empowered. Breast cancer during pregnancy is a very low probability situation, but it is not without a cure. Being aware, following your instincts, and getting timely medical help can make a world of difference.
Being able to recognise breast cancer symptoms during pregnancy might just be the choice that keeps both your life and the life of your unborn baby safe.