When to Seek Medical Care

Breast cancer develops over months or years. Once it is identified, however, a certain sense of urgency is felt about the treatment, because breast cancer is much more difficult to treat as it spreads. You should see your health-care provider if you experience any of the following:

• Finding a breast lump



• Finding a lump in your armpit or above your collarbone that does not go away in two weeks or so



• Developing nipple discharge



• Noticing new nipple inversion or skin changes over the breast

Redness or swelling in the breast may suggest an infection of the breast.

• You should see your health-care provider within the next 24 hours because infection should be treated promptly.



• If you have redness, swelling, or severe pain in the breast and are unable to reach your health-care provider, a trip to the nearest emergency department is warranted.

If an abnormality is found on your mammogram, you should see your health-care provider right away to make a plan for further evaluation.

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Breast Cancer - How Was It Detected

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