What Are the Symptoms of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer?
What Are the Symptoms of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer? Breast cancer affects many people around the world every day. It comes in different types, and one type is HER2 positive breast cancer. This kind has certain signs that can help doctors find it early. Knowing these symptoms gives you power to seek help when needed.
It’s important to learn about changes in your body, like lumps or swelling. These could be early hints of HER2 positive breast cancer. If you see such changes, talking to a doctor is a wise step. They can tell you what tests might be necessary.
Doctors use special terms for different parts of treatment and diagnosis. But don’t let that scare you—ask questions until things are clear! When armed with knowledge about symptoms and treatments, facing breast cancer becomes less daunting.
Understanding HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
HER2 positive breast cancer is not like other breast cancers. It grows faster and can spread quickly if not treated. This kind of cancer has more of a protein called HER2 on the cell surface. That protein makes the cancer cells grow.
Doctors look for signs of this type when you get tested for breast cancer. They use tests that show how much HER2 protein is in the cells. If there’s a lot, they say it’s ‘HER2 positive.’ Knowing this helps them choose the right treatment.
When we talk about symptoms, they are things you notice that are not normal. With HER2 positive, these signs might be lumps or swelling in your chest area. Other symptoms could include pain or changes in your skin near your breasts.
It’s key to spot these indicators early on for better care options. So understanding what to watch out for can really make a difference. If you see any unusual changes, talking to a healthcare professional is crucial.
Common Symptoms of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
The symptoms of HER2 positive breast cancer can show up in several ways. One common sign is a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm. This can feel different from the rest of your breast tissue. It’s important not to ignore these changes.
Another symptom to look out for is swelling or redness that doesn’t go away. This might affect all or part of your breast. The skin may also get dimpled, looking like an orange peel. These are visual signs that need a doctor’s attention.
Changes in the nipple area are also common indicators. You might notice it turning inward or releasing fluid when not breastfeeding. Any such change should prompt you to seek medical advice without delay.
Lastly, discomfort or pain in the chest area could be another warning signal. While this alone doesn’t mean you have HER2 positive cancer, combined with other signs, it’s significant enough to check with your healthcare provider about getting tested.
Early Warning Signs to Look Out For
Spotting early warning signs of HER2 positive breast cancer can make a big difference. A new lump or mass in the breast is often the first indicator. It can be hard and painless, but sometimes it’s tender. Trust your gut—if something feels off, get it checked out.
Skin changes on the breast are another early sign you shouldn’t ignore. This could be redness, puckering, or scaliness that wasn’t there before. Even small changes like these can point to bigger issues underneath.
Lastly, pay attention if your nipple starts acting differently than usual. Any pulling inward or itching around this area deserves attention from a healthcare professional. Combined with other symptoms we’ve talked about, these signs should lead to a conversation with your doctor about what steps to take next.
Seeking Medical Attention and Diagnosis
If you notice symptoms that could be HER2 positive breast cancer, see a doctor. They will talk to you about your health and any changes in your breasts. A physical exam is the first step they take to find what might be wrong.
They may suggest an imaging test like a mammogram or ultrasound. These tests can show lumps or changes in the breast tissue. If there’s something unusual, more tests will help understand what it is.
A biopsy is often needed for a clear diagnosis of HER2 positive breast cancer. In this procedure, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the lump. Then they check it in a lab to see if cancer cells are present.
The lab also tests if these cells have too much HER2 protein on them. This helps confirm if the cancer is indeed ‘HER2 positive.’ With this information, your doctor can work out the best treatment plan for you.
Early diagnosis increases your chances for successful treatment significantly. Therefore, acting quickly on any warning signs is very important for your health journey ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is HER2 positive breast cancer?
A: HER2 positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer where cells have more of the HER2 protein, which can cause rapid growth and spread.
Q: How do I know if I have HER2 positive breast cancer?
A: Diagnosis usually requires medical tests like biopsies. Your doctor will test for high levels of the HER2 protein in your cells.
Q: Can men get HER2 positive breast cancer?
A: Yes, while it’s less common, men can also develop HER2 positive breast cancer and should be aware of the same symptoms as women.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
