Breast Cancer Differentials

As previously discussed, breast cancer has various symptoms. However, many of these signs and symptoms are associated with other conditions. Some example of breast cancer differentials include breast engorgement, breast abscess, nipple fissure, premenstrual status, and chronic renal failure.

Breast Engorgement

Breast engorgement is often mistaken for breast cancer because excess breast milk causes the breast to experience swelling and pain.

Breast Abscess

A breast abscess is an area in the breast with puss. This can be an indication of an infected tissue or organ. A breast abscess is often a sign or symptom associated with breast cancer, however, a breast abscess does not automatically mean you have breast cancer.

Nipple Fissure

A nipple fissure is also commonly known as "joggers nipple," as it is a result from irritation of the nipple caused by friction. Thus, this often occurs during physical exercise, such as jogging, because of the constant friction and heat produced during exercise.

Premenstrual Status

Premenstrual status is the period right before menstruation. During this period, the breast are often tender and breast tenderness can be a sign or symptom associated with breast cancer. As the breast are often tender during this premenstrual period, physicians do not recommend conducting a breast exam or mammogram at this time as this can interfere with the results.

Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic renal failure and breast cancer have some signs and symptoms in common, such as breast pain, soreness and engorgement. Although chronic renal failure is not often mistaken for breast cancer I included it here to show that signs and symptoms can be associated with with other conditions and diseases.

Information and image(s) obtained from the following website(s):

https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/mums-journey/breast-engorgement

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-abscess/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320483.php

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780

https://ada.com/conditions/chronic-renal-failure/

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_practice_of_obstetrics,_designed_for_the_use_of_students_and_practitioners_of_medicine_(1910)_(14591039737).jpg