Spot the Difference: Breast Cancer or Skin Cancer on the Breast

Less than 1% of skin cancer cases are diagnosed in India, although breast cancer accounts for about 26% of all cancer cases.

The three main kinds of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is referred to as "the most serious skin cancer" since it is the least prevalent of these three but also has a greater tendency to invade adjacent tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Less than 5% of malignant melanomas are mammary melanomas (melanoma on the breast), which are rare forms of breast melanoma. The four predominant symptoms of mammary melanoma are:

i.                    Malignant melanoma of the breast skin

ii.                  Spread of the malignant melanoma to the breast

iii.                Spread of the malignant melanoma to the mammary organs and skin

iv.                Malignant melanoma of the breast gland

(Malignant means having the ability to spread to other body parts other than the affected area.)

So how can one tell whether a breast cancer or skin cancer on breast is present?

Skin Cancer:

Unusual skin cell development, as the name implies. Although skin cancer may affect the skin on the breast, but this does not necessarily indicate that breast cancer is present. Skin cancer first appears in the uppermost layers of the epidermis as a result of abnormal skin cell development.

Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer is defined as the abnormal proliferation of breast tissues or cells that begin deep within the breast.

Although the precise cause of breast cancer is unknown, it has been discovered that hormonal and genetic factors have a substantial impact on the disease's development.

A hard lump found inside the breast is typically the first sign of breast cancer. At times, the skin around the breast might also be impacted, as in:

·         Skin wrinkles or dimples on the breasts

·         A peeling or crusting nipple or areola

·         The breasts' skin is flaming.

How does a skin cancer appear on the breast?

Skin melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, can still occur in the breast despite its rarity.

A melanoma initially resembles a mole, but with time, it changes in size, color, and shape.

It is advised to keep an eye out for any notable changes if a mole on the breast is developing visibly. Consult a dermatologist right away if you notice any strange changes.

Want a bonus tip? Here you go!

To discover an early melanoma, use the ABCDE rule of melanoma:

·         Asymmetry: Occurs when one half is not exactly like the other.

·         Border: Rough or fuzzy margins

·         Color: The pigmentation is inconsistent

·         Diameter: Moles larger than six millimeters

·         Evolving: A mole that is evolving will change in size, shape, or color.

 Satellite moles and areas with ulceration, seeping, or bleeding are additional melanoma symptoms. They develop in the upper and lower epidermal layers.

Is it possible to treat skin cancer on breast?

The two malignancies that spread most frequently to the breast are lymphomas and melanomas.

The first indication of a primary extra-mammary tumor is typically breast involvement.

An area of melanoma with nearby healthy skin is frequently removed during surgery to treat the illness.

After collection, the sample is sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination. If cancer cells are visible close to the sample edge, a larger portion may need to be excised.

Breast cancer symptoms include:

·       Alterations in the way one or both nipples look

·       Nipple discharge not related to breastfeeding

·       General discomfort in any breast area

·       Breast lumps or nodes felt on the outside or inside

·         Angry or scratchy breasts

·         Enlargement of breast size or form 

·         A breast growth or lump

·         Breast skin that is rosy or pitted

Postmenopausal women should check their breasts once a month to ensure sure there are no lumps under the breast or in the armpit.

Breast cancer is treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and surgery.

Consult a dermatologist if you notice any unexpected changes in your breast skin or a mole that emerges suddenly, and an oncologist if you notice any unwelcome changes in the size or form of your breast. To avoid any inevitable situations in the future and to begin the proper medical treatment sooner in the event of anything, it is preferable to seek medical advice at the appropriate time.