HER2 positive breast cancer, know the symptoms and signs
Basically, symptoms and signs of positive HER2 breast cancer are not much different from breast cancer in general. What are the symptoms?
Breast cancer becomes a scary scourge for women. How not, according to the Ministry of Health, Breast cancer is the most common disease in women with a number 42 of 100,000 cases. But, not many know that the type of breast cancer between women and others can be different. Yes, breast cancer turns out to have many types, one of which is positive HER2 breast cancer.
An aggressive positive HER2 breast cancer
Positive HER2 breast cancer is a breast cancer caused by too much protein human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in the body. Normally, these proteins serve to regulate growth, cleavage and improve healthy breast cells.
However, due to genetic abnormalities, HER2 proteins and their prescriptions are excessive. Even the number of breast cells increased uncontrollably. That is the basis of this positive breast cancer that causes HER2.
Besides HER2, two more genes promote the occurrence of breast cancer, namely estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. HER2 positive breast cancer is known to be more aggressive and malignant than other types (triple-negative and estrogen or progesterone positive) and occurs in 20 percent of cases of breast cancer.
Causes of positive HER2 breast cancer
The exact cause of HER2 positive breast cancer is not known for sure. However, experts argue this disorder can be triggered by a variety of interconnected factors, among them the innate genes, the life pattern, and the environment.
In general, if your family has a history of breast cancer, then the risk of your occurrence will also increase. However, the positive HER2 breast cancer gene is not derived from the elderly.
Life patterns that are believed to affect this type of cancer are unhealthy lifestyles. For example, infrequently exercising, excessive weight or obesity, eating fast food and processed, consumption of alcohol and smoking, and not being able to manage stress.
Symptoms of positive HER2 breast cancer
Basically, the symptoms of positive HER2 breast cancer are not much different from breast cancer generally. These symptoms include:
- Breast lump
This is the most common symptom of breast cancer of any type. However, not all bumps in the breasts are a sign of cancer. When you find an abnormal lump in the breast, it should be checked immediately to the doctor.
- Swelling
There are changes in the form (swelling), redness, and pain in the breast or nipple is a sign of an inflammatory process. This condition can be suspected due to mass in the breast.
- Skin changes
Changes in breast skin or nipples in the form of redness, irritation, and skin that are attracted to the inside can also be a symptom of HER2 positive breast cancer.
- Fluid out of the nipple
If there is fluid coming out of the nipple but not milk, you should be aware that it is a sign of breast cancer. The fluid that comes out can be blood or yellow fluid like pus.
Although HER2 positive breast cancer only occurs 1 in 5 patients with breast cancer, this type is more malignant and aggressive. Therefore, you need to beware of the symptoms and signs of breast cancer positive HER2 from the beginning by REALIZING it, the breast self-examination. Your own examination can be done before bathing and in front of the glass. With good early detection, you can prevent more severe complications.