Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer can show different symptoms in different people. Some may not notice any signs at all.

The most common symptom is a new lump in your breast or armpit. This lump does not go away.

Other symptoms include:

- Changes in the skin texture of your breast, like rash or redness.
- Swelling in your armpit or near your collarbone.
- Pain and tenderness, though lumps usually don’t hurt.
- A flat or indented area on your breast.
- Changes in size, shape, texture, or temperature of your breast.

You might also notice changes in your nipple. These changes can include:

- Nipple pulling inward
- Dimpling
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Development of sores

Unusual nipple discharge can occur too. This discharge may be clear, bloody, or another color.

You might feel a marble-like area under the skin that feels different from the rest of the breast.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer

Many people do not have symptoms at first. Different types of breast cancer may cause various symptoms. Common early signs include:

Breast lumps are often the first symptom. A hard lump with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous. However, some cancers are soft with rounded edges.

Often, lumps are too small for you or your doctor to feel. Regular mammograms are important if you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer.

Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous. Common causes include:

- Cysts: Fluid collections that are usually harmless.
- Fibroadenomas: Usually occur before menopause and may shrink over time.
- Fibrocystic breasts: Naturally lumpy breasts that may be painful before periods.
- Breast infections: Abscesses often happen after childbirth.
- Clogged milk glands and injuries forming scar tissue.

Always see your doctor if you notice a new lump on your breast.

Swelling

Sometimes swelling occurs before feeling or seeing a lump. If you notice swelling, see your doctor right away. You might have:

- Thickening in part of your breast
- Swollen lymph nodes under your arm or near your collarbone

Pain

Most breast pain isn’t caused by cancer. However, pain could indicate inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s disease if it’s serious or lasts long.

Ductal Carcinoma Symptoms

Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. It starts in milk ducts and about 1 in 5 new cases are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCIS means cancer cells line the ducts but haven’t spread yet.

DCIS usually doesn’t cause symptoms; over 90% are found through imaging tests. Possible symptoms include:

- A lump
- Discharge from the nipple
- Itching around the breast area

Ductal carcinoma can also be invasive and spread beyond the ducts.

Invasive Breast Cancer Symptoms

Invasive cancers spread into surrounding tissues. You may notice:

- A lump in your breast or armpit that cannot move separately from skin.
- One breast looking different from the other.
- Rash or thickened skin that appears red or dimpled like an orange peel.

Other signs include skin sores, swelling in one breast, small hard lymph nodes stuck together, and localized pain.

Lobular Carcinoma Symptoms

Lobular carcinoma begins in milk-producing glands called lobules and is the second most common type of breast cancer. Symptoms include:

- Fullness, thickening, or swelling in one area
- Nipples that appear flat or point inward (inverted)

Credit: webmd