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 the breast or armpit. This lump does not go away.

Other symptoms include:

- Changes in skin texture, like rash, redness, or dimpling.
- Skin that looks like an orange peel.
- Swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone.
- Pain and tenderness, though lumps usually don’t hurt.
- A flat or indented area on the breast.

You might also notice changes in your breast's size, shape, texture, or temperature. Nipple changes can occur too, such as:

- An inward pull
- Dimpling
- Burning sensations
- Itching
- Sores

Unusual nipple discharge may happen. This could be clear, bloody, or another color. You might feel a marble-like area under your skin that feels different from other parts of your breasts.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer

Many people have no symptoms at first. Different types of breast cancer can 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 and are often caused by:

- Cysts: Fluid collections that are usually harmless.
- Fibroadenomas: Common before menopause and may shrink over time.
- Fibrocystic breasts: Naturally lumpy breasts that may hurt before periods.
- Breast infections: Abscesses often occur after childbirth.
- Clogged milk glands
- Injuries causing scar tissue

Always see your doctor if you find a new lump.

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 due to cancer. However, pain could indicate inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s disease—rarer types of breast cancer. See your doctor if pain is 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
Nipple discharge
Itching around the breast

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

Invasive Breast Cancer Symptoms

Invasive cancers spread into surrounding tissues and may show:

A lump in the breast or armpit that’s hard to move
One breast looking different from the other
Thickened skin that’s red or dimpled
Skin sores
Swelling in one breast
Small lymph nodes that feel hard and stuck together
Localized pain

Lobular Carcinoma Symptoms

Lobular carcinoma begins in milk-producing glands called lobules. It’s the second most common type of breast cancer with symptoms including:

Fullness, thickening, or swelling in one area
Nipples that appear flat or inverted