What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
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American Cancer Society answered:Signs and symptoms
Although widespread use of screening mammograms has increased the number of breast cancers found before they cause any symptoms, some breast cancers are not found by mammogram, either because the test was not done or because, even under ideal conditions, mammograms do not find every breast cancer.
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded. For this reason, it is important that any new breast mass or lump be checked by a health care professional experienced in diagnosing breast diseases.
Other possible signs of breast cancer include:
- swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)
- skin irritation or dimpling
- breast or nipple pain
- nipple retraction (turning inward)
- redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- a discharge other than breast milk
Signs and symptomsAlthough widespread use of screening mammograms has increased the number of breast cancers found before they cause any symptoms, some breast cancers are not found by mammogram, either because the test was not done or because,... More -
Perhaps the most recognized symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast tissue. Although many women go to their doctor after finding a lump, they should also be aware of any other changes to the breast or nipple.
With the different types of breast cancer come a variety of related symptoms. For example, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which forms in the milk ducts, may cause a distinct breast lump that you can feel. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), which forms in the milk-producing glands, may cause a thickening in the breast.
Symptoms of breast cancer vary from person to person. Some common breast cancer signs and symptoms include the following:
- Skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts
- An increase in size or change in shape of the breast(s)
- Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- General pain in/on any part of the breast
- Lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breast
Perhaps the most recognized symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast tissue. Although many women go to their doctor after finding a lump, they should also be aware of any other changes to the breast or nipple. With the... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:You should seek the advice of an experienced breast specialist if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Lump in the breast
- Thickening of the breast skin
- Rash or redness of the breast
- Breast swelling
- New onset of breast pain
- Dimpling around the nipple or on the breast skin
- Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
- Nipple discharge
- Lumps in the underarm area
- Changes in the appearance of the nipple or breast that are different from the normal monthly changes a woman experiences
There are situations in which there are no physical symptoms and the breast cancer is detected by a screening mammogram.
You should seek the advice of an experienced breast specialist if you notice any of the following symptoms: Lump in the breast Thickening of the breast skin Rash or redness of the breast Breast swelling New onset of breast pain Dimpling around the... More -
Dr. Stuart Linder answered:Often the preliminary signs of breast cancer may be silient. Mammograms are important screening tools to investigate the breast for tumors. Early signs may include a palpable mass, skin thickening, bleeding from the nipple, swelling of the breast or a rash. Should you have any of these signs, immediately consult your physician.Often the preliminary signs of breast cancer may be silient. Mammograms are important screening tools to investigate the breast for tumors. Early signs may include a palpable mass, skin thickening, bleeding from the nipple, swelling of the breast or... More -
Riverside Cancer Care Center answered:In its earliest stages, breast cancer shows no symptoms. The first noticeable sign is usually a lump in the breast. Other symptoms include:
- a change in the breast's appearance, shape, or size;
- breast skin with the texture of an orange peel;
- breast skin that looks red and inflamed;
- sores on the breast;
- nipple discharge;
- inverted nipple.
In its earliest stages, breast cancer shows no symptoms. The first noticeable sign is usually a lump in the breast. Other symptoms include: a change in the breast's appearance, shape, or size; breast skin with the texture of an orange peel; breast... More -
Good In Bed answered:Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among females (and also affects a small percentage of males). It typically manifests with a tumor in the breast. Symptoms to look out for include a lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, a change in the size of the breast, a change in the color of the breast or areola, change in skin texture, nipple discharge, or even a retraction of the nipple.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among females (and also affects a small percentage of males). It typically manifests with a tumor in the breast. Symptoms to look out for include a lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, a... More -
Healthwise answered:The first sign of breast cancer is often a painless lump. But early breast cancer is often found on a mammogram before a lump can be felt. Other symptoms of breast cancer may not appear until the cancer is more advanced. These include:
- A thickening in the breast or armpit.
- A change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as a dimple or skin that looks like an orange peel.
- A change in the nipple, such as scaling of the skin or a nipple that turns in.
- A green or bloody fluid that comes from the nipple.
- A change in the color or feel of the skin around the nipple (areola).
Symptoms such as changes in the skin of the breast or the nipple may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
The first sign of breast cancer is often a painless lump. But early breast cancer is often found on a mammogram before a lump can be felt. Other symptoms of breast cancer may not appear until the cancer is more advanced. These include: A... More -
Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast that feels distinctly different from other breast tissue or that does not go away, swelling of the breast that does not go away, thickening of breast tissue, dimpling or pulling of the skin on the breast which may then resemble the skin of an orange, any change in the breast shape or contour, nipple discharge, retraction of the nipple, scaliness of the nipple, pain or tenderness of the breast, and swollen bumps or puss-filled sores.
- Calcium deposits (microcalcifications): These tiny deposits of calcium can appear anywhere in the breast and often show up on a mammogram. Most women have one or more areas of microcalcifications of various sizes. They may be caused by secretions from cells, cellular debris, inflammation, trauma or prior radiation. Calcium deposits are not the result of taking calcium supplements. The majority of calcium deposits are harmless, but a small percentage may be precancerous or cancer.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Symptoms of IBC can include one breast larger than the other, red or pink skin, swelling, rash (entire breast or small patches), orange-like texture (peau d' orange), skin hot to the touch, pain and/or itchiness, ridges or thickened areas of breast, nipple discharge, nipples that appear inverted or flattened, swollen lymph nodes under the armpit, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes of the neck.
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Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast that feels distinctly different from other breast tissue or that does not go away, swelling of the breast that does not go away, thickening of breast tissue, dimpling or... More -
Penn Medicine answered:The most common symptoms of breast cancer are:
- A change in the look or feel of the breast
- A change in the look or feel of the nipple
Other breast cancer symptoms may include:
- Lump, hard knot or thickening
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
- New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
- Spontaneous nipple discharge
The most common symptoms of breast cancer are: A change in the look or feel of the breast A change in the look or feel of the nipple Other breast cancer symptoms may include: Lump, hard knot or thickening Swelling, warmth, redness or... More -
Dr. Anna Voltura of Baptist Health South Florida answered:The common signs of breast cancer can be divided into several categories according to stage of breast cancer, and according to how the signs are manifested, either radiographically or clinically. Early breast cancer, such as stage 0,1, and 2A are usually picked up radiographically. The signs would be seen on a mammogram, ultra sound, or possibly an MRI. Mammograms are specifically done looking for microcalcifications, which are microscopic deposits of calcium in the breast. Many of these microcalcifications are benign (non-cancerous), however, some microcalcifications have certain characteristics that are considered indeterminate or suspicious and should be biopsied to assess them for cancer cells. A mammogram may also show an area of concern that has characteristics of a mass that will be further assessed with specific and magnified mammographic views, and/or an ultrasound. Again, very specific characteristics are looked for that would initiate a biopsy. Radiologist and breast specialists are trained to look for these specific characteristics or signs on the mammograms and ultrasound.
Other important signs of breast cancer can be seen or felt clinically. Clinically means with a physical exam. A mass in the breast may be a sign of cancer, but most masses felt in the breast are benign (non-cancerous). Bloody nipple discharge may be a sign of breast cancer, but is usually a sign of a papilloma that is non-cancerous. Skin changes of the breast, especially the nipple areolar region may be signs of breast cancer; however, most skin changes of the breast are non-cancerous. Such skin changes can be redness, a rash, or swelling. A more concerning skin change would be ulceration or open wound that will not heal. Breast skin thickening or edema, which is fluid in the skin and breast tissue, can also be a sign of breast cancer. Such skin thickening or edema of the breast will appear similar to the look of an orange peel. A newly seen retraction of the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer, but can also be a sign of duct ectasia (enlarged ducts) or infection.
The lesion here is that any changes in the breast such as a mass, nipple discharge (especially bloody), and skin changes as above should all be brought to the attention of your doctor. Once evaluated by your doctor, a decision can be made to pursue radiographic studies. An equally important lesion is to have routine mammograms starting with a base line at age 35 and than yearly at age 40.
The common signs of breast cancer can be divided into several categories according to stage of breast cancer, and according to how the signs are manifested, either radiographically or clinically. Early breast cancer, such as stage 0,1, and 2A are... More -
Greenville Health System answered:Thanks to screening, breast cancer often is found before a woman has any physical symptoms. Yet a woman should know how her breasts normally look and feel so that she can report any unusual changes to her doctor. Reasons to call your doctor include:- A lump in or near your breast or under your arm.
- Thick or firm tissue in or near your breast or under your arm.
- A change in the size or shape of your breast.
- Nipple discharge (fluid that is not breast milk).
- Nipple changes, such as a nipple that points or faces inward (inverted) into the breast.
- Changes to your breast skin, areola, or nipple, such as itching, redness, scaling, dimples, or puckers.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not cancer. For instance, nipple discharge can be caused by birth control pills, some medicines, and infections. Or, a breast lump could be a cyst, which is a fluid-filled lump that is not cancer. Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. Still, any breast changes or pain should be checked out by a doctor.
This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Thanks to screening, breast cancer often is found before a woman has any physical symptoms. Yet a woman should know how her breasts normally look and feel so that she can report any unusual changes to her doctor. Reasons to call your doctor include:... More
