From: healthline.com
A breast lump is the most common early symptom of breast cancer. Other symptoms include a change in the shape of the nipple or breast, nipple pain or discharge, and swelling, redness, or rash.
Although breast cancer generally shows no symptoms in its early stages, regular screening and timely detection are key to effective treatment and an improved outlook.
A breast lump is the most common presenting symptom. But for about 1 in 6Trusted Source women with breast cancer, the broad spectrum of symptoms doesn’t include a lump.
This article explores the early (and later) signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as how it’s diagnosed and where to find support.
Early on, a person may notice a change in their breast when they perform a monthly breast exam or when minor abnormal pain doesn’t seem to go away. Early signs and symptoms of breast cancer to look for include:
- a new lump that doesn’t go away after your next period
- swelling or a lump around the collarbone or under the arm
- changes in the shape of the nipple
- nipple discharge from one breast that’s clear, red, brown, or yellow
- unexplained redness, swelling, skin irritation, itchiness, or rash on the breast
- breast pain that doesn’t go away after your next period
A lump that’s hard with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous.
Later signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
- retraction, or inward turning of the nipple
- enlargement of one breast
- dimpling of the breast surface
- an existing lump that gets bigger
- an “orange peel” texture to the skin
- decreased appetite
- unintentional weight loss
- enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
- visible veins on the breast
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Nipple discharge, for example, can also be caused by an infection.
See a doctor for a complete evaluation if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.
Despite initial treatment and success, breast cancer can sometimes come back. This is called recurrence. Recurrence happens when a small number of cells persist after initial treatment.
Symptoms of a recurrence in the same place as the first breast cancer are very similar to symptoms of the first breast cancer. They include:
- a new breast lump
- changes to the nipple
- redness or swelling of the breast
- a new thickening near the mastectomy scar
If breast cancer comes back regionally, it means that the cancer has returned to the lymph nodes or near to the original cancer but not exactly in the same place. The symptoms may be slightly different.
Symptoms of a regional recurrence may include:
- lumps in your lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
- chest pain
- swelling in your arm on the same side as the original breast cancer
If you’ve had a mastectomy or other surgery related to breast cancer, you might get lumps or bumps caused by scar tissue in the reconstructed breast. This isn’t cancer, but you should let your doctor know about them so they can be monitored.
Other causes of breast pain and tenderness
If you’ve had a mastectomy or other surgery related to breast cancer, you might get lumps or bumps caused by scar tissue in the reconstructed breast. This isn’t cancer, but you should let your doctor know about them so they can be monitored.
We often associate pain with something wrong, so when people feel tenderness or pain in their breasts, they often think of breast cancer. But breast pain is rarely the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer. Several other factors can cause pain.
Regular self-checks can help you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so you’ll recognize changes early on. Here’s what to look for:
- a difference in the overall size, shape, or color of your breasts
- dimpling or bulging of the skin
- redness, soreness, rash, or swelling
- nipple inversion
- unusual discharge
As you might suspect, there’s really no such thing as a “normal” breast. Everyone’s breasts are different. So, when we talk about normal, we mean normal for you. It’s about how your breasts usually look and feel and what it could mean when this changes.
It’s worth noting that it’s common to experience breast changes during ovulation. This may have to do with extra fluid retention, which can cause:
- swelling
- tenderness, soreness
- pain
- lumpines
These symptoms should resolve after you start your period.
When you visit a doctor with concerns about breast pain, tenderness, or a lump, there are common tests they might perform.
Your doctor will examine your breasts and the skin on your breasts, as well as check for nipple problems and discharge. They may also feel your breasts and armpits to look for lumps.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your health history, including any medications you might be taking, as well as the medical history of immediate family members.
Because breast cancer can sometimes be related to your genes, it’s important to tell your doctor about any family history of breast cancer. Your doctor will also ask you about your symptoms, including when you first noticed them.
Your doctor may request a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast, to help distinguish between a benign and malignant mass.
Ultrasonic sound waves can be used to produce an image of breast tissue.
Your doctor may suggest MRI in conjunction with other tests. This is another noninvasive imaging test used to examine breast tissue.
This involves removing a small amount of breast tissue to be used for testing. This is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer.
As with any cancer, early detection and treatment are major factors in determining the outcome. Breast cancer is easily treated and usually curable when detected in the earliest stages.
The best way to fight breast cancer is early detection. Talk with a doctor about when you should start breast cancer screening.
If you’re worried that your breast pain or tenderness could be something serious, make an appointment with a doctor today. If you find a lump in your breast (even if your most recent mammogram was normal) see a doctor.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.