Most people are not aware that they have breast cancer until they experience certain signs or symptoms. The most common symptom of breast cancer that people notice is a lump or mass in the breast. Other common symptoms include breast pain, changes in the size or shape of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or a nipple discharge that is not breast milk.
Lump or Mass
A lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer that people notice. This lump may be hard and may feel like a pea or marble under the skin. Lumps can be painless or painful, although pain is an uncommon symptom of breast cancer. It is important to note that not all lumps are cancerous; some can be caused by fibroadenomas, cysts or other noncancerous conditions.
Breast Pain
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is a common symptom of breast cancer. This pain may feel like a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull, persistent ache. It can affect one breast or both breasts and can occur in the nipple area or the entire breast. While pain can be a symptom of breast cancer, it is not always an indicator of the disease.
Changes in Size or Shape
Changes in the size or shape of the breast is another common symptom of breast cancer that people may notice. This may include one breast becoming larger than the other, changes in the shape of the breast, or one nipple becoming inverted or pointing differently than the other. These changes can be caused by benign conditions, but should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out the possibility of cancer.
Skin Irritation or Dimpling
Skin irritation or dimpling of the skin is another symptom of breast cancer that may be noticeable. This can appear as redness, swelling, or a rash on the skin of the breast. It can also appear as puckering or dimpling of the skin, similar to the peel of an orange. This symptom is usually caused by a tumor that has grown deep into the breast tissue and is pushing against the skin.
Nipple Pain or Discharge
Nipple pain or discharge is another sign of breast cancer that people may notice. This can include a burning or itching sensation in the nipples, as well as a clear or bloody discharge from the nipples. This discharge can be a sign of an advanced form of cancer, so it is important to have it evaluated by a doctor.
It is important to note that not all of these symptoms are indicators of breast cancer. Many of them can be caused by benign conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out the possibility of cancer. It is also important to perform regular self-exams and to schedule regular mammograms to detect any changes in the breasts.