Signs and Symptoms
Common Signs of Breast Cancer
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A mass that is painless, hard and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancers can also be tender, soft or rounded. They can even be painful. For this reason, it is important to have any new mass, lump or breast change checked by a doctor.
Other possible signs of breast cancer include:
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Skin irritation or dimpling
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)
Sometimes a breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt. Swollen lymph nodes should also be reported to your doctor.
Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all.
Some warning signs of breast cancer are:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away.
What Is a Normal Breast?
No breast is typical. What is normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven. The way your breasts look and feel can be affected by getting your period, having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain medications. Breasts also tend to change as you age.
What Do Lumps in My Breast Mean?
Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast, including cancer. But most breast lumps are caused by other medical conditions. Two common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts. Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast.
Source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Proactive Health
Through a breast self-awareness routine, women can learn about their bodies and detect any suspicious changes to their breasts that may require medical attention.
Every Month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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Exceptional Cancer Care
When it comes to breast and gynecologic cancer treatment, working together with the region's leading providers to deliver the best possible outcome is at the heart of everything we do. Because walking with women through every step of their cancer journey is what we do all day. Every day.
