The earliest stages of breast cancer typically do not produce any symptoms. As breast cancer develops, however, certain specific changes in the breasts or nipples may indicate the onset of cancer. While many changes that occur in the breasts are not related to cancer, women at risk should be aware of potential symptoms of breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer is important in the treatment of this potentially dangerous condition.
Lumps or Palpable Masses
A common symptom of breast cancer is the presence of a bump, lump or palpable mass in the breast or underarm area. Lumps are typically painless and can feel hard with even edges or soft and with ill-defined borders. Women who find a lump or any unusual bumps in their breast tissue, should make an appointment to be examined by a physician.
Breast Pain and Tenderness
Breast cancer may also produce symptoms of pain or tenderness in the breast tissue or the nipple region. Pain may feel dull and prove difficult to localize. A specific, aggressive form of breast cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer produces skin irritations of the breast and nipple. Signs of inflammatory breast cancer include a thickening of tissue around the nipple and a dimpling of the skin of the breast, similar to the pitting of an orange or grapefruit. The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation provides extensive information on the symptoms and treatment of inflammatory breast cancer.
Breast Changes
Many changes can occur to the breast with age. While such changes do not usually indicate the presence of a tumor, the onset of cancer may cause unusual changes in the breast. For women who present a risk for breast cancer should become alert to any changes in breast appearance, breast size and shape, or how their breasts feel. Also be aware of any changes to the nipple, including the nipple turning inward, thickening of the nipple skin or any unusual pus-like discharge from the nipple.
Advanced Symptoms
When left untreated, the advanced symptoms of breast cancer prove similar to the symptoms of other carcinomas. The National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus lists such symptoms as bone pain, breast pain, ulcers, swelling of the arm on the same side as the breast cancer and weight loss.
