Breast tumors can occur within the glandular tissue of the breast, leading to abnormal cell growth that disrupts the normal structure of the breast. Tumors may be non-cancerous or malignant, solid or filled with fluid, occur alone or as groups of abnormal growths. Breast tumor types differ in their characteristics and aggressiveness and may be identified by development of a number of symptoms.
A Breast Lump
Many types of breast tumors eventually grow into a mass that can be detected as a breast lump. The lump may be relatively large and detectable during a physical self-exam or clinical examination, or it may be small and only detectable on a mammogram. Some breast lumps may be sore and tender to the touch, though some breast lumps are painless, according to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lumps from a breast tumor may be relatively soft to the touch or feel very hard if the lump is surrounded by scar tissue. Finally, some breast tumor lumps may be moveable, while others remain localized within one part of the breast. Discuss any breast lumps or changes in breast consistency with a physician to address the possibility of a breast tumor.
Skin Changes
Other common symptoms of a breast tumor are changes in the consistency of the skin overlying the breast, reports San Diego State University. Tumor growth typically damages neighboring surrounding tissue, which can lead to a wrinkling or dimpling of the skin. In some cases, breast tumor patients develop dimpled breast skin called peau d'orange, because it resembles the skin of an orange. Some forms of breast tumors or cancers, such as Paget's disease of the nipple, also cause dry, flaky skin that resembles eczema. Skin changes may be detected during a breast self-examination, and any changes in skin consistency or texture should be discussed with a physician.
Inflammation or Swelling
Another symptom of some breast tumors is the development of inflammation or swelling within the affected breast. Some forms of breast cancer, such as inflammatory breast cancer, lead to an increase in inflammation as lymph vessels within the breast become blocked with tumor cells. Other forms of breast tumors may stimulate an immune reaction as healthy neighboring tissue is damaged as a result of tumor growth. Some cancers also actively promote an immune system reaction by releasing specific factors, according to a 2008 review by Dr. C. Hojilla, published in Breast Cancer Research. Inflammation as a result of a breast tumor occurs in the affected breast and may lead to swelling, redness and pain.
References
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center: 16 Common Myths About Breast Cancer
- San Diego State University: Breast Skin Changes/Nipple Retraction ~ Algorithm 5
- Breast Cancer Research: Inflammation and breast cancer. Metalloproteinases as common effectors of inflammation and extracellular matrix breakdown in breast cancer
