Breast cancer can occur in both women and men, but is much more common in women. In fact, other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, according to MayoClinic.com. Some cases of breast cancer are diagnosed after a mammogram, but sometimes a woman or her doctor may notice changes in the breast during palpitation. These changes should suggest further evaluation for breast cancer.
Lump in the Breast
BreastCancer.org notes that a lump or area of thickening in the breast requires further evaluation; all lumps are not necessarily indicative of cancer, and may be benign tumors like a fibroadenoma or a fluid-filled cyst. The lumps can be painless or tender to the touch, or can be rounded or with jagged ends. Suspicious lumps can also be found under the arm and in the armpit. These type of lumps should be evaluated as well.
Changes in the Nipple
Any discharge that is not breast milk should be evaluated by a physician. The discharge can be cloudy or bloody; however, not all nipple discharges are indicative of breast cancer, and could be caused by an infection, a benign tumor or hormonal imbalance, as noted by MayoClinic.com. An inversion or turning in of the nipple itself is another symptom of breast health problems, and should be investigated. Changes in size of the nipple are of concern as well.
Changes in the Skin of the Breast
Changes in the skin of the breast could be suggestive of breast cancer. As noted on the Virginia Mason Medical Center website, dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast, or thickening of the skin to where the skin looks like orange peel, are both conditions that require evaluation for breast cancer or other breast condition.
Changes in the Size of the Breast
An increase in the size of a breast can be a sign of breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form called inflammatory breast cancer, as reported on the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center website. Inflammatory breast cancer alters the function of the lymph system of the breast, making it difficult for fluid to drain out and causing an increase in size. Along with the swelling, the skin of the breast can appear red and inflamed.
