Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older, overweight women with a family history of breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing this form of cancer. People who develop breast cancer skin symptoms should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Skin Discoloration
Breast skin discoloration can occur as a symptom of breast cancer in certain people. The breast skin can appear unusually pink, red or bruised, explains the National Cancer Institute. Cancer cell growth within the breast interferes with the normal flow of blood through the lymph vessels in the breast tissue, resulting in skin discoloration. Skin discoloration can occur in conjunction with breast pain or tenderness in affected people.
Skin Peeling or Flaking
A person with breast cancer can experience unusual peeling or flaking of the skin surrounding the nipple as a symptom of this disease, notes MayoClinic.com. The affected skin region can appear scaly or dry and may begin to itch.
Skin Deformation or Thickening
Unusual skin deformation or thickening can occur as a symptom of breast cancer. The skin of the affected breast can appear unusually thick, ridged or pitted, warns the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. People may also notice that the breast skin appears lumpy or uneven due to a growth or mass beneath the skin. These skin changes can cause the breast tissue to resemble an orange peel--a skin symptom referred to as peau d'orange. People who develop these skin changes may also experience sensations of heaviness or aching within the affected breast.
Skin Warmth
Cancer cell growth within the breast can irritate and inflame this body region. Consequently, people with breast cancer may notice that the skin of the affected breast feels unusually warm or hot to the touch, explains the National Cancer Institute. Skin warmth typically occurs in conjunction with skin discoloration in affected people.
