Within the breast cells are "receptors," and these receptors receive signals and messages from other cells that tell them to reproduce and grow. The three types of receptors are estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth receptors. Since these receptors are responsible for the signals that tell the cells, and cancerous cells, to grow, treatment involves destroying the signals so the cancer cells do not get the message. According to BreastCancer.org, with triple negative breast cancer there are no receptors, which makes stopping the growth of cancer cells harder to interfere with. Triple negative breast cancer has many of the same symptoms of other types of breast cancer, with only a slight difference.
Lump
As with other types of breast cancer, a lump or lumps can be a symptom of triple negative breast cancer. A lump in the breast can be any size, and it will feel different from other breast tissue. Finding a lump does not necessarily mean that you have cancer, but it definitely means you should bring it to the attention of your health care provider. The American Cancer Society states that even if you do not feel a definite lump, swelling in one particular area of the breast can be a symptom as well.
Breast Skin Changes
With or without the presence of a lump, changes in the skin of the breast can also be a symptom of triple negative breast cancer. The skin can appear dimpled, red, scaly, irritated and thick. If you experience these symptoms, point them out to your doctor. It could simply be skin irritation from other sources, but it should be checked into.
Nipple Changes
Breast cancer, including triple negative breast cancer, can cause changes in the breast nipples. According to the American Cancer Society, nipple symptoms include redness, pain, itchiness, a turning inward and a nonmilk discharge from the nipple.
Aggressiveness
One of the most characteristic traits of triple negative breast cancer is the rate at which it progresses. The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation states that TNBC is particularly aggressive, which means that it grows at a more rapid rate than other breast cancers. For this reason, one of the symptoms is the amount of time in which you see changes take place within the breast. For example, a discovered lump may quickly grow in size, or the rate at which the breast skin changes color or texture may happen suddenly. The rate at which symptoms occur and change will still vary with each individual, but it may be quick enough to notice that the symptoms are changing, causing a red alert. Not only does the aggressiveness of triple negative breast cancer apply to symptoms, but BreastCancer.org reports that it can also be particularly aggressive once it is diagnosed.
