Breast Cancer Symptoms

So what are breast cancer symptoms that would prompt a visit to the doctor?

• Lump
  The most widely recognized symptom would be a tangible lump in the breast or in the armpit since there are lymph nodes here that can get enlarged when breast cancer is present
• New nipple inversion or Skin Dimple
  When the underlying cancer attaches to the overlying skin, it can pull the skin towards it inwards which can cause a dimple.
  If this occurs near the nipple, it can cause the nipple to retract inwards
• Abnormal nipple discharge
  The surface of the nipple has multiple exit openings for the milk ducts. If any of these openings leak abnormal fluid spontaneously such as blood, it can be a sign of cancer.
• Skin changes (redness, sores or crusting, or thickening)
  A certain type of breast cancer called Inflammatory breast cancer can cause skin redness, sores or crusting.
  Another type of skin change from breast cancer can be skin thickening, with the skin appearing like the surface of an orange, due to swelling caused by the cancer blocking the lymphatic drainage system.
• One-sided breast size changes such as one side becoming bigger or smaller or changing in shape, can also occur with breast cancer
• Breast pain can be an uncommon symptom of breast cancer

Breast cancer may not always present with all of these symptoms. Any of these symptoms could indicate breast cancer.

Additional Resources

• Real pictures of breast cancer: *Warning* These pictures are very graphic