Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Understanding what’s normal for you is the first step in protecting your breast health.
Most breast changes aren’t cancer. But knowing what to look for, and when to talk with your healthcare provider, can make all the difference.
Common Signs to Watch For
Everyone’s body is different, but it’s important to pay attention to changes that are new, persistent, or unusual for you. These are the most common breast cancer signs according to American Cancer Society:
A new lump or mass in your breast or underarm
Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt)
Skin dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
Breast or nipple pain
Nipple retraction (a nipple that is turning inward)
Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
Swollen or bruising lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they should always be checked out.
Common Signs of Paget’s Disease of the Breast
Symptoms of Paget’s Disease usually affect only one breast. They often begin in the nipple and may gradually spread to the areola or surrounding breast tissue. These are the most common signs of Paget’s disease of the breast according to Mayo Clinic:
Flaking or scaly skin on the nipple
Crusting, oozing, or hardened skin that looks like eczema on the nipple, areola, or both
Itching of the breast
A burning sensation of the nipple or surrounding areas
Straw-colored or bloody nipple discharge
Inverted nipple (a nipple that points inward)
A lump in the breast or armpit
Thickening skin on the breast
Common Signs of Male Breast Cancer
While breast cancer in men is not as common as breast cancer in women, knowing what to look for can help with early detection and better outcomes. These are the most common signs of male breast cancer according to Mayo Clinic:
A firm, painless lump in one of your breasts, usually behind the nipple
A lump in your armpit
Skin on your chest that looks dimpled or pitted (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
Red, flaky, or scaly skin on your chest or near your nipple
Pain or tenderness in your chest or underarm
Clear or bloody nipple discharge
Inverted nipple (a nipple that has sunken inward)
Common Signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Unlike most other breast cancers, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) usually doesn’t cause a lump. Instead, it often leads to sudden, visible changes in the breast that appear quickly and don’t go away. These are the most common signs of IBC according to Mayo Clinic:
Dimpling of the breast
Bruising or rash that spreads over one-third of your breast
Enlarged breast so that one breast appears larger than the other
Inverted nipple or retracted nipple (a nipple that points inward)
Pain, swelling, itchiness, firmness, or tenderness of breast or surrounding areas
Skin discoloration of the breast or surrounding areas that may look red, pink, or purple depending on your skin tone
Swollen or bruising lymph nodes near your collarbone or under your arm
Warmth or burning sensation of your breast
When to See a Doctor
If you notice a lump or any change in your breast that you can’t explain, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider. It’s important to get checked as soon as possible, even if your last mammogram was normal. Trust your body and speak up about any changes you find.
Other Diseases and Conditions of the Breast that Could Appear
Not every lump, rash, or change in the breast is cancer. In fact, many breast changes are caused by noncancerous (benign) conditions. Knowing a bit about them can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider.
Here are some of the most common benign breast conditions: