Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast Cancer is due to the formation of tumors and cancerous cells in the breast glands and ducts. Breast cancers in their early stages are usually painless. The first symptom is the discovery of a hard lump. Fifty percent of such masses are found in the upper outer quarter of the breast. Many cancers, however, produce no symptoms and cannot be felt on examination. They can be detected only with a mammogram. A mammogram can detect cancer before you can feel a lump, which is why your annual screening mammogram is so important.

If you find a lump or other change in your breast then make an appointment with your doctor.

Here are some of the breast cancer symptoms:

The most common type of breast cancer begins in the ducts designed to carry milk to the nipple. Breast tenderness, puckered skin and formation of lumps are the normal signs of breast tumors. One can self examine themselves by lying down with the raised arms, and then they can feel the entire region of breast slowly at a time.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

• A change in the size, shape and, contour of the breast.
• Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast.
• Skin look like the skin of an orange.
• A rash can affect the nipple or the nipple may weep. Occasionally the nipple itself changes.
• The nipple might be pulled in or there may be unusual discharge from the nipple.
• A lump under the arm is a sign of spreading cancer to the lymph glands.
• Pain or tenderness in the breast can cause breast cancer.
• A retraction, redness or scaliness of the nipple that does not go away is one of the symptoms of breast cancer.
• Itchiness, burning and inflammation of the skin cause breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Call your doctor if one or both breasts develop an abnormal lump or persistent pain, or look or feel abnormal. The cause often is something other than cancer but should be identified. Doctors should discuss the benefits and limitations of breast self-exam with their patients.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast Cancer in Situ, DCIS and LCIS:- 

• Many breast cancers detected early, typically by mammography, are classified as breast cancer in situ or noninvasive cancer.

• DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ): These abnormal cells haven't spread outside the duct. These abnormal cells are found only in the lining of a milk duct of the breast. DCIS is sometimes call intraductal carcinoma.

• LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ): in this the abnormal cells are found in the lining of a milk lobule. LCIS sometimes is found in a biopsy for another lump or unusual change detected on a mammogram.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Recurrent Breast Cancer: In this the cancer has come back or recurred after treatment.

Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: It is very serious and aggressive type of breast cancer. A patient may see ridges, welts or hives on the breast or its skin may look wrinkled. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as an infection.

Invasive Breast Cancer: These cancer cells form in the ducts or the milk lobules and spread to the breast tissue around them. The size of the tumor, what it looks like under the microscope and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes determines the severity of the cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Often, these symptoms are not caused by cancer. Other health problems can cause them. Testing is necessary to make a diagnosis.