Signs of Breast Cancer

Signs of breast cancer vary depending on the stage of the tumor. In the genesis of the disease, breast cancer may be completely asymptomatic; the tumor usually causes no pain. In fact, the majority of women with a non-invasive breast cancer experience no evidence of impaired general condition; they can feel completely healthy. However, as the tumor grows, it can cause minor pain or visible changes in the breast. In most cases, breast cancer usually begins with a painless or painful lump in the breast or armpit. This mass can be noticed by yourself or by your doctor during a routine physical exam or screening mammogram.  

Detecting early, breast cancer can be completely cured or kept under control, hence the importance of knowing the signs of the disease to report them to your doctor. Knowing the signs of breast cancer helps you to have an early diagnosis, which allows an early and successful treatment, thus reduces the risk of complication or the severity of the disease. Unfortunately, sometimes breast cancer does not give warning or early signs.  

A breast tumor big enough or slightly advanced can be easily detected. The nodule can be seen on the skin of the breast as a palpable lump; in fact, this is usually the most common early sign of breast cancer. Sometimes, the skin changes in appearance, taking the color of orange skin. The skin of the breast can become retracted, dimpled or puckered. In addition, there may be a scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola. The nipple may also be distorted, with a lesion similar to eczema. In some cases, there may be discharge that contains blood from the nipple.  

In advanced stages, the symptoms and signs of breast cancer vary depending on the location and extent of the tumor. Cancer can cause formation of large glands in the armpit on the affected side, which can be associated with back pain (which explains a bone metastasis). You can have persistent cough accompanied by difficulty breathing, a vivid indication of lung metastasis. In most cases, you may experience a loss of appetite and weight loss. If there are liver metastases, you may experience yellowish discoloration of the skin (jaundice).  

Although they are not necessarily signs of breast cancer, you need see your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs and symptoms: 

• a lump or thickening in or near the breast or armpit  
• change in size or shape of the breast  
• nipple discharge  
• irritability or abnormal sensitivity in the nipple  
• development of a scar or lesion in the breast  
• discoloration of the breast skin in color of an orange skin  
• change in appearance of the breast skin, nipple or the areola, such as swelling, redness or scaling