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Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast Cancer: Symptoms


Top Symptoms

1. Change in breast size or shape

When tumor grows it needn’t always form a lump. Sometimes, it pushes the existing tissue in another direction to facilitate its growth. This will lead to change in the shape and size of the breast. If there is rapid increase in size of one of the breasts or if the shape of one breast is different from the other (which was not noticeable before) it can be a cause of concern.

When the cancer is in its advanced stages that is when it metastasizes to other regions or organs. Symptoms like bone pain, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing etc. can also be observed. Regular health check up and mammography screening can identify cancer at early stages and cure it completely.

2. Swelling or pain in the armpit

Lymph nodes are present close to the breast and the lymphatic fluid drains its fluid from the breast. One of the first regions to which cancers metastasize are the lymph nodes near the armpit. Any pain or even swelling in that area, or a lump in one of the armpit calls for medical attention.ย 

3. Back pain

People rarely associate symptoms like back pain with breast cancer. But when there is glandular breast tumor, it grows deeper, close to the chest wall. As it grows, it pushes the normal tissues inwards, towards the ribs and spine. This will lead to upper back pain that is in between or close to the shoulder blades.

4. Pain

Some of the classic symptoms of breast cancer are persistent pain and tenderness of the breast. Even the nippular region will experience pain. It will start like a normal pain experienced during PMS (premenstrual syndrome) but will last for long time.

5. Discharge

Any breast discharge other than breast milk is a cause of concern. The nipple discharge can be clear, bloody or have unusual color. It is not just breast cancer but a number of benign conditions, infections, medications, pregnancy etc. can also cause the discharge but it is better to diagnose the condition at the earliest. A discharge from a single nipple is of more concern.

6. Indentation

Sometimes no lump can be felt in patients with breast cancer but symptoms like indentation of the breast or even flattening of the breast will be noticeable. These occur due to changes or growth that happen underneath the affected area as a result of tumor.

7. Temperature

Elevated breast temperature when compared to the body can be a symptom for inflammatory breast cancer. In inflammatory breast cancer, the blood vessels that carry blood to skin cells are choked or blocked. This leads to an inflammation reaction which is characterized by an elevated temperature.ย 

8. Firmness

Breast changes happen all through life but a sudden unusual firmness can be the symptom of breast cancer.

9. Nipple

The region below the nipple is where the tumor is often found. Therefore, nipples can show a number of symptoms like change in the texture of skin, dryness, decreased sensitivity to touch or can even become flattened or inverted.ย 

10. Lump

The classic symptom that is always associated with breast cancer is the presence of unusual lumps or swelling in the breast. Except in a few cases, these lumps will be hard, will not move freely, have no clear edges and will be painless. But a lump always needn’t be malignant. A number of benign conditions can also lead to it.

11. Redness of the breast

A sore, red breast is often associated with mastitis or infection of the ducts near the nipple. But it is also a symptom of breast cancer. This symptom is often seen for inflammatory breast cancer which accounts for over 3% of breast cancer cases. The skin and its texture change greatly.ย 

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