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Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast Changes

The most common symptom is a lump or thickening in or near the breast. The lump or thickening could also be in the underarm area. The lump if often not painful but sometimes there is pain. The lump may shrink or go away, but it does not mean the problem is gone. Any changes in the breast should be reported to the doctor.

Other changes may be:

  • A change in the shape or size of the breast
  • Nipple discharge or tenderness
  • Inverted nipple
  • Ridges or pitting of the breast—it may look like the skin of an orange
  • Changes in the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (dark area surrounding the nipple), such as:
    • Warmth or redness
    • Swelling
    • Scaling
  • A sore or ulcer on the breast that does not heal

Breast Changes

The most common symptom is a lump or thickening in or near the breast. The lump or thickening could also be in the underarm area. The lump if often not painful but sometimes there is pain. The lump may shrink or go away, but it does not mean the problem is gone. Any changes in the breast should be reported to the doctor.

Other changes may be:

  • A change in the shape or size of the breast
  • Nipple discharge or tenderness
  • Inverted nipple
  • Ridges or pitting of the breast—it may look like the skin of an orange
  • Changes in the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (dark area surrounding the nipple), such as:
    • Warmth or redness
    • Swelling
    • Scaling
  • A sore or ulcer on the breast that does not heal

Later Stage Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain or a feeling of a mass
  • Less hunger and unplanned weight loss
  • Feeling very tired
  • Belly or back pain—caused by pressure on nearby nerves
  • Problems breathing
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Bone pain

References

  • Breast cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/breast-disorders/breast-cancer.
  • Breast cancer in women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/breast-cancer-in-women.
  • Breast cancer signs and symptoms. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/breast-cancer-signs-and-symptoms.html.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.