BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS

Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast exams are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:




Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not hurt


Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple -- for example, you may have redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange


Fluid coming from the nipple -- may be bloody, clear to yellow, green, and look like pus


Men get breast cancer, too. Symptoms include breast lump and breast pain and tenderness.


Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may include:


Bone pain


Breast pain or discomfort


Skin ulcers


Swelling of one arm (next to breast with cancer)


Weight loss
 
In-Depth Symptoms :

 Breast cancers in their early stages are usually painless. Often 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. The lump may make the affected breast appear elevated or asymmetric. The nipple may be retracted or scaly. Sometimes the skin of the breast is dimpled like the skin of an orange. In some cases there is a bloody or clear discharge from the nipple.

Many cancers, however, produce no symptoms and cannot be felt on examination. With an increase in the use of mammogram screening programs during the last several decades, more breast cancers are being discovered before there are any symptoms.