Understanding breast cancer - symptoms

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

In its early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As a tumour develops, you may note the following signs:

• A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle; often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer, breast lumps are painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.
• Swelling in the armpit.
• Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer.
• A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumour that cannot be seen or felt.
• Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast; a reddish, pitted surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer.
• A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration; scaling of the nipple is symptomatic of Paget's disease, a localised cancer.
• Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another colour. It's usually caused by benign conditions but could be due to cancer in some cases.
• A marble-like area under the skin.
• An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.

Call your doctor about breast cancer 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.
• You have swollen lymph glands in your armpits. Any such swelling could be associated with cancer.