Introduction
If you have a lump or thickening in your breast, new or hard lumps or puckers in your armpits, dimpling of your skin, redness or scaling of the nipple, a change in size and shape of the breast including swelling, nipple discharge that could be clear, bloody, milky or watery then you should see a doctor. These are just some of the signs that could mean you have breast cancer. The sooner you catch them the better chance you have of beating it!
A lump or thickening.
If you are experiencing a lump or thickening, it may be a sign of breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast that can be felt by your doctor or yourself. A lump can also be felt in the armpit or around the nipple.
Lumps are usually painless but can occasionally cause pain and discomfort when they grow larger. Lumps that move around within the breast tissue (movable) are more likely to be benign than those that stay still (fixed).
New, hard skin lumps or puckers in your armpits.
You may be surprised to learn that new, hard skin lumps or puckers in your armpit are a symptom of breast cancer.
These lumps are usually painless and can be felt under the skin. They’re not normal and should be checked by a doctor if they appear suddenly.
This symptom is often caused by other conditions besides breast cancer; however, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor because they could still mean something serious like breast cancer or lymphoma (a type of blood cancer).
Dimpling of your breast skin, or a rash on your breast that looks like the skin around a bruise.
- Dimpling of your breast skin, or a rash on your breast that looks like the skin around a bruise.
- Redness or scaling of the nipple.
- Change in size and shape of your breast.
- Swelling.
Pain or tenderness in one part of your breast (this may be due to tissue swelling).
Redness or scaling of the nipple.
Redness or scaling of the nipple: This can be a sign of infection, which may indicate breast cancer.
Nipple discharge: If you have a discharge from one or both nipples, it could be normal for you–but it could also be a sign of cancer.
Skin changes: A lump in your armpit or underarm that’s new to you should always be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. The same goes for any other unusual lumps or bumps on your skin (including those found in other areas of your body).
Changes in size or shape of one part of your breast: Any sudden change in size could mean something serious has happened inside that part of your breast–so if this happens, get checked right away! Painful breasts are another red flag; if they hurt when touched and/or become very tender after being touched lightly over several days’ time, see a doctor immediately because there may be cancer present somewhere beneath those tender spots!
A change in the size and shape of your breast, including swelling.
A change in the size and shape of your breast, including swelling.
You may notice that one or both breasts are larger than usual or feel firmer than usual. This can happen because cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and they become swollen with fluid. Swelling is also a sign of inflammation–a reaction by the body’s immune system that causes tissues to expand as they try to fight off an infection or injury (like getting hit by a baseball). Swelling can be caused by conditions other than cancer, so it’s important to see your doctor if you have any concerns about changes in your breasts’ appearance or feel something unusual while checking them regularly during self-exams.
Nipple discharge (it could be clear, bloody, milky or watery).
Nipple discharge (it could be clear, bloody, milky or watery).
Nipple discharge can be a sign of breast cancer. The amount and color will vary depending on the cause of your nipple discharge and how long it’s been happening. Discharge from one nipple or both nipples is common in women who have an infection in their breasts called mastitis. If you notice that you are leaking clear fluid from your nipples, contact us to schedule an appointment with our breast surgeon immediately so we can rule out any serious issues with your breasts!
Pain or tenderness in one part of your breast.
Pain or tenderness in one part of your breast can be a sign of a number of conditions. It’s important to note that many women experience this sort of pain at some point during their lives without having any serious health problems.
- Breast cancer: This is the most common cause of pain or tenderness in one area of the breast, but it’s also possible for other conditions such as mastitis or breast abscess to cause this symptom.
- Infection or inflammation: Conditions like mastitis, which is an infection in the milk ducts; fever blisters (herpes simplex); boils; pimples; boils (furuncles); carbuncles–these all fall under this category! And then there are more serious infections like tuberculosis and syphilis…you get my drift? These things happen too!
- Fibrocystic breast disease: This condition causes lumpiness within your breasts’ tissue due to excessive buildup of fluids underneath the skin layer called “fibrous cysts”. Although these lumps aren’t harmful on their own, they may indicate that something else is going on with your body–like cancerous growths–so read up on what fibrocystic means here before making any conclusions about yourself based solely off these symptoms alone!
The sooner you catch symptoms of breast cancer, the better chance you have of beating it.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
- Early detection is key to beating breast cancer, so it’s important to be aware of your body and know what’s normal for you.
- It can be hard to spot symptoms of breast cancer because they’re often subtle–and there are lots of other things that cause similar symptoms (like infection or inflammation).
- Don’t wait for a mammogram! Check your breasts regularly yourself; if you notice something different about them, see a doctor right away.
Conclusion
Catching breast cancer early is crucial, but it can be difficult to know what’s normal for your body and what might be a sign of something more serious. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, speak with your doctor immediately.
