The Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer Everyone Should Know

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The Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer Everyone Should Know

A lump in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. It can send a shock wave through anyone who notices one of them. However, there are other symptoms of breast cancer that you should look out for. In general, any changes in the breasts should not be dismissed, such as changes in size and shape. If you notice such a difference, consult your doctor, but do not panic. It’s possible that the symptoms are from a more serious issue, but it’s always best to have a professional clarify that for you. Here are some early signs of breast cancer that everyone should know.

Early signs of breast cancer

When cancer cells multiply in the breast ducts or lobules, they can form a firm, irregular mass that is visible to the naked eye. Image credit: Shutterstock

Breast tumors vary from person to person. Some may have no symptoms at all, which is why screening is so important. The most common symptom is a lump or node in the middle or chest or armpit. However, lumps can also appear in fibrocystic breast conditions and cysts, according to the CDC. Talk to a doctor if you are concerned about a node, or any of these symptoms:

General pain in the chest or chest
Nipple discharge (not breast milk)
Enlargement of one or both breasts
Changing the shape of one or both breasts
Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples
Swelling, redness, or other abnormalities in the skin of one or both breasts

Early signs of invasive breast cancer

A young woman doing a breast exam at home, Cancer Awareness — Breast changes aren’t necessarily signs of cancer, but it’s best to bring any concerns to a doctor.
Photo credit: Shutterstock

Invasive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer. It occurs when cancer cells start in ducts or glands and spread to surrounding tissues. All types of breast cancer often have overlapping symptoms, but it can be helpful to know certain symptoms so you can refer them to a healthcare professional.

Itchy or irritated breasts
Breasts that enlarge or change shape in a short period of time
A lump or lump in the breast
Tenderness or warmth in the breast
Chest skin is red or pitted (like the dried skin of an orange)
Peeling or peeling nipple skin

Symptoms of late-stage invasive breast cancer

Depressed woman with breast pain sitting on sofa at home — *At first, cancerous lumps are usually painless, but they may become more painful as the disease progresses. Photo credit: Shutterstock*

As the cancer spreads, the symptoms of invasive breast cancer may become more apparent. These symptoms may include:

A lump or mass in the breast or armpit
Swelling, even if there is no lump, in the breast or armpit
Pain in the breast or nipples
Dimpling or irritation of the skin
Inverted nipples (retract)
Discharge from the nipples
The skin on the breast or nipple looks scaly, red, or thicker than usual

Symptoms of breast cancer inflammation

A young woman suffering from labor pains at home, nearby — *Inflammatory breast cancer is difficult to diagnose because it often presents as a common breast disease.* *Image credit: Shutterstock*

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is difficult to diagnose because it rarely presents with a telltale lump. Self-exams are often ineffective, and may not even be taken during a mammogram. This is an aggressive type of cancer that can progress quickly, so be aware of its symptoms and talk to your healthcare provider immediately about any concerns. Although it doesn’t look like a lump, IBC can present with visible changes, explains City of Hope National Medical Center. This includes:

Swollen, itchy, red, and tender breasts
The skin of the breast has a curved or curved shape (like a citrus peel)
One breast is noticeably larger than the other
Pain, heat, or heaviness in one breast
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit or above the collarbone
Symptoms persist after antibiotic treatment (to rule out mastitis as a diagnosis)

Professional, female and office eye strain headache with article deadline, brain fog and burnout. A black man, a journalist and a migraine with the wrong medicine, fatigue and depression — *When cancer cells spread, they can cause new symptoms depending on the area affected.*
*Photo credit: Shutterstock*

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the original site (duct or lobule) to other parts of the body. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer depend on its stage and where the cells have spread. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Here are some parts of the body that are commonly affected and their physical reactions:

Breast or chest wall: pain, nipple discharge, and a lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
Brain or spinal cord: headache, blurred or double vision, confusion, pain, memory loss, difficulty walking or talking, or seizures.
Bones: pain, fractures, constipation, nausea, confusion, or fatigue
Liver: tiredness, nausea, yellow or itchy skin, swollen hands or feet, or an enlarged stomach
Lungs: difficulty breathing, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue

Cancer without symptoms

Young patient African woman consulting doctor in clinic, telling doctor about health care complaints by writing notes, talking to medical specialist, asking for treatment, prescription for pills — *Regular screening can catch cancer before it develops and causes symptoms. Photo credit: Shutterstock*

For reference, non-invasive breast cancer is the first type of breast cancer where the tumor is confined to the milk ducts. It is also known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or stage 0 cancer. It is only available through mammography, as it usually does not cause physical symptoms. Meanwhile, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) occurs when there are abnormal cells in the lobules of the breast. It has no symptoms and cannot be seen on a mammogram. Instead, it is usually found during a breast biopsy for an unrelated reason. LCIS is not considered cancerous, but it does indicate a higher risk of breast cancer, warns the Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms of breast cancer in men

Male breast cancer concept : An image of an Asian man and a pink ribbon is a breast cancer campaign symbol. Studio shot isolated on gray background — *In rare cases, men can develop breast cancer, especially those who have close relatives with the disease.* *Photo credit: Shutterstock*

By definition, breast cancer is found in the breast tissue, which means that anyone can get it regardless of gender. Men make up about 1 in 100 breast cancer cases in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The Cleveland Clinic explains that risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, having genes associated with breast cancer, high levels of estrogen, radiation therapy to the chest, testicular damage or medical conditions, and being over 60 years old. In these cases, symptoms include:

Nipple discharge or bleeding
Lumps or thickening in the breast
Redness, throbbing, swelling, or sinking in the breast or nipple
Pain or tenderness in the breast or armpit
A retracted nipple

When to see a doctor

A young woman is examined for mammography in a hospital or private clinic by a specialist gynecologist. — *Medical experts recommend that women aged 40 to 74 be screened for breast cancer every two years.*
*Photo credit: Shutterstock*

It’s easy to learn about cancer and be confused about having it. So remember that these symptoms can appear in other situations. Additionally, it is common for breasts to change, especially in conjunction with weight gain, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and other hormonal changes. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor about further testing. There is an ongoing debate about how often people should be screened for breast cancer. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women aged 40 to 74 who are at average risk of breast cancer should be screened every 2 years. The American Cancer Society recommends that women at high risk of breast cancer be screened annually after age 30.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for qualified medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medications. Do not disregard effective medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of what you read here.

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