Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a detection of a palpable mass. The mass may be painful in 10–15% of the patients.

The other symptoms seen later include:¹

• A thickening or lump in the breast or armpit usually observed after the menstrual cycle.

• Swelling in the armpit.

• A change in the size or shape of the breast and pain in the breast.

• Changes in the skin of the breast like dimple in the skin or skin that looks like an orange peel.

• Changes in the nipple like indrawn nipple, nipple that is itchy or ulcerous.

• Unusual discharge from the nipples including occasional blood discharge.

• Marble like area under the skin.

• Change in the color or peel of the skin around the nipple.

• Dilated veins.

• Hardness of the breast.

• Visible flattening on the breast.

Since breast cancer is rare in men, any lump in a male is considered abnormal.²     

Next page: Causes and risk factors for breast cancer

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 22, 2012