What are the early signs, symptoms of breast cancer?

ALTHOUGH breast cancer generally shows no symptoms in the early stage, timely detection can turn a story of breast cancer into a survivor’s tale.

A breast lump is the most common presenting symptom. But for about 1 in 6 women with breast cancer, the broad spectrum of symptoms doesn’t include a lump. In this article we’ll explore the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer, what happens next, and where to find support.

Early signs of breast cancer

Early on, a person may notice a change in their breast when they perform a monthly breast exam or when minor abnormal pain doesn’t seem to go away. Early signs of breast cancer to look for include: changes in the shape of the nipple breast pain that doesn’t go away after your next period a new lump that doesn’t go away after your next period nipple discharge from one breast that’s clear, red, brown, or yellow unexplained redness, swelling, skin irritation, itchiness, or rash on the breast swelling or a lump around the collarbone or under the arm

A lump that’s hard with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous.

Later signs of breast cancer

Later signs of breast cancer include:

retraction, or inward turning of the nipple enlargement of one breast dimpling of the breast surface an existing lump that gets bigger an “orange peel” texture to the skin poor appetite unintentional weight loss enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit visible veins on the breast Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Nipple discharge, for example, can also be caused by an infection. See a doctor for a complete evaluation if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.

What is a “normal” breast?

As you might suspect, there’s really no such thing as a “normal” breast. Everyone’s breasts are different. So, when we talk about normal, we mean normal for you. It’s about how your breasts usually look and feel and what it could mean when this changes.

It’s worth noting that it’s common to experience breast changes during ovulation. This may have to do with extra fluid retention, which can cause: swelling tenderness, soreness pain lumpiness

These symptoms should resolve after you start your period.

Breast self-checks

Regular self-checks can help you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so you’ll recognize changes early on. Here’s what to look for:

difference in overall size, shape, or color of your breasts dimpling or bulging of the skin redness, soreness, rash, or swelling nipple inversion, unusual discharge

How to perform a breast selfcheck

Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Visually inspect your breasts.

Repeat with your arms raised.

Lie down on your back to feel your breasts. First, use your right hand to check your left breast. Use the pads of your fingers and move in a circular motion to feel for lumps or other changes. Be sure to cover the entire breast, from the center of your chest to your armpit and from your abdomen to your collarbone.

Repeat using your left hand to check your right breast.

Repeat while standing or sitting. You might find it easier to do this in the shower.

Are breast lumps typically cancerous?

Although a lump in the breast is typically associated with breast cancer, most lumps aren’t cancerous. In fact, about 75 percent of breast biopsies come back with a diagnosis of benign breast disease.

Common causes of benign breast lumps include: breast infection

fibrocystic breast disease (“lumpy breasts”) fibroadenoma (noncancerous tumor) fat necrosis (damaged tissue) With fat necrosis, the mass can’t be distinguished from a cancerous lump without a biopsy. Even though the majority of breast lumps are caused by less severe conditions, new, painless lumps are still the most common symptom of breast cancer.

Other causes of breast pain and tenderness

We often associate pain with something wrong, so when people feel tenderness or pain in their breast, they often think of breast cancer. But breast pain is rarely the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer. Several other factors can cause pain.

Clinically known as mastalgia, breast pain can also be caused by the following:

the fluctuation of hormones caused by menstruation some birth control pills some fertility treatments a bra that doesn’t fit well breast cysts

large breasts, which may be accompanied by neck, shoulder, or back pain stress

Types of breast cancer

There are two categories that reflect the nature of breast cancer:

Noninvasive (in situ) cancer is cancer that hasn’t spread from the original tissue. This is referred to as stage 0. Invasive (infiltrating) cancer is cancer that’s spread to surrounding tissues. These are categorized as stages 1, 2, 3, or 4, depending on how far it has spread.

The tissue affected determines the type of cancer. For example:

Ductal carcinoma: Ductal carcinoma is a cancer that forms in the lining of the milk ducts. This is the most common type of breast cancer.

Lobular carcinoma: Lobular carcinoma is cancer in the lobules of the breast. The lobules are where milk is produced.

Sarcoma: This is cancer that starts in the breast’s connective tissue.

Angiosarcoma: This type starts in cells that line blood vessels or lymph vessels.

Breast cancer can also be categorized based on certain features, although early signs and symptoms are similar. Among them are. Hormone-positive breast cancer:

Hormone-positive breast cancers are fueled by estrogen and/or progesterone.

HER2-positive breast cancer: Human epidermal growth factor is a naturally occurring protein that helps breast cancer cells thrive. If your cancer has high levels of this protein, it’s called HER2-positive. Triple-negative breast cancer:

Triple-negative breast cancer tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2. Papillary breast cancer: Under microscopic examination, papillary breast cancer has small, finger-like growths called papules. It can be made up of both invasive and noninvasive cells. Metaplastic breast cancer:

Metaplastic breast cancer may contain abnormal ductal cells along with other types of cells, like skin or bone cells that aren’t usually found there. It’s typically triplenegative.

Some types of breast cancer are more likely to present with symptoms other than a breast lump. For example:

Inflammatory breast cancer: In inflammatory breast cancer, cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. It is so named because the breast appears swollen, red, and inflamed.

Paget’s disease of the breast: Paget’s disease develops around the skin of the nipple and areola. The area may look red and crusty or scaly. The nipple may flatten or become inverted and there may be blood or yellow discharge. Other symptoms include