Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Symptoms

Some warning signs of breast cancer are:

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.

Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms You Need to Know

This video explains that it’s important to learn about breast cancer symptoms and know how your breasts normally look and feel so you can talk to your doctor if you notice any changes.

What is a normal breast?

No breast is typical. What is normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven. The way your breasts look and feel can be affected by getting your period, having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain medications. Breasts also tend to change as you age. For more information, see the National Cancer Institute's Benign and Precancerous Breast Lumps and Conditions.

What do lumps in my breast mean?

Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast, including cancer. But most breast lumps are caused by other medical conditions. Two common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts. Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast.

More information

• Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer? (CDC)
• Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms (National Cancer Institute)