Nowadays, in many countries, including Canada and European nations, breast cancer is often diagnosed in its early stages through screening systems like mammography, even when there are no noticeable symptoms. However, in many other countries where such services are not available, or in rarer cases, even in developed countries, breast cancer may be diagnosed when symptoms appear.
This disease has various symptoms, but it is important to note that not all of these symptoms are present in every individual. In fact, in most cases, only one or two symptoms may be seen. These symptoms include:
- Breast lump
- Discharge from the nipple
- Skin changes in the breast
- Nipple changes
- Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
- Change in breast size
- Inflammation and redness of the breast
- Spread to other organs (metastasis)
Breast Lump
A lump is the most common sign of breast cancer, often discovered by the patient during self-exams or accidentally, and in other cases, it may be detected by a doctor during annual check-ups. While these lumps can sometimes be painful, they are often painless. Since lumps can also occur in benign conditions, it is important to consult a doctor for an evaluation if you find any lumps in your breast. In some cases, breast cancer may appear as multiple lumps. The doctor will assess whether the lump is benign or malignant through careful evaluation.
Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge is usually related to benign breast conditions. Although nipple discharge is not commonly associated with breast cancer, it must be carefully examined in some cases because of the potential for cancer.
Suspicious discharges include:
- Bloody or watery discharge
- Spontaneous discharge without pressure
- Discharge from one breast and one duct only
- Discharge accompanying a breast lump
Discharges that are white, creamy, yellow, green, or brown, and those that are not spontaneous and can be expressed with pressure, are generally not concerning and are not typically signs of cancer.
Skin Changes in the Breast
Skin changes, such as dimpling or tightening, can indicate breast cancer. This can sometimes be seen during specific parts of a breast exam. In some cases, the tumor’s attachment to the skin causes breast deformities. Changes in the area around the nipple can also signal underlying cancerous tissue. Skin involvement may lead to sores, and swelling that resembles orange peel skin indicates a more advanced stage of the disease.
Nipple Changes
A retracted nipple may be a sign of breast cancer. However, if this change has been present for a long time and occurs after breastfeeding or puberty, and can return to its normal position, it is generally not a cause for concern. In cancer cases, this retraction typically develops within weeks or months and remains fixed. A lump may also be felt beneath the nipple and areola.
Paget’s disease of the breast, a type of breast cancer, presents as eczema-like skin changes on the nipple, with symptoms including itching, burning, redness, firmness, and flaking. If untreated, the disease can spread to the areola and surrounding skin.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes under the Arm
Cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic system, and the underarm lymph nodes are the most common site of breast cancer spread. It is important to note that enlarged lymph nodes may also be caused by benign conditions or inflammation. Therefore, while this symptom may prompt further investigation, it is not always a cause for concern.
Change in Breast Size
Sometimes, due to the size of a tumor or inflammation around smaller tumors, one breast may become noticeably larger than the other. Although it is common for breast sizes to be different in healthy individuals, any sudden change in size should be examined to rule out tumors. If this enlargement is accompanied by other symptoms like lumps or redness, it requires further evaluation.
Inflammation or Redness of the Breast
Inflammation or redness in the breast, which can occur in part or all of the breast, may resemble orange peel skin and is often associated with breast cancer. While this is an important symptom that should be checked immediately, it is not exclusive to cancer and can also occur with infections or inflammation such as mastitis. However, if you are not breastfeeding, this requires urgent medical consultation.
Symptoms from Metastasis (Spread to Other Organs)
In rare cases, breast cancer may spread to other organs before symptoms appear in the breast itself. Symptoms of metastasis may include bone pain in a specific area, shortness of breath (due to lung involvement), jaundice, or other signs related to liver enlargement. In such cases, thorough examination and diagnostic testing can confirm the presence of breast cancer.
Any new symptom in your breast that has not been present before should be taken seriously. It is essential to undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible to rule out any serious underlying conditions.