The most common symptoms of breast cancer are new lumps, changes to skin texture or color, dimpling, and swelling. Show According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. People should become familiar with the typical look and feel of their breasts to detect any changes early on. Breast cancer can develop in males and females, but due to differences in breast tissue, the disease is much less common in males. Below, we outline some early indications of breast cancer. We also describe the various types and treatment options. Finally, we look into some benign conditions people may mistake for breast cancer. A new mass or lump in breast tissue is the most common sign of breast cancer. The ACS reports that these lumps are usually hard, irregular in shape, and painless. However, some breast cancer tumors may be soft, round, and tender to the touch. The following breast changes can be symptoms of breast cancer:
Many of these changes can also result from other noncancerous health issues. However, if a person notices any changes in their breast tissue, they should see a doctor as soon as possible. It is important to rule out cancer as a possible cause. Explore our dedicated cancer hub here. There are many different types of breast cancer. Each form of breast cancer develops in a different part of the breast and can affect different tissue types. Since many breast cancers cause no symptoms, people should attend regular screenings. This can help identify the disease in its early stages. Below, we outline the types of breast cancer and their symptoms. Lobular carcinoma in situLobular carcinoma in situ refers to an area of abnormal cells confined to the breast’s milk-producing glands. Because these cells do not spread to surrounding tissues, doctors do not typically consider lobular carcinoma situ to be cancer. However, it can increase the chances of developing other types of invasive breast cancer. This condition rarely causes symptoms. Doctors typically find lobular carcinoma in situ during a breast biopsy for another problem in the breast area. In some cases, tiny white specs of calcium called microcalcifications appear on a routine mammogram. Invasive lobular carcinomaThis develops in the breast’s lobules — glands that can produce milk — and invades nearby breast tissue. In some cases, it may spread to other parts of the body. In the early stages, invasive lobular carcinoma may not cause symptoms. Or, a person may experience:
Ductal carcinoma in situDuctal carcinoma in situ refers to an area of abnormal cells on one milk duct. When a person receives this diagnosis, the cells have not invaded the surrounding breast tissue. However, having ductal carcinoma in situ can increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer later. This condition generally does not cause symptoms. Doctors find 90% of cases through mammography. Rarely, a person may notice a lump in the breast or some discharge from the nipple. Invasive ductal carcinomaThis is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for around 80% of cases. Invasive ductal carcinoma begins in the cells that line the breast’s milk ducts and invades surrounding breast tissue. Over time, cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other tissues. In its early stages, invasive ductal carcinoma may not cause symptoms. For some people, the first indication is a new lump or mass within the breast. People with this type of cancer may also experience:
Less common breast cancersSome less common types of breast cancer include:
Males have small amounts of breast tissue, which does not develop during puberty. Rarely, cancer can form in this tissue. The ACS estimates that in 2022, doctors in the United States will diagnose about 2,710 breast cancer cases in males. Approximately 530 males will die from the disease in the same year. Males with breast cancer may experience:
An individual’s risk of developing breast cancer depends on many factors. The two most prominent factors are being female and getting older. Unchangeable risk factors include:
Changeable risk factors include:
How to reduce riskThere is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, but there are certain steps a person can take to lower their risk. Actions that may lower the risk of breast cancer include:
Typically, the diagnostic procedure begins with an examination of the breast. The doctor will feel for lumps within the tissue and may also check the lymph nodes. The doctor will also ask about the person’s medical history and whether there is a family history of breast cancer. The doctor may then order additional tests, including:
The doctor will describe the treatment options and next steps if breast cancer is present. Breast cancer treatment depends on several factors, including:
Some of the most common breast cancer treatments include:
The doctor will describe the various options at each stage of treatment and work to determine the best course of action. Several benign breast conditions can cause symptoms that resemble those of cancer. Some of these issues require treatment, while others go away on their own. Though these conditions are benign, they can cause:
Some common benign breast conditions include:
If a person is unsure what is causing any breast-related symptom, they should talk with a doctor as soon as possible. See a doctor about any changes in the breast or nipple. It is important to seek medical attention for:
As with most cancers, early breast cancer detection and treatment leads to a better outcome. People should attend regular breast examinations and tell a doctor about any breast-related symptoms or changes. According to the ACS, when a doctor diagnoses breast cancer before it has spread beyond the breast, the relative 5-year survival rate is 99%. Relative survival rates can help people understand the likelihood of treatment being successful. A relative 5-year survival rate indicates the percentage of people living 5 years after their diagnosis compared to people without the disease. When breast cancer has spread beyond the breast to the lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 86%. The same survival rate for cancer that has spread to other organs is 29%. However, many factors specific to each individual affect these estimates. A doctor can provide more detailed information about a person’s outlook. Different types of breast cancer may cause different symptoms, including swelling, pain, discharge from the nipple, and changes to the feel and appearance of the breasts. Because some forms of breast cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages, it’s important to attend regular screenings and conduct breast self-exams. Individuals should become familiar with the regular look and feel of their breasts so that they can detect changes early on. While changes in breast appearance may not always indicate breast cancer—swelling, discharge changes to the nipple, inflammation, or pain are reasons to see a doctor. The earlier a doctor detects breast cancer, the earlier that treatment can start. As with other types of cancer, early treatment may prevent cancer from spreading and lead to a better outcome. Read the article in Spanish. What are the hidden signs of breast cancer?Beyond the Lump: Lesser Known Breast Cancer Warning Signs. Warm, red, irritated and/or itchy breasts. These are among the most common early warning signs of inflammatory breast cancer.. Nipple discharge. ... . Flat or inverted nipple. ... . Scaliness. ... . Changes in skin texture. ... . Change in breast size or shape.. What does breast cancer first look like?If the texture of the skin on your breast starts to change, it can be a sign of breast cancer. In some cases, breast skin can start to feel bumpy like the texture of an orange. Dimpling. Breast skin can also dimple if there is a problem, so if you see signs of this, call your doctor.
What are the seven warning signs of breast cancer?Top 7 Signs Of Breast Cancer. Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone. ... . Swelling of all or part of the breast. ... . Skin irritation or dimpling. ... . Breast or nipple pain.. Nipple retraction. ... . Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.. Nipple discharge.. |