Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The following are the most common signs and symptoms of breast cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms of breast cancer differently. Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain and may cause no signs or symptoms at all. And, some breast cancers never cause symptoms or other indications of a problem.

As breast cancer grows, however, it can cause changes that women and men should watch for, such as:

• a lump or thickening (a mass, swelling, skin irritation, or distortion) in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• a change in the size or shape of the breast
• a change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly)
• nipple discharge, erosion, inversion, or tenderness

A woman (or man) should consult a physician when any of these changes are noticed.