Symptoms

Women with breast cancer may experience breast abnormalities or symptoms, but many women do not show any of these findings at the time of diagnosis. Many times, breast symptoms can be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a breast finding or symptom, please talk with your doctor.

The signs and symptoms to look for include:

• New lumps (many women normally have lumpy breasts) or a thickening in the breast or under the arm
  
  
• Nipple tenderness, discharge, or physical changes (such as a nipple turned inward, a persistent sore, or a change in the size or shape of the breast)
  
  
• Skin irritation or changes, such as puckers, dimples, scaliness, or new creases
  
  
• Warm, red, swollen breasts with a rash resembling the skin of an orange (called peau d'orange)
  
  
• Pain in the breast (usually not a symptom of breast cancer, but should be reported to a doctor)