While lumps and bumps are among the most typical indicators of breast cancer, there may be additional symptoms you should look out for that require urgent medical attention.
Dimples
One woman’s only breast cancer symptom—a little dimple on the edge of her breast—was showcased in a social media post that quickly gained popularity. You can miss this indication of a tumor during your monthly self-exam. Your doctor should examine any skin retraction or dimpling on your breast.
Skin irritation
Your skin may become irritated for a variety of reasons, such as an uncomfortable bra, heat rash, contact dermatitis, or other skin conditions, but in a small percentage of instances, it may also be a sign of breast cancer. Consult your doctor if your breasts develop new or persistent rashes, skin irritation, edema, or redness that are not related to anything else.
Nipple discharge
Breast discharge during pregnancy or while nursing is probably nothing to be concerned about. However, some discharges should be examined by a doctor in other women. Breast cancer symptoms might also include clear, greenish, or yellowish discharge from the breasts.
Freckles
Dark spots or atypical skin freckles may indicate inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and severe form of breast cancer that should be investigated by a dermatologist. Consult your doctor if you develop a freckle that is rapidly joined by others.
Red spots or bruises
Red spots or bruise-like skin lesions can also be indicators of inflammatory breast cancer. Make an appointment to get examined if you have symptoms and they seem to last longer than two to three weeks. But once more, bear in mind the rarity of this kind of cancer. Numerous red skin lesions, such as cherry angiomas, are perfectly benign.
Nipple changes
Except when you’re pregnant, your nipples don’t generally alter in size, shape, or color. However, you should get examined for breast cancer if you detect any changes in the look of your nipples. The nipple may retract or bend inward as a result.
Your nipples may exhibit itching and scaling as a symptom of Paget’s disease of the breast, a rare type of breast cancer.
Change in skin texture
Your breast’s changing skin might be an indication that anything is wrong. The texture of the breast might occasionally alter because of breast cancer. Keep an eye out for a reddish, pitted surface that resembles orange skin. That occurs because of fluid buildup and inflammation of the breast tissue brought on by cancer cells obstructing the breast’s tiny lymphatic channels.
Swelling or tenderness
During certain phases of the menstrual cycle, breast enlargement or discomfort is a typical problem for women and may even signal an early pregnancy. Women frequently ignore it as a breast cancer warning sign because of this very reason. You should get that breast examined if it appears to be unusually big or swollen.
Change is breast size or change
The size and form of your breasts might alter because of weight increase, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, or nursing. You should arrange a test with your doctor if your breasts abruptly change form without regard to these other variables since it could be a symptom of cancer.