Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 8: Breast Cancer can present differently in different people, and many individuals may not notice symptoms in the early stages. Doctors say awareness of unusual breast changes and regular screening are crucial for early detection and treatment.
The most common symptom is a new lump in the breast or armpit that does not go away. While some lumps may be painless, others can cause tenderness or a prickling sensation.
Other common warning signs include:
Changes in breast skin texture such as redness, rash, dimpling or skin resembling an orange peel
Swelling near the collarbone or under the arm, which may indicate spread to lymph nodes
Changes in breast size, shape, temperature or appearance
Nipple changes including inversion, itching, burning, dimpling or sores
Unusual nipple discharge, including bloody or clear fluid
A hard or marble-like area under the skin that feels different from surrounding tissue
Doctors note that many breast lumps are non-cancerous and may result from cysts, infections, hormonal changes or scar tissue. However, any new lump or unexplained breast change should be medically evaluated.
Early signs of breast cancer
Early symptoms may include:
Breast swelling or thickening
Persistent breast or nipple pain
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm
Skin irritation or unusual tenderness
Regular mammograms are recommended, especially for women over 40 or those with a family history of breast cancer.
Types of breast cancer and symptoms
Ductal carcinoma
Ductal Carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. Early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) often causes no symptoms and is usually detected through imaging tests.
Possible symptoms include:
Breast lump
Nipple discharge
Itching around the breast
Invasive breast cancer
When cancer spreads into surrounding tissue, symptoms may include:
Fixed lump in the breast or armpit
Thickened, red or dimpled skin
Breast swelling
Hard lymph nodes
Localised pain
Lobular carcinoma
Lobular Carcinoma begins in milk-producing glands and may cause:
Fullness or thickening in one area
Swelling
Flattened or inverted nipples
Metastatic breast cancer
Advanced breast cancer that spreads to other organs may cause:
Bone pain
Headaches
Breathing difficulty
Jaundice
Weight loss
Vision changes
Muscle weakness
Triple-negative breast cancer
Triple-negative Breast Cancer tends to grow faster and may present with:
Lump or swelling
Breast pain
Dimpled or red skin
Nipple inversion or discharge
Breast cancer in men
Although rare, men can also develop breast cancer. Symptoms include:
Lump or thickening in the chest
Skin changes around the nipple
Redness or discharge
Rare forms of breast cancer
Paget’s disease
Paget's Disease of the Breast may cause:
Scaly or crusted nipple skin
Bloody discharge
Burning or itching sensation
Inflammatory breast cancer
Inflammatory Breast Cancer may resemble an infection and cause:
Redness and warmth
Swollen breast
Thickened or ridged skin
Inverted nipple
Recurrence symptoms
Breast cancer can return years after treatment. Signs of recurrence may include:
New breast lump
Swelling under the arm
Chest pain
Persistent cough
Severe headaches
Bone pain
Balance problems
Doctors advise individuals to remain alert to any unusual changes and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.