Breast cancer can have a variety of symptoms, but the most common is a lump or area of thickened tissue in the breast or armpit. Other symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast
- Swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts
- Skin irritation, dimpling, or puckering of the breast skin
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Nipple changes, such as turning inward or becoming flattened
- Breast or nipple pain
- Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the nipple or breast skin
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
Its important to note that having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has breast cancer, as many other factors can cause these changes. However, if a person notices any of these symptoms, they should see a doctor for prompt evaluation. Regular screening tests, such as mammograms, are also important for early detection of breast cancer.