Breast cancer can manifest in various visible and tactile ways. Here are the common signs and what breast cancer may look like:

• Breast lump or thickening: Often the first noticeable sign, a lump may feel like a hard, irregularly shaped mass under the skin. It can be painless and sometimes feels like a pea or marble. Some lumps may feel like a ridge rather than a bump

• Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance: The affected breast may change in size or shape, sometimes becoming swollen or asymmetrical compared to the other breast

• Skin changes: The skin over the breast may show dimpling or pitting, resembling an orange peel texture. It can also become red, pink, or darker than surrounding skin depending on skin tone. Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking skin on the breast or nipple can occur, sometimes resembling eczema or a rash

• Nipple changes: The nipple may become flattened, inverted (turned inward), or change position. There can be nipple discharge unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding, which may sometimes contain blood. Scaling or rash on or around the nipple is also a possible sign

• Swelling and redness: Inflammatory breast cancer, a rarer but aggressive form, causes the breast to appear swollen, warm, red or discolored, and may feel sore. The skin might look inflamed or like clusters of insect bites

• Swollen lymph nodes: Lumps or swelling may also be felt in the armpit or near the collarbone, indicating possible spread to lymph nodes

These signs do not always mean cancer, as many can be caused by other conditions. However, any new or unusual changes in the breast should prompt a medical evaluation to rule out breast cancer or other issues

. In summary, breast cancer can look like a lump, skin dimpling or redness, nipple inversion or discharge, flaky skin, and swelling. Early detection through awareness of these signs and regular screening improves treatment outcomes.