Symptoms of Breast Cancer: Looking for Warning Signs

Having a preventive mindset and taking a proactive approach to monitoring for symptoms of breast cancer applies equally to men and women. While a lump is not always cancerous, having it promptly examined by a health professional is good practice.

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An armpit lump or enlarged lymph nodes are not typically associated with a problem in a breast, but it could be a symptom of a problem. Breast tenderness and nipple discharge may not suggest a tumor but need to be taken seriously and evaluated immediately. Early detection and reporting of these warning signs are critical to early diagnosis and, if cancerous, timely treatment and a good prognosis.

Normal Breast Changes

A woman's breasts undergo changes that are normal. Understanding these changes helps prevent confusion with "abnormalities" that may occur.

Breast development and maturation is a response to hormonal changes at puberty, during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, at childbirth and at menopause. In addition, fat content in the breasts changes with the body's overall weight gain or loss.

At puberty, the breasts enlarge with rising estrogen levels. By age 16, on average, they mature with most of the breast being capable of producing milk (glandular). By contrast, in older women, the glandular tissue has shrunk (atrophied) and is replaced by fat.

During menstruation, dramatic changes occur with changing estrogen and progesterone levels. Just prior to menstruation the breasts become firm and tender. Following menstruation, they soften and are less tender.

During pregnancy, in preparation for lactation, milk-producing cells proliferate and duct development increases.

Abnormal Breast Changes: Warning Signs of Cancer

What cancer warning signs should a woman look for? One difference between normal and abnormal changes is that normal physical changes affect both breasts similarly. Certain changes in one gland and not the other, such as a lump, breast tenderness and nipple discharge, may be symptoms of breast cancer. If you detect any of these changes, contact your health professional immediately.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer include:

• enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit ("axillary")
• nipple discharge
• lumps, dimples or swelling in the breast
• suddenly inverted nipple or nipple pain
• persistent breast tenderness
• sudden prominent veins at the surface of the breast.

These are cancer warning signs and should not be ignored.

Lumps are typically firm structures that may or may not be painful. Any armpit lump, enlarged lymph nodes, or breast swelling should be reported to your doctor. Skin discoloration or texture change should be similarly shared.

The Importance of Self Exams and Consultations

Most breast cancer symptoms are visually observable and highlight the need for regular breast self exams. While breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection of cancer warning signs and early diagnosis dramatically increases the likelihood of successful treatment.

A regular program of self exams, mammograms, and physical examinations by your doctor is your best defense against the disease spreading.

Resources

American Cancer Society. (2005). How is breast cancer found?

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (nd). Signs and symptoms.

Medical College of Wisconsin. (nd). Symptoms and diagnosis of breast cancer. Healthlink.