In the United States, there are approximately 3 million women who have breast cancer. Because breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for women, it is important to do a self-examination every month to check for signs of cancer. Here are 8 different symptoms that may signal breast cancer.
Lumps
Finding a lump in the breast is the most obvious sign of breast cancer. Many times, these lumps are not painful. They can be any size and located anywhere on the breast or in the armpits.
Changes in the Skin
Often, changes in the skin of the breast will be an indicator of cancer. These changes can include redness, thickening of the skin, a dimpling in the breast, or a pitted rash that many describe as being similar to an orange peel.
Changes in the Nipple
In addition to the skin of the breast changing, breast cancer may also affect the skin of the nipple. The nipple skin may be scaly or flaky, or the nipple may even retract into the breast.
Changes in Breast Temperature
Inflammation caused by a tumor in the breast may affect the breast’s overall temperature. The skin can feel warm to the touch, and will often be a different temperature than the other breast.
Changes in Breast Size
A tumor in the breast may cause one of the breasts to be larger than the other. Many women naturally have one breast that is slightly larger, but a cancerous breast will grow larger quite suddenly and rapidly.
Itchy or Painful Breasts
Cancerous lumps are usually not painful. However, breast cancer can cause the breasts and nipples to become extremely itchy and irritated or can cause pain in one spot on the breast that does not go away.
Clear or Bloody Discharge
Breast cancer may cause the nipple to discharge either clear or bloody fluid. This discharge will be noticeably different from breast milk.
Growing Veins
Having visible veins on the breast is normal. However, if one of the veins suddenly becomes much larger or raised from the skin, it may be a sign of breast cancer, as it indicates increased blood flow to the breast.
Many times, experiencing one of these symptoms is not an automatic indication of breast cancer and may be caused by another, benign breast condition. However, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about being at risk for breast cancer because early detection is key to successful treatment.
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