Recognizing the early symptoms ofbreast cancer It can make a huge difference in the progression of the disease. The earlier you recognize it, and begin treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery, but knowing exactly what to look for, and what kinds of changes require a conversation with your doctor can be confusing. Breast cancer symptoms can look different from person to person. Posted by self.
Dr. Flanagan says the most common early symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or a change in the shape or circumference of the breast. Other red flags can include nipple changes, skin changes, or a feeling of unusually enlarged breasts.
What are the early signs of breast cancer?
1. Abnormal mammography
A mammogram is a screening tool that uses low-dose X-rays to detect signs of breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Flanagan says mammograms can detect cancer in the vast majority of people who have the disease but have not yet felt a lump in their breasts — which is why it’s so effective.
Mammograms also help experts find other signs of breast cancer that can be detected before more obvious changes appear, says Jennifer O’Neill, MD, FACS, breast surgeon at Arizona Oncology. These may include calcifications, which are small deposits of calcium within the breast tissue.
2. Notable lumps
If you feel a hard lump anywhere around your breast or under your armpit, don’t ignore it. In fact, one study found that of the 56 observed breast cancer presentations, a lump was the most common. 1
3. Changes in the shape and circumference of the breast
Naturally, the shape of your breasts will change over time. After all, your boobs at 20 aren’t what you’ll see at 50 (thanks, cuteness!), especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
4. Nipple changes or discharge
Another early sign of breast cancer could include certain changes in your nipple, such as nipples that turn inward, pull to one side, appear dimpled, or change direction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inflammation around the nipple, scaly skin, flaking, itching, or burning sensation. Abnormal nipple discharge is another thing worth paying attention to.
5. Skin inflammation, discoloration or swelling
While not as common as other early signs of breast cancer, a new appearance of breast discoloration, thickening of breast skin, a lump affecting more than a third of the breast, or swollen lymph nodes near the armpit can be associated with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), which is A rare and “very aggressive” form of the disease that is often mistaken for an infection, according to the National Cancer Institute.
6. Breast pain or heaviness
Although most breast cancers do not cause pain, they are possible. Dr. Flanagan says breast tenderness and heaviness is a possible early symptom — one that’s often overlooked or ignored.