Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer starts off as a single cell that divides and multiplies. Thus, it cannot be detected manually in its beginning stages. A yearly mammogram is recommended, supervised by a qualified professional who is able to distinguish cancer from other benign breast conditions. The most common of breast cancer symptoms is the lump, which can grow under the breast or armpit. When someone detects one, they should check with a doctor immediately. However, there are other symptoms that can help establish a diagnosis.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Women

Early detection is the best way to fight against breast cancer. Since it is a lot more common in women than men, there are a few breast cancer symptoms that women should regularly check themselves for:

• Swelling or a lump in the breast or in the armpit;
• Clear or bloody nipple discharge;
• Pain around the nipple area;
• An inverted or retracted nipple;
• Scaly skin on the nipple;
• Unusual pain and discomfort around the breast;
• Persistent tenderness;
• Microcalcifications and dense masses. These can only be observed using breast imaging instruments.

If the cancer is in its advanced stages it will have more serious breast cancer symptoms: bone pain, shortness of breath, lack of appetite, loss of weight and headaches. These occur when the metastatic breast cancer has spread from the breast and armpit to other parts of the body.

Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms

Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that does not appear in lumps. It will grow in sheets and attack the skin, resembling a rash. Knowing these breast cancer symptoms is important because if detected it must be treated immediately:

• A sudden increase in the breast size. Some patients can even increase at a rate of a cup size in a few days.
• An itching sensation on the breast skin that cannot be relieved with creams or pills;
• A change in the color of the breast, resulting in pink, red and dark-colored tones;
• The breast is worm to the touch and harder and firmer than usual;
• Unusual pain recurring out of the regular cycle;
• A change in the texture of the breast, similar to the skin of an orange;
• Breast skin ulcers can be found in advanced stages of inflammatory breast cancer.

Male Breast Cancer Symptoms

It is a common misconception that only women can suffer from breast cancer. The cancer attacks the cells in the body and can be found in men as easily as in women. The breast cancer symptoms to watch out for are similar. The lump or swelling is again an indicator of possible breast cancer and should be checked immediately. Other breast cancer symptoms found in men are: skin dimpling, retraction of the nipple, redness and scaling of the breast skin, nipple discharge. If any of these breast cancer symptoms are present then a medical professional should be consulted immediately.