Are Lumps the Only Symptom of Breast Cancer

A lump or mass is a common symptom of breast cancer, but it’s not the only one. Read on for four other symptoms of breast cancer.
While many people with breast cancer do not experience symptoms, a new lump or mass in the breast is a possible symptom of breast cancer. You might feel the lump while doing a self-exam, or a doctor might find it during a checkup.
Most new lumps — more than 90% Trusted Source — are benign, or noncancerous.
And while lumps are a common symptom of breast cancer, there are other symptoms to know about.

۱. Nipple changes
Every person’s nipples are slightly different. Most nipple changes are not a symptom of cancer.
Still, it’s best to be alert for any changes to the shape, size, or color of your nipples and report them to a doctor. Look out for areola irritation as well.
One symptom of breast cancer is when your nipples suddenly push in toward your body rather than pointing out. Nipples that do this are called inverted or retracted.

A change in the texture or color of your nipple might also be a symptom of cancer. Look for a scaly, itchy rash or dimpling that resembles the skin of an orange. The nipple might also turn red or purple.
Fluid that isn’t breast milk might leak out of your nipples. It will leak out on its own when lightly expressed. That fluid can beTrusted Source:
• clear
• milky
• blood-tinged

۲. Breast skin changes
A change in the color or texture of the skin on your breast can be a symptom of breast cancer.
Look for these types of changes:
• scaling or flakes
• dimpling or puckering, which causes the skin to become textured like an orange peel
• swelling
• redness or other skin color changes, including a rash
• bleeding
• sores that don’t heal
• itching
• visible veins in the breast, which can be a sign of increased blood flow to the cancer

Skin changes aren’t necessarily cancer, but they can sometimes be a symptom of a rare type of breast cancer like Paget disease or inflammatory breast cancer.
Make an appointment with a doctor if your skin doesn’t go back to its usual appearance within a few days.

۳. Change in breast size
Sometimes when you have cancer, one breast grows larger than the other.
Look for a sudden change in breast size or a breast that continues to grow. Get a checkup for any unexpected changes to your breast size.

۴. Breast pain
Breast cancer rarelyTrusted Source causes pain. Less than about 3.2%Trusted Source of breast cancers are said to cause pain. The pain may start when the lump presses on nearby nerves.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare formTrusted Source of the disease that can cause tenderness or burning pain in your breast. The affected area will also be swollen and red or discolored and look pitted like orange peels.
Because this type of breast cancer spreads very quickly, it’s important to get medical attention if you have any breast pain with associated skin changes.

What other conditions can cause breast pain?
Breast pain usually isn’t a symptom of cancer. More common causes of breast pain or discomfort include:
• puberty
• menstruation
• pregnancy, especially during the first trimester
• nursing
• injury to the breast
• past breast surgery
• an infected milk duct (mastitis)
• menopause
• fibrocystic breasts