Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The initial symptoms of breast cancer are related to alterations in the breast, mainly the emergence of a small painless ball. However, it is also important to know that many of the nodules that arise in the breast are benign and therefore do not always represent cancer.

If you suspect you may have breast cancer, select the signs and symptoms below and see what your risk is:

1. Nodule or ball in the breast that does not hurt
2. Altered coloration or nipple shape
3. Release of fluid through the nipple
4. Alterations in the skin of the breast such as redness, the sensation of heat, or harder skin
5. Alterations in the size or shape of the breast or swelling
6. Frequent itching in the breast or nipple
7. Alteration of the color or shape of the areola
8. Formation of scabs or wounds on the skin near the nipple
9. Veins that are easily observed and that increase in size
10. Presence of a groove or collapse in a part of the breast
11. Swelling or presence of nodules in the armpit region

The best way to identify these changes is to find a hematologist and do regular breast self-examination, as it helps women and men to better understand the anatomy of their breast over time, allowing small changes to be identified as soon as arise. See step by step how to properly do the self-test at home.

These symptoms may appear simultaneously or in isolation and may be symptoms of initial or advanced breast cancer. In addition to this, the presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean the existence of breast cancer, but the idea is to consult a hematologist, since it may be a benign nodule or inflammation of the breast tissue that needs treatment. See what tests confirm breast cancer.

Who can Have Breast Cancer?

Anyone can develop breast cancer, either male or female, being at greater risk to people with:

• Age over 50 years;
• Family history of breast cancer;
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Likewise, there are also genetic alterations that can increase the tendency to develop this type of cancer such as those that occur in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, there are tests that can be done and that helps identify the change even before cancer appears, giving an opportunity to avoid cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men 

The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to the symptoms of breast cancer in women, so when there is some kind of change in the breast, it is important to consult a pathologist to diagnose the problem and start proper treatment. Learn more about breast cancer in men.

How to Identify Advanced Breast Cancer

The symptoms of advanced malignant breast cancer are, in addition to the fact that the symptoms and lesions in the breast get worse, other signs not related to the breast such as nausea, bone pain, loss of appetite, severe headaches, and muscle weakness. Generally, these symptoms are caused since advanced cancer causes metastases of malignant cells to other organs of the body such as the lungs and brain, therefore, they should be observed by the pathologist as quickly as possible.

Learn about other causes of breast discomfort in Breast pain.