Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The early stages of breast cancer often have few if any symptoms. There is usually no pain. In the event that symptoms do occur, they can include:

• A change in how the breast or nipple feels
   
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

• Nipple tenderness

• A change in how the breast or nipple looks

• A change in the size or shape of the breast

• A nipple turned inward into the breast

• The skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen. It may have ridges or pitting so that it looks like the skin of an orange

• Nipple discharge

Most often these symptoms are not due to cancer, and should not be cause for alarm. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent, be sure to tell your provider so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.