With so many different forms of breast cancer, each type can manifest differently in different people. Signs of breast cancer are often associated with a lump. While several breast cancer patients indeed have a lump, not all will experience it. Because of this, it’s important to be aware of the other signs and symptoms that accompany breast cancer. We’ve outlined them below.
Painless Lump
Breast cancer often begins with an asymptomatic breast lump. However, when a tumor is small in the early stages of breast cancer, it’s barely noticeable to the naked eye. Mammograms play an important role in the early detection of the disease. Mammograms may detect breast tumors before they are large enough to cause symptoms and while they are most treatable. Some common signs include changes in the appearance of one or both breasts, an increase in size or change in the shape of the breast, and skin changes.
Non-Invasive Symptoms
Stage 0 breast cancer, also known as non-invasive breast cancer, is the earliest manifestation of breast cancer. Its tumor is often so small that it can only be detected by mammography; thus, its primary symptom, an abnormal lump in the breast, rarely occurs.
Invasive Symptoms
Breast cancers originate in ducts/lobules, which are small clusters of sacs where breast milk is made. Invasive breast cancer refers to cancers that grow from the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue, lymph nodes, or other areas of the body. When cancer spreads from the breast ducts or lobules to other parts of the body, it is called metastasis.
Invasive breast cancer symptoms may include a lump, swelling, or even skin irritation. Breast pain and nipple pain may also occur.
Inflammatory Symptoms
Unlike other forms, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is usually painless and does not cause noticeable lumps on a mammogram. IBC symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, or tenderness in the affected breast; a surface that appears pitted or ridged, like an orange peel; heaviness or aching in one breast; and visibly larger than normal breasts.
Inflammatory breast cancer can be missed by ultrasound. However, since the disease changes the texture and appearance of the breast, it can be diagnosed if doctors observe these physical symptoms. Cancer can progress rapidly, so any sudden changes should be reported to a doctor.
