Breast Cancer

The Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The most common symptoms include a lump in the breast or armpit, changes in texture, unusual changes, or discharge from the nipple.


Breast cancer is a common cancer in women. It is the 2nd most common kind of cancer overall. The symptoms of this cancer differ in different women. Many women don't witness any symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms include a lump in the breast or armpit, changes in texture, unusual changes, or discharge from the nipple.

Listed below are the early signs and symptom of breast cancer in detail-

  • Presence of lump in the breast or underarm

The presence of a lump in the breast is the most common symptom of this type of cancer. If you feel a lump in your breast, which feels like a nodule or a ball, consult a doctor immediately. The lump can be hard or soft and rubbery. It can be seen only if it is large or your breasts are small. Your doctor will be able to see it on a mammogram.

A lump in the armpit also suggests breast cancer.

  • Swelling

The swelling in the armpit or the proximity of the collar bone suggests the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes located in that area. Swelling may occur before you see a lump. If you notice swelling in the armpits or near the collar bone, consult your doctor.

  • Pain

Pain and tenderness occur only in some cases. Lumps do not hurt, but some women may feel a prickly sensation.

  • Changes in breast

Any change in the size, texture, contour, or temperature of the breast also hints towards breast cancer.

  • Changes in nipple

If you witness any change in your nipple, such as dimpling or pulling inwards or to one side, or if you experience scaliness (may or may not extend to areola), burns, or itchiness, it indicates the presence of cancer. Also, if you have developed sores on your breast, visit your doctor.

  • An indented or flat area on the breast

Having an indented or flat area on the breast is also a sign. You may not feel or see the tumor on the breast.

  • Discharge from the nipple

If you notice clear, blood-stained, or any other color discharge oozing out from your breasts, it is a sign of breast cancer.

  • Marble-like area under the skin

Notice your skin; if any area appears different from the other parts of your breast skin, characterized by either a marble-like appearance or orange peel texture (thickening of the skin), see a doctor.

The bottom line

Like other cancers, leading a healthy lifestyle cuts down the risk of breast cancer. Maintaining healthy body weight, taking a nutritious diet, exercising religiously, and not consuming alcohol also reduces the risk by leaps and bounds.

Also, if you plan to take hormonal therapy to control the symptoms of menopause, drop the plan and deal with them naturally. Visit the best breast cancer hospital in India for regular screenings to detect cancer in its early stages. If you are between 25 to 39 years of age, undergo clinical breast examination every 1 to 3 years. If you are over 40 years of age, undergo examination and other screening mammograms every year.

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