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- Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast that feels distinctly different from other breast tissue or that does not go away, swelling of the breast that does not go away, thickening of breast tissue, dimpling or pulling of the skin on the breast which may then resemble the skin of an orange, any change in the breast shape or contour, nipple discharge, retraction of the nipple, scaliness of the nipple, pain or tenderness of the breast, and swollen bumps or puss-filled sores.
- Fibrocystic changes: This condition can cause the breasts to feel ropy or granular. Fibrocystic changes are extremely common, occurring in at least half of all women. In most cases the changes are harmless. If the breasts are very lumpy, then performing a breast self-exam is more challenging.
- Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that frequently occur in the breasts of women ages 35 to 50. Cysts can range from very tiny to about the size of an egg. They can increase in size or become more tender just prior to menstruation, and may disappear completely after. Cysts are less common in postmenopausal women.
- Fibroadenomas: These are solid, noncancerous tumors that often occur in women during their reproductive years. A fibroadenoma is a firm, smooth, rubbery lump with a well-defined shape. It will move under the skin when touched, and is usually painless. Over time, fibroadenomas may grow larger, smaller or even disappear completely.
- Infections: Breast infections (mastitis) are common in women who are breastfeeding or who have recently stopped breastfeeding, but mastitis may develop when women are not nursing. The breast will likely be red, warm, tender and lumpy, and the lymph nodes under the arm may swell. The individual may also feel slightly ill and present with a low-grade fever.
- Trauma: Sometimes a blow to the breast or a bruise also can cause a lump, but this doesn't mean the individual is more likely to get breast cancer.
- Calcium deposits (microcalcifications): These tiny deposits of calcium can appear anywhere in the breast and often show up on a mammogram. Most women have one or more areas of microcalcifications of various sizes. They may be caused by secretions from cells, cellular debris, inflammation, trauma or prior radiation. Calcium deposits are not the result of taking calcium supplements. The majority of calcium deposits are harmless, but a small percentage may be precancerous or cancer.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Symptoms of IBC can include one breast larger than the other, red or pink skin, swelling, rash (entire breast or small patches), orange-like texture (peau d' orange), skin hot to the touch, pain and/or itchiness, ridges or thickened areas of breast, nipple discharge, nipples that appear inverted or flattened, swollen lymph nodes under the armpit, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes of the neck.
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