What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

A new lump or thickened area in the breast or armpit can be a presentation of breast cancer. Other possible changes include a difference in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, redness or a texture resembling orange peel, a nipple that turns inward, crusting, or discharge that is not expected. Persistent pain in one area may also need review, although breast pain commonly has causes other than cancer. Many breast changes are benign, so a finding does not diagnose cancer. Compare changes with your usual appearance and note when they began.

Make an appointment for a new or persistent breast or nipple change. Assessment may include an examination and imaging such as a Mammogram or Breast MRI. If an area needs a definite diagnosis, a Breast Biopsy can examine tissue. Do not wait for pain to appear before reporting a change, and mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstrual timing, hormone medicines, and any family history or known BRCA Gene Mutation.

Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly increasing swelling, marked redness with fever, severe pain, sudden bleeding, or an open wound or infection around the breast or nipple. These features may reflect infection or another problem requiring prompt treatment, whether or not cancer is involved.

What examination or imaging is appropriate for this change? Could it relate to my menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or medication? When would a Breast Biopsy be needed? What follow-up should I arrange if the first tests are reassuring?