Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are many different symptoms which may occur in a woman when she is affected with breast cancer. Some major symptoms to look out for will be discussed. Overall it is usually the change or an affect on the breasts directly.

Lumps or thickening may occur within the breast or near the lymph nodes in the armpit. Although some of these lumps and thickening may be a resultant of hormonal changes, but if they persist in either region, then it may be something of a concern. Lymph nodes usually increase or swell when a body is fighting an invasion, whereas a lump in the breast tissue may be a resultant of problems in the ducts or the lobes of the breast.

A significant change in the size of the shape of a matured breast is usually one very common sign. Especially if only one breast is changing. A change in the size or shape in a breast usually indicates that the milk ducts or lobes within the breasts are swelling. This could be due to regular hormonal cycles, but if the changes are not in sync with regular periodical changes, then it is a major symptom of breast cancer.

Another major symptom is when fluid is leaking from the nipple. Fluid which is not milk nor bloody from both breasts, is what women have more to be on the lookout for. Although some may occur due to hormonal changes, and again is not a major concern, but if leakage if occurring from specifically from one nipple, there are several tests which have to be taken place in order to discover the cause.


Natural changes in a woman may come from aging, which may affect the shape and size of the nipples. However, if a nipple pulls in and does not easily return back to its original shape is a major symptom of breast cancer. Along with the change in the size of the nipple, there may also be some alteration in the color or texture of the nipple. If there are some dimples, puckers, or even rashes developing under the skin of the nipple, it is usually another sign of break cancer. If any of these symptoms are caught at an early age, it may lead to a curable state of breast cancer.