Breast Cancer Symptoms: Signs, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Breast Cancer
Recognise the warning signs of breast cancer and understand the importance of early detection. Early action can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Written by
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting millions of individuals each year. While advancements in treatment have significantly improved survival rates, early detection is still the most powerful tool in improving outcomes. Understanding the symptoms of breast cancer allows for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment, reducing the chances of progression to advanced stages.
Many symptoms of breast cancer are visible or physically noticeable, but others may be subtle and easy to overlook. This is why self-awareness, regular screenings, and medical check-ups are essential. Recognising potential warning signs early can make all the difference in ensuring timely medical intervention and better recovery rates.
Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer symptoms can vary between individuals. While some experience clear warning signs, others may only notice subtle changes that develop gradually. Understanding these symptoms is key to early detection and prompt treatment.
Changes in Breast Appearance
One of the first indications of breast cancer is a noticeable change in the size, shape, or symmetry of the breast. Some individuals may observe swelling, shrinkage, or unevenness, which is unrelated to normal hormonal fluctuations.
Additionally, changes in skin texture can be a sign of concern. These may include:
Redness or irritation
Scaliness or thickening of the skin
Dimpling or puckering, which can resemble the texture of an orange peel
Lumps or Thickening
One of the most widely recognised symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area. These lumps are often:
Firm, painless, and irregularly shaped
Persistent, rather than fluctuating with the menstrual cycle
While not all lumps are cancerous, any new or persistent lump should be assessed by a medical professional. Additionally, lumps in the underarm area may indicate involvement of the lymph nodes, suggesting possible cancer spread.
Nipple Discharge or Inversion
Unusual nipple discharge, particularly when bloody or occurring without squeezing, can be a warning sign of breast cancer. Although some discharge may be benign, unexplained secretion should always be medically evaluated.
A change in nipple position, such as inversion (turning inward) when it was previously outward-facing, may also indicate an underlying issue, particularly if this develops suddenly and only affects one breast.
Less Common Symptoms
While most breast cancer symptoms involve visible or physical changes in the breast, some less obvious symptoms may also signal concern.
Skin Irritation or Dimpling: One of the early indicators of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)—a rare but aggressive form—is skin dimpling, where the skin takes on an orange-peel-like texture. This occurs when cancer cells block lymphatic vessels, leading to swelling and thickening of the skin.
Swelling or Enlargement: Some individuals may notice breast swelling or enlargement, even if no lump is present. The affected breast may feel heavier, warmer, or appear inflamed, which may indicate underlying tissue changes.
Pain in the Breast or Nipple Area: Although breast cancer is not usually painful in its early stages, some individuals may experience persistent discomfort in the breast or nipple region. If pain does not resolve over time and occurs without an apparent cause, it should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Symptoms Specific to Different Types of Breast Cancer
Certain forms of breast cancer present unique symptoms that may differ from typical signs.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Unlike most breast cancers, IBC does not usually form a lump. Instead, symptoms include rapid changes in breast appearance, redness, swelling, warmth, and thickened skin. These symptoms may be mistaken for an infection, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer: When breast cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, additional symptoms may appear, such as:
Persistent bone pain (if cancer has spread to the bones).
Shortness of breath (if cancer has reached the lungs).
Jaundice or unexplained weight loss (if cancer affects the liver).
These cases require more complex treatment and long-term management.
Risk Factors Influencing Symptoms
The likelihood of experiencing breast cancer symptoms can be influenced by various genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors
A family history of breast cancer increases the risk, especially among individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.
Those with a personal history of benign breast conditions may also have a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to increased breast cancer risk.
Obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to hormone imbalances that may promote tumour growth.
Prolonged exposure to oestrogen, such as through hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
While some risk factors cannot be changed, adopting a healthier lifestyle may help lower overall risk.
Self-examination and Awareness
Regular breast self-examinations allow individuals to detect early changes in their breasts. Although they do not replace professional screenings, self-checks increase awareness and familiarity with what is normal for each person.
How to Perform a Self-Exam:
Stand in front of a mirror with arms raised and look for any changes in breast shape, size, or texture.
Use the pads of your fingers to feel for lumps, thickening, or unusual textures while lying down.
Check the underarm area for any swollen lymph nodes.
If any abnormality is found, a doctor should be consulted for further evaluation.
When to See a Doctor
Not every breast change indicates cancer, but some warning signs should not be ignored. Seeking medical attention is crucial if symptoms persist or worsen over time. Some alarming signs that require immediate evaluation include:
A lump that grows in size
Nipple discharge, particularly if it is bloody
Breast skin that becomes red, inflamed, or thickened
Persistent pain that does not go away
Early medical evaluation increases the chances of identifying breast cancer at a stage where treatment is most effective. Doctors may recommend additional tests to determine the cause of symptoms and rule out other conditions.
Diagnostic Tests for Symptomatic Breast Cancer
If symptoms raise concerns, various diagnostic tests can confirm the presence of abnormal tissue. Some of the common ones include:
Mammography: The primary screening tool for detecting early-stage tumours.
Ultrasound: Helps determine whether a lump is solid or fluid-filled (cystic).
MRI: Provides detailed imaging for individuals at high risk or those with dense breast tissue.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and analysed under a microscope to confirm whether cancer is present.
These tests allow healthcare providers to make timely and accurate diagnoses.
Treatment Options Based on Symptoms
Treatment strategies vary based on the symptoms and stage of breast cancer. In many cases, surgical intervention is the primary approach, ranging from lumpectomy (removal of the tumour) to mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Surgery is often combined with other treatments to ensure the complete removal of cancer cells.
For cancers that have spread or are more aggressive, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be necessary. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells, while radiation targets cancer-affected tissues to reduce recurrence risks. The choice of treatment depends on the type of breast cancer, the extent of spread, and the patient’s overall health.
Conclusion
Breast cancer presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from subtle changes in breast appearance to more severe signs such as pain, swelling, and skin dimpling. Recognising these symptoms early significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Regular screenings, self-examinations, and awareness campaigns play a critical role in detecting breast cancer before it progresses. Anyone experiencing unusual breast changes should seek medical attention promptly to rule out serious conditions. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can take control of their breast health and improve their chances of early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Consult Top Gynaecological Oncologists
Consult Top Gynaecological Oncologists
Dr. Sai Lakshmi Daayana
Gynaecological Oncologist
18 Years • MBBS, MRCOG
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(200+ Patients)
Dr. Sreeparna Roy
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS , MS (OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY), Fellowship in Infertility, Endoscopy & Ultrasonography), Fellowship in Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy,DRM
Kolkata
Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Rupam Manna
Radiation Specialist Oncologist
4 Years • MBBS MD(RADIO THERAPY)
Barasat
Diab-Eat-Ease, Barasat
Dr. Navin Srinivasan
Gynaecological Oncologist
9 Years • MBBS, MS DNB(OBS-GYNAE), MCH (GYNAE ONCOLOGY)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic Mahadevapura, Bengaluru
Dr. Priyanka Srivastava
Medical Oncologist
15 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB Medical Oncology, Fellowship (Medical Oncology) , PMCC, UOT Canada.
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
