Early breast cancer usually does not cause physical pain, and symptoms may not initially be noticeable. As the cancer grows, it can cause changes that include:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
- A change in the shape or size of the breast
- Nipple discharge or tenderness
- Inverted nipple
- Ridges or pitting of the breast (resembling the skin of an orange)
- A change in the way the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (dark area surrounding the nipple), looks or feels (for example, warm, swollen, red or scaly)
- A sore or ulcer on the breast that does not heal
- If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for an examination.
