What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

In the majority of cases, breast cancer is not accompanied by any sort of pain or obvious symptoms. At times, when touching a small nodule present some pain may be felt, which is why continuous, routine self-examinations are highly recommended, especially for age groups at risk. The nodules you may encounter may not be cancerous, which is why if you encounter one, you must immediately consult a doctor.

Observable symptoms include:

  • Nodules in the breast or armpit
  • A change in size or shape of one breast or both
  • Inflammation visible on the surface of the breast
  • Retraction of the nipple
  • Lactation or bloody discharge from the nipple
  • Hyper pigmentation (dark stains around the aureole), accompanied by itching and pain in the nipple.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 23 Oct 2017
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi