Breast Cancer Symptoms

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The hallmark symptom of breast cancer is a breast lump, but many women do not detect a lump or experience symptoms in early stages of breast cancer.

A breast lump that is malignant is generally not painful, but pain can occur in some cases. There are a variety of causes of breast lumps, such as fibrocystic breasts or breast cysts. However, any breast lump should be quickly evaluated medically because of the risk of breast cancer.

A malignant breast lump can occur by itself, or there may be other symptoms as well. Symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Breast deformity or misshapen breast
• Breast lump
• Breast pain
• Change in the look and feel of the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering
• Change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
• New onset of inverted nipple
• Nipple discharge or tenderness
• Rash or sore on the breast or nipple
• Swelling of one arm
• Weight loss

More about breast lumps

What causes breast cancer?

The underlying cause of breast cancer is currently not known. However, it is believed that some cases of breast cancer are genetic and may be linked to certain defects of genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Normally, cells in the breast that are old or damaged will stop reproducing and die. These cells are replaced by healthy young cells. Breast cancer occurs when old or damaged cells divide and multiply uncontrollably. This results in the development of a malignant mass of tissue (tumor) in the breast.

If left untreated, breast cancer cells can continue to multiply, spread to other parts of the body, and interfere with more of the body’s vital processes.

What are the potential complications of breast cancer?

Complications of breast cancer are caused by a rapid growth of abnormal cells. These cells can travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other areas of the body, most often the bones, lungs and liver. There they can multiply rapidly and develop new malignant tumors that interfere with normal organ function.

Complications of breast cancer metastasis include:

• Hip and other bone fractures and bone pain (from bone metastases)

• Liver failure

• Pneumonia, respiratory failure, or collapsed lung

• Secondary cancer (metastatic cancer) such as brain or lung cancer

You can best treat breast cancer and lower your risk of complications by following the treatment plan that you and your healthcare team design specifically for you.