Tumors associated with breast cancer can sometimes take years to develop. Some breast tumors may become dangerous before they even start to appear as the smallest lumps on the surface of your breast. That is why it is important to be tested regularly to determine whether there are any potential tumors growing in your breasts.
Skin Symptoms
When breast cancer begins to form, you may experience one or more changes to the skin on and around your breast. You may start to feel hard patches of skin on your breast that could occur anywhere on the surface of your breast, or along the side of your body. You may also feel large or small lumps just under the surface of your skin. As your condition progresses, these patches of hard skin or lumps may increase in size.
Swelling of the Breast
Because of the tumor that is developing due to breast cancer, you may notice your breast begin to swell. Over time, the affected breast will swell to a point where it is noticeably larger than your other breast. It may start out that you notice the swelling in specific areas on your breast usually associated directly with the location of a tumor. Over time, these areas of swelling will increase in size, and as the tumor grows, the breast will swell along with it. Your breast may also start to change in shape. It may become more oval than it was previously.
Discharge
As a tumor grows, it may begin to cause symptoms in other parts of the breast. One of these symptoms is a discharge that will come from the nipple. The discharge may be white, or it may mix with blood and become pink. If you notice a discharge from your nipple, it may be a sign that a tumor is developing somewhere in your breast.
Nipple Shape and Size
A tumor may begin to distort the appearance of your breast, and one of the areas that this is most noticeable is in the areola or the nipple itself. The area of the nipple may seem to change in shape and size, or just the areola may experience these changes. Another potential sign of a developing breast tumor is an inverted nipple that is difficult to get erect.
Considerations
Not all lumps that you may find on your breast during a self-examination are cancerous tumors. However, it is always a good idea to report any lumps found on the breast or just under the armpit to your doctor for consideration and evaluation. It is also important to remember that not all forms of breast cancer create lumps. Some forms of breast cancer create pockets of soft skin or other changes to the surface of your breast. That is why it is important to report any irregularities to your doctor.
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