Breast cancer


 

In-Depth Reports

Symptoms

Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast exams are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

  • Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not hurt
  • Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple -- for example, you may have redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange
  • Fluid coming from the nipple -- may be bloody, clear-to-yellow, or green, and look like pus

Men get breast cancer, too. Symptoms include breast lump and breast pain and tenderness.

Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may include:

  • Bone pain
  • Breast pain or discomfort
  • Skin ulcers
  • Swelling of one arm (next to breast with cancer)
  • Weight loss
 

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Illustrations

Female breast

Female breast

Needle biopsy of the breast

Needle biopsy of the breast

Open biopsy of the breast

Open biopsy of the breast

Breast self-exam

Breast self-exam

Breast self-exam

Breast self-exam

Breast self-exam

Breast self-exam

Mammary gland

Mammary gland

Sentinel node biopsy

Sentinel node biopsy

Normal anatomy

Normal anatomy

Normal anatomy

Normal anatomy



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