Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsChanges in Breast SizeUnusually Warm SkinInverted NipplesItchy BreastsDimpled SkinRed Spots or BlotchesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Changes in Breast Size
Unusually Warm Skin
Inverted Nipples
Itchy Breasts
Dimpled Skin
Red Spots or Blotches
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people think breast lumps are the main signs of breast cancer, but that’s not always the case. Breast cancer may not come with any signs and symptoms, especially in its early stages. A lump usually is the first symptom. The most effective ways to keep aware of any changes in your breasts include breast self-examinations and mammograms.Regular breast self-examinations can detect lumps, andmammogramscan detect changes in breast tissue. Even if there’s not a lump, your breast self-examinations should include a visual inspection of your breasts and nipples, looking for any changes since the previous month’s exam.If you find a change in your breasts, try not to panic. Breast changes—including lumps—can occur for a variety of reasons and may not always breast cancer. Call your healthcare provider for an examination and to order any tests if necessary.Read on to find out more about uncommon signs of breast cancer and what to look for.Verywell / Alexandra GordonChanges in Breast SizeBreast size can change for any number of reasons, including pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. However, if the change isasymmetrical(affecting one side instead of both), that should raise a red flag.Sometimes, the enlarged breast can feel harder or noticeably heavier than the other. An even less common symptom is a decrease in breast size on one side. You should not ignore either of these changes.If a change in breast size is sudden and asymmetrical, have it checked out as soon as possible, and take note of any other symptoms you may have.Unusually Warm SkinWhile cancer isn’t usually associated with fevers or symptomatic inflammation, a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer calledinflammatory breast cancer (IBC)can cause breast warmth, redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort.Lymph nodes under the arm and on the same side as the affected breast can become swollen, red, and painful. IBC can even cause a fever. IBC is different from most types of breast cancer in that it usually doesn’t cause a lump and may not cause changes that are detectable on a mammogram.IBC symptomsare similar to those of mastitis, a type of breast infection. Get prompt treatment rule out IBC and to optimize your recovery and prevent complications.Inverted NipplesThe term “nipple retraction” (also known as “nipple inversion” or “invaginated nipple”) describes a nipple that has turned inward or has become flattened. While inverted nipples may be congenital, meaning present at birth, achangein your nipple shape is concerning and maybe a sign of breast cancer.Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS),invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), IBC, andPaget’s disease of the nippleare some breast cancer types that can involve the nipple and areola.Nipple retraction is concerning if it is sudden and unexplained. Other symptoms may include nipple pain, non-milk discharge, and thickening of the nipple tissue.Areola and Nipple HealthItchy BreastsWhile an itch every now and then is normal and can have various causes, including irritation from your bra, persistent breastitchinessis a cause for concern. It may be an early sign of IBC, Paget’s disease of the nipple, or another type of breast cancer.Itchiness, tingling, or otherparesthesiascan occur as cancer begins to cause the breakdown of fat cells in the breasts. This can cause localized nerve endings to fire abnormally, manifesting symptoms of itchiness.Dimpled SkinAs breast cancer progresses, breast tissue decreases, which may cause changes to the texture of the breast. This occurs nearer to the skin’s surface, creating a dimpled, orange-peel texture, often with scaling.It looks somewhat similar to an allergic skin reaction, in which the inflammation can cause the pores to look larger and more open. The skin may also be thicker and warm to the touch.Red Spots or BlotchesThere are many causes of a rash, most of which are relatively harmless. When it occurs on the breast and doesn’t clear up after a few days to a week, it may be a good idea to have it checked out.With IBC, a rash is fairly common and may appear as a series of small red or purple spots, not unlike that of an insect bite. In other cases, the discoloration may be widespread or similar to the appearance of a bruise. Also, but rarely, the entire breast may appear red or pinkish.SummaryWhile there may not always be early signs of breast cancer, not every symptom of breast cancer is a lump you can feel. What’s most important is to notice any changes in your breasts. Changes in breast size, thickening or dimpling of the skin, inverted nipples, warm skin, and blotches can all be lesser-known signs of breast cancer.If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call your healthcare provider. They can do an exam, look at your breasts, and order any necessary tests that they deem necessary. Even if it’s not cancer, it’s always better to get checked out, just in case.A Word From VerywellChanges in your breasts can occur suddenly or gradually. The key for you to remember is that you shouldn’t wait things out. Book an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.While these breast changes may be due to another cause, early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to maximize your chances of a good outcome if breast cancer is present.Frequently Asked QuestionsThe five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99% for localized cancer that has not spread outside the breast. Breast cancer that has spread to local areas near the original spot has an 86% survival rate. If the cancer spreads to distant areas of the body, the survival rate is 28%.Breast cancer isdiagnosedwith some combination of a physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy (removing a sample of tissue to be examined in a lab). If these tests show that cancer is present, further tests will be used to determine the type and stage, such as a hormone receptor test and HER2/neu test.Risk factors for breast cancer include:Age, as most breast cancer is diagnosed in women over 50Genetic mutations, such as the BRCA geneStarting menstruation before age 12 or experiencing menopause after age 55Having dense breasts, which makes mammograms more difficultA family history of ovarian or breast cancerPrevious radiation therapyHaving ever taken diethylstilbestrolIt depends on what kind of breast cancer it is. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often does not cause a lump, so there’s nothing to feel. It may also not show up on a mammogram. When it progresses to the point at which it has grown into the skin (stage 3 cancer) and starts to affect the skin’s appearance, this is often when it’s noticed and diagnosed, if not later.Conditions that can look like breast cancer include hormonal changes like thickening or lumpiness, fibroids and cysts, fat necrosis, and fibrocystic breast disease.Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Many people think breast lumps are the main signs of breast cancer, but that’s not always the case. Breast cancer may not come with any signs and symptoms, especially in its early stages. A lump usually is the first symptom. The most effective ways to keep aware of any changes in your breasts include breast self-examinations and mammograms.
Regular breast self-examinations can detect lumps, andmammogramscan detect changes in breast tissue. Even if there’s not a lump, your breast self-examinations should include a visual inspection of your breasts and nipples, looking for any changes since the previous month’s exam.
If you find a change in your breasts, try not to panic. Breast changes—including lumps—can occur for a variety of reasons and may not always breast cancer. Call your healthcare provider for an examination and to order any tests if necessary.
Read on to find out more about uncommon signs of breast cancer and what to look for.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
Breast size can change for any number of reasons, including pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. However, if the change isasymmetrical(affecting one side instead of both), that should raise a red flag.
Sometimes, the enlarged breast can feel harder or noticeably heavier than the other. An even less common symptom is a decrease in breast size on one side. You should not ignore either of these changes.
If a change in breast size is sudden and asymmetrical, have it checked out as soon as possible, and take note of any other symptoms you may have.
While cancer isn’t usually associated with fevers or symptomatic inflammation, a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer calledinflammatory breast cancer (IBC)can cause breast warmth, redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort.
Lymph nodes under the arm and on the same side as the affected breast can become swollen, red, and painful. IBC can even cause a fever. IBC is different from most types of breast cancer in that it usually doesn’t cause a lump and may not cause changes that are detectable on a mammogram.
IBC symptomsare similar to those of mastitis, a type of breast infection. Get prompt treatment rule out IBC and to optimize your recovery and prevent complications.
The term “nipple retraction” (also known as “nipple inversion” or “invaginated nipple”) describes a nipple that has turned inward or has become flattened. While inverted nipples may be congenital, meaning present at birth, achangein your nipple shape is concerning and maybe a sign of breast cancer.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS),invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), IBC, andPaget’s disease of the nippleare some breast cancer types that can involve the nipple and areola.
Nipple retraction is concerning if it is sudden and unexplained. Other symptoms may include nipple pain, non-milk discharge, and thickening of the nipple tissue.
Areola and Nipple Health
While an itch every now and then is normal and can have various causes, including irritation from your bra, persistent breastitchinessis a cause for concern. It may be an early sign of IBC, Paget’s disease of the nipple, or another type of breast cancer.
Itchiness, tingling, or otherparesthesiascan occur as cancer begins to cause the breakdown of fat cells in the breasts. This can cause localized nerve endings to fire abnormally, manifesting symptoms of itchiness.
As breast cancer progresses, breast tissue decreases, which may cause changes to the texture of the breast. This occurs nearer to the skin’s surface, creating a dimpled, orange-peel texture, often with scaling.
It looks somewhat similar to an allergic skin reaction, in which the inflammation can cause the pores to look larger and more open. The skin may also be thicker and warm to the touch.
There are many causes of a rash, most of which are relatively harmless. When it occurs on the breast and doesn’t clear up after a few days to a week, it may be a good idea to have it checked out.
With IBC, a rash is fairly common and may appear as a series of small red or purple spots, not unlike that of an insect bite. In other cases, the discoloration may be widespread or similar to the appearance of a bruise. Also, but rarely, the entire breast may appear red or pinkish.
Summary
While there may not always be early signs of breast cancer, not every symptom of breast cancer is a lump you can feel. What’s most important is to notice any changes in your breasts. Changes in breast size, thickening or dimpling of the skin, inverted nipples, warm skin, and blotches can all be lesser-known signs of breast cancer.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call your healthcare provider. They can do an exam, look at your breasts, and order any necessary tests that they deem necessary. Even if it’s not cancer, it’s always better to get checked out, just in case.
A Word From Verywell
Changes in your breasts can occur suddenly or gradually. The key for you to remember is that you shouldn’t wait things out. Book an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
While these breast changes may be due to another cause, early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to maximize your chances of a good outcome if breast cancer is present.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99% for localized cancer that has not spread outside the breast. Breast cancer that has spread to local areas near the original spot has an 86% survival rate. If the cancer spreads to distant areas of the body, the survival rate is 28%.Breast cancer isdiagnosedwith some combination of a physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy (removing a sample of tissue to be examined in a lab). If these tests show that cancer is present, further tests will be used to determine the type and stage, such as a hormone receptor test and HER2/neu test.Risk factors for breast cancer include:Age, as most breast cancer is diagnosed in women over 50Genetic mutations, such as the BRCA geneStarting menstruation before age 12 or experiencing menopause after age 55Having dense breasts, which makes mammograms more difficultA family history of ovarian or breast cancerPrevious radiation therapyHaving ever taken diethylstilbestrolIt depends on what kind of breast cancer it is. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often does not cause a lump, so there’s nothing to feel. It may also not show up on a mammogram. When it progresses to the point at which it has grown into the skin (stage 3 cancer) and starts to affect the skin’s appearance, this is often when it’s noticed and diagnosed, if not later.Conditions that can look like breast cancer include hormonal changes like thickening or lumpiness, fibroids and cysts, fat necrosis, and fibrocystic breast disease.
The five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99% for localized cancer that has not spread outside the breast. Breast cancer that has spread to local areas near the original spot has an 86% survival rate. If the cancer spreads to distant areas of the body, the survival rate is 28%.
Breast cancer isdiagnosedwith some combination of a physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy (removing a sample of tissue to be examined in a lab). If these tests show that cancer is present, further tests will be used to determine the type and stage, such as a hormone receptor test and HER2/neu test.
Risk factors for breast cancer include:Age, as most breast cancer is diagnosed in women over 50Genetic mutations, such as the BRCA geneStarting menstruation before age 12 or experiencing menopause after age 55Having dense breasts, which makes mammograms more difficultA family history of ovarian or breast cancerPrevious radiation therapyHaving ever taken diethylstilbestrol
Risk factors for breast cancer include:
It depends on what kind of breast cancer it is. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often does not cause a lump, so there’s nothing to feel. It may also not show up on a mammogram. When it progresses to the point at which it has grown into the skin (stage 3 cancer) and starts to affect the skin’s appearance, this is often when it’s noticed and diagnosed, if not later.
Conditions that can look like breast cancer include hormonal changes like thickening or lumpiness, fibroids and cysts, fat necrosis, and fibrocystic breast disease.
Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Breastcancer.org.Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Types of breast cancer.Vallely JJ, Hudson KE, Locke SC, et al.Pruritus in patients with solid tumors: an overlooked supportive care need.Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(10):3897-3904. doI:10.1007/s00520-019-04693-5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing breast cancer.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Breastcancer.org.Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Types of breast cancer.Vallely JJ, Hudson KE, Locke SC, et al.Pruritus in patients with solid tumors: an overlooked supportive care need.Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(10):3897-3904. doI:10.1007/s00520-019-04693-5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing breast cancer.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Breastcancer.org.Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Types of breast cancer.Vallely JJ, Hudson KE, Locke SC, et al.Pruritus in patients with solid tumors: an overlooked supportive care need.Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(10):3897-3904. doI:10.1007/s00520-019-04693-5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing breast cancer.
Breastcancer.org.Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.Inflammatory breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.Types of breast cancer.
Vallely JJ, Hudson KE, Locke SC, et al.Pruritus in patients with solid tumors: an overlooked supportive care need.Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(10):3897-3904. doI:10.1007/s00520-019-04693-5
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing breast cancer.
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