Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of breast cancer. When symptoms develop, they may include:

• Lump or mass felt in the breast or under the arm
• Recent changes in the appearance of the nipple (i.e., inversion or retraction)
• Dimpling or "orange peel" appearance of the breast
• New asymmetry of the breasts
• Pulling of the breast tissue
• Nipple discharge that is bloody or foul smelling

Nipple discharge is not always a symptom of breast cancer. Spontaneous nipple discharge is associated with carcinoma about 20-25% of the time. Expressed nipple discharge is usually due to medication or endocrinologic causes.