Breast cancer has a wide variety of symptoms, but the cancer does not cause any significant complaints until it reaches a certain size. While it mostly presents as a palpable, painless mass in the early stages, it may appear as edema on the breast skin and a lump in the armpit in the advanced stages. Unusual changes in the breast do not always mean cancer; in fact, most of them are caused by non-cancerous causes. However, it is important for these conditions to be checked by a doctor. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer that we commonly encounter are as follows:
Breast Mass: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a mass. Breast cancer-related masses are usually newly emerged, have a hard and irregular structure (like a pebble), are immobile and cannot be easily separated from the surrounding breast tissue. In addition, these masses may sometimes be accompanied by enlargement of the armpit lymph nodes. Masses formed by breast cancer are generally painless and grow over time. However, rarely, these masses may be accompanied by pain. The cause of the pain is mostly due to the pressure created on the breast tissue due to the excessive growth of the mass or its involvement of the breast skin and muscle tissue at the back.
Shrinkage, thickening and discoloration of the breast skin: The first reason for this is the blockages created by the tumor cells in the lymph vessels, and secondly, it affects the suspensory ligaments of the breast, causing thickening, reddening and an edematous appearance on the breast skin. . This progressive condition causes an orange peel-like appearance on the breast skin over time. Sometimes, due to the tumor pulling the tissues towards itself, a dimple-like depression may be observed in the skin structure at the tumor level.
Discharge from the nipple: Nipple discharge can occur at any time of life. These discharges can be in various colors such as milky white, yellow, light and dark green, almost black, dark brown, clear as water, or the color of blood. These discharges are mostly due to a cause other than cancer. The discharge of breast cancer may be clear or bloody. Especially if the discharge is bloody, comes from a single breast duct and comes spontaneously (without squeezing), it may be a sign of breast cancer. Change in appearance: One of the symptoms of breast cancer is the collapse of the nipple. This collapse often occurs simultaneously with a mass or hardness within the breast. In addition, eczema-like complaints such as flaking, peeling and redness of the skin around the nipple may also be a sign of breast cancer.
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