Signs of breast cancer

What can be typical signs of breast cancer?

Regular palpation of the breasts can give early indications of a malignant tumour. Nodular changes in the breast tissue can be the first signs of breast cancer or have harmless causes (e.g. cysts in the breast). Women who notice abnormalities should definitely consult a doctor, because the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of survival.

Typical signs of breast cancer can be Asymmetry or altered shape of a breast Protrusions or retraction of the skin on the breast Reddening or scaling of the skin Retraction of a nipple Palpable lumps in the breast Hardening of the breast tissue Palpable lymph nodes near the breast (in the armpits and above or below the collarbone) Stinging or burning pain in the breast Poor mobility of the mammary gland on the breast muscle Aqueous or bloody secretions from a nipple Back pain Rapid weight loss

  • Asymmetry or altered shape of a breast
  • Protrusions or retraction of the skin on the chest
  • Redness or scaling of the skin
  • Retraction of a nipple
  • Palpable lumps in the breast
  • Mammary sclerosis
  • Palpable lymph nodes near the breast (in the armpits and above or below the collarbone)
  • Stinging or burning pain in the chest
  • Poor movability of the mammary gland on the pectoral muscle
  • Aqueous or bloody secretions from a nipple
  • Back Pain
  • Fast weight loss

In an early stage of breast cancer, there are usually no symptoms such as pain or the like. Even in an advanced stage there are often no complaints. However, it is important to have these symptoms clarified if they occur, because the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

Of course there are also other diseases besides cancer, conditions that can cause the following symptoms. For example, hormonal changes can lead to an increased sensitivity of the breast. The probability that it is ultimately a malignant growth is much lower than a benign change.

Especially in young women, a benign abnormality is present in 80% of cases. In most cases, palpable lumps in the breast indicate cancer, although in about half of the cases these are located in the upper outer part of the breast. Nodules are palpable from a size of one to two centimetres.

However, the lumps can also be glandular tissue or dense connective tissue of the breast. A malignant event is indicated if the lump is not painful and cannot be moved, but is caked to the surrounding area. If there are any changes in the area of the nipple, this is also suspicious.

These changes can manifest themselves in the form of retractions of the nipple, inflammation, increased sensitivity to touch or secretions. The secretion can be watery or bloody. Especially if these symptoms occur unilaterally, it can be a malignant disease.

If there are changes in the area of the nipple, this is also suspicious. These changes can manifest themselves in the form of retractions of the nipple, inflammation, increased sensitivity to touch or secretions. The secretion can be watery or bloody.

Especially if these symptoms occur unilaterally, it can be a malignant disease. In addition to abnormalities of the nipple, changes in the skin of the breast can also be a sign. For example, redness, scaling, orange peel skin as well as retractions or inflammations.

Of course, these skin changes can also be caused by other factors. A change in breast size and shape can also be a sign of cancer. In women, the breasts are often different in size, this is not yet a reason for concern.

Only if the difference in size has reappeared should this be clarified. If one notices that the breasts move differently when the arms are raised, this can also be an indication of cancer. In the course of the disease, the tumor can also cause pain or a pulling or burning sensation in the breast.

An important indication is also a swelling in the armpit area. This indicates swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. If breast cancer is actually present, the swelling is caused by metastasis/diffusion of the tumour into the lymph nodes of the armpit.

This is because the lymph nodes of the armpit are the first station of lymph drainage in the case of a breast tumour and thus the first station of lymphogenic metastasis. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit can also be a normal reaction to an infection. Other indications of an advanced stage in which metastases have formed are bone pain, difficult breathing, night sweats, fever and unwanted weight loss. These symptoms can also be caused by other circumstances. .