A mass or breast lump is just one of the possible and common breast cancer symptoms. However, there can be other additional changes to the skin around and on the breast. If you notice anything unusual about your breast, you should immediately see the best breast cancer doctor in Meerut.
There are cases where cancer in the breast might not cause any kind of symptoms, but a healthcare specialist will be able to identify a mass on a mammogram. Breast cancer screening as suggested by a doctor can help in detecting the condition in its most treatable stage.
Below given are some other potential symptoms and signs of breast cancer that might occur without a lump in the breast. However, these symptoms can have a non-cancerous underlying cause. But you need to speak to a doctor to find out if the condition is non-cancerous and cancerous.
CHANGES TO THE TEXTURE OF THE SKIN
Cancer in the breast can cause inflammation and changes in skin cells that might lead to texture changes. Texture change example includes the following:
- Thickening of the skin in any part of the breast
- Scaly skin around the areola and the nipple, as though the skin is extremely dry or sunburned
Such changes might also cause itching, which a lot of people associate with cancer in the breast. But this isn’t very common.
Texture changes might occur as a result of non-cancerous skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
DISCHARGE FROM THE NIPPLE
You may observe some kind of discharge from your nipple, which can be thick or thin and might even range in colour. It can be clear, milky, yellow, red or green.
For people who are breastfeeding, it is normal to experience a milky discharge from the nipples. But, if you notice any other kind of discharge, consult a doctor.
A side effect of birth control pills, breast infections, variations in body physiology and a side effect of taking certain medicines are some other reasons for nipple discharge.
CHANGES TO LYMPH NODE
Lymph nodes are rounded, small collections of immune system tissue that capture harmful cells including viruses, bacteria and cancer cells, and filter fluid.
If a cancer cell leaves your breast, the first place that it will travel to is the lymph node region in your underarm on the same side as the breast that is affected. This might lead to swelling of the area.
Besides swollen lymph nodes in the underarm region, you might also notice them around your collarbone. They generally feel like a firm, small, swollen lumps and might be tender to touch.
However, change in lymph tissue might be a result of breast infections or other unrelated illnesses. It is advisable that you consult a top breast cancer doctor in meerut regarding such changes.
DIMPLING
Dimpling of the skin can sometimes be one of the signs of breast cancer, particularly inflammatory cancer that is an aggressive type of cancer.
Cancer cells sometimes lead to the buildup of lymph fluid in the breast that results in swelling, along with pitted or dimpling skin. It is important that if you notice skin dimpling, immediately speak to your healthcare provider.
NIPPLE OR BREAST PAIN
Breast cancer causes changes in skill cells that result in feelings of tenderness, discomfort and pain in the breast. Even though breast is usually painless, it is crucial not to ignore the symptoms or signs that could be because of breast cancer.
Some people are even known to describe the feeling of pain as a burning sensation.
REDNESS
Since breast cancer causes skin changes, it might make it seem discoloured or bruised. The skin might be purple or red, or it may have a bluish tint.
If you have not experienced any trauma recently to your breast to explain such changes, it is best to see a doctor in Meerut. Also, it is a good idea to seek professional advice even if discolouration of the breast does not disappear, even if the cause was some kind of trauma.
NIPPLE INVERSION OR RETRACTION
The cells behind the nipples might change due to breast cancer. These changes can lead to an inversion of your nipples and reversing inward into your breast. It might even look different in terms of size.
During ovulation, the appearance of the nipples usually changes. It might even change during other parts of the menstrual cycle. But, if you have any new nipple changes, make sure to see a doctor in Meerut.
SWELLING
Swelling is a symptom of breast cancer. Cancer might cause an area or your entire breast to swell. After this swelling, there might not be a distinct lump. But your breast might appear different than the other breast.
However, it is important to note here that at times, people do have breasts that are slightly different in size. But the swelling is going to cause changes from what the usual size of your breast is.
So, as you can see, the lump is only one of the early symptoms of breast cancer. If you notice any kind of change in your breast, be sure to see a doctor for thorough evaluation and diagnosis.