• Breast Cancer Symptoms
• Highlights
• Introduction
• Risk Factors
• Prevention and Lifestyle Factors
• Diagnosis
• Prognosis

Symptoms

Breast cancers in their early stages are usually painless. Often the first symptom is the discovery of a hard lump. Half of such masses are found in the upper outer quarter of the breast. The lump may make the affected breast appear elevated or asymmetric. The nipple may be retracted or scaly. Sometimes the skin of the breast is dimpled like the skin of an orange. In some cases there is a bloody or clear discharge from the nipple.

Many breast cancers, however, produce no symptoms and...