Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Learn about the warning signs of breast cancer

A smiling middle-aged woman represents the power and value of knowing breast cancer symptoms.

Learn about the warning signs of breast cancer

Your best defense against breast cancer is knowledge. This includes knowing:


  • The warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer
  • How your breasts normally look and feel
  • The health of your breasts through regular mammograms
  • What to do if you’re experiencing breast cancer symptoms


At Scripps Cancer Center, we understand the importance of early detection, and help equip our patients and the community with the most valuable information. For more on breast cancer symptoms, continue reading.

What is considered a "normal breast"?

Understanding your normal breast appearance and texture is crucial for early detection. Normal breasts vary widely among women and may include natural asymmetry, varying firmness throughout the menstrual cycle, and different shapes and sizes. Familiarizing yourself with your normal breast tissue helps you identify changes that may indicate a breast condition requiring medical attention.

Invasive vs. non-invasive breast cancer warning signs

Non-invasive breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ) typically produces minimal symptoms and is often detected through mammography. Warning signs may include unusual nipple discharge or very subtle changes in the shape of the breast.


Invasive breast cancer presents more noticeable symptoms as cancer cells spread beyond the milk ducts into surrounding breast tissue. These symptoms include palpable lumps, significant changes in breast size or shape, skin changes, and persistent breast pain that doesn't fluctuate with menstrual cycles.

Breast cancer signs and symptoms

Breast cancer signs and symptoms

Breast cancer signs and symptoms fall into four categories:


  • Changes in how the breast or nipple feels
  • Changes in the appearance or texture of the breast or nipple (less common)
  • Nipple discharge (not including breast milk)
  • Lumps or swelling in areas surrounding the breast (underarm or lymph nodes)


The most common warning sign of breast cancer is a lump or mass that develops in the breast tissue or breast area. Some women may find the lump themselves while showering or during a breast self-exam, or their doctors may feel it during a clinical breast exam. In some cases, the mass may be too small to feel and is only discovered on a mammogram or ultrasound exam. 


Breast cancer symptoms include:


  • Mass or lump in the breast or armpit
  • Skin redness
  • Dimpling or puckering on the breast
  • Scaliness on nipple (sometimes extending to the areola)
  • Nipple changes, including the nipple turning inward, pulling to one side or changing direction
  • Ulcer on the breast or nipple (sometimes extending to the areola)
  • Thickening of the skin, resulting in an orange-peel texture
  • Swelling of the breast

Inflammatory breast cancer signs and symptoms

Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms tend to develop quickly and do not include a lump. The first signs of inflammatory breast cancer may include:


  • Sudden swelling of one breast 
  • Itchy breast
  • Pink, red or dark colored area on the breast
  • Dimpling of the breast skin
  • Ridges and thickened skin areas on the breast
  • Breast feels warm to the touch
  • Flattened or inverted nipple
  • Breast pain or tenderness

Metastatic breast cancer symptoms

When breast cancer spreads beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, metastatic symptoms may appear depending on where the cancer has traveled. According to the American Cancer Society, these may include bone pain, persistent headaches, shortness of breath, abdominal swelling, or neurological changes indicating spread to bones, brain, lungs or liver.

Papillary carcinoma symptoms

Papillary carcinoma, a less common type of cancer, often presents with bloody nipple discharge from a single duct, typically without an accompanying lump in the breast. Patients may also notice a small, palpable mass near the nipple area.

Symptoms of angiosarcoma of the breast

Angiosarcoma symptoms include rapidly growing, purple or red skin lesions that may appear bruise-like, skin thickening, and sometimes an open sore that doesn't heal. This rare type of cancer often develops in breast tissue previously treated with radiation.

Phyllodes tumor symptoms

Phyllodes tumors typically present as large, rapidly growing, painless lumps in the breast tissue. These tumors can cause noticeable changes in breast shape and size due to their potential for quick growth, though they're usually non-cancerous.

Male breast cancer symptoms

Male breast cancer symptoms differ slightly from female breast cancer. Men should watch for a painless lump or thickening in breast tissue, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, or skin changes around the nipple area. The risk of breast cancer in men is much lower than in women, but awareness remains important for early detection and treatment options.

Mammograms and clinical breast screenings can detect breast cancer even before symptoms arise. The earlier that breast cancer is detected, the more likely the patient's chances of successful breast cancer treatment.

How to handle breast cancer warning signs

How to handle breast cancer warning signs

Having any of these signs or symptoms does not mean you have breast cancer. Cysts, infections and other non-cancerous breast conditions also may cause symptoms.


However, do call your doctor right away if you have symptoms or any time you notice unusual changes in how your breasts look or feel. Don’t “wait and see” if the changes go away. It’s important to find out what is causing these changes. If you do have breast cancer, early detection can make treatment easier and more successful.


Learn about your risk of breast cancer, diagnosis and treatment options depending on the type of cancer.