Non-Lump Breast Cancer Symptoms to Know

When it comes to breast cancer, breast lumps often dominate the conversation—and for good reason. Research from an audit shared in 2016 found that breast lumps were a presenting symptom in 83% of more than 2,300 women diagnosed with breast cancer. While that large number certainly warrants the attention that breast-lump detection receives, it leaves us with about 1 in 6 women with breast cancer who present other symptoms that need to be talked about, especially since women with non-lump symptoms tend to delay seeking help (90 days or longer) for a disease whose treatment benefits so much from early detection.

One key non-lump symptom to watch for is changes in the skin, which may include ulceration, pitting, thickening, puckering when you raise your arms, or an “orange peel” texture. Skin that becomes red, swollen, or flaky is also cause for concern.

Nipple changes are another potential sign of breast cancer. Pay attention if a nipple suddenly inverts, retracts, flattens, begins pointing down, or otherwise changes shape or appearance. Discharge, especially if it’s clear, yellow, or bloody, should also be evaluated by a doctor.

Persistent breast pain that is not related to your menstrual cycle, inflammation, infection, or loss of feeling can be warning signs, as can be unexplained swelling in part or all of the breast.

Changes in the size or shape of one breast compared to the other should not be ignored, particularly if they occur suddenly or over a short period of time.

Lymph node swelling or pain under the arm or around the collarbone may indicate that breast cancer has spread, even if no lump is felt in the breast itself.

Other, seemingly unrelated symptoms such as back pain and unexplained weight loss can indicate underlying illness and should be checked by your doctor to rule out a more serious cause like breast or other kind of cancer.

Being aware of non-lump breast cancer symptoms is essential for early detection. If you notice any of these changes, don’t wait! Please consult your healthcare provider promptly for more in-depth evaluation. Early diagnosis can lead to drastically better outcomes for women with breast cancer.