What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Women with early breast cancer usually do not feel pain or notice any symptoms at all. Screening tests are better able to detect the disease at this time. As the cancer grows, however, it can cause the following changes:

• A lump or thickening in or near your breast or under your arm

• A change in the size or shape of your breast

• Nipple discharge, especially if it's bloody  

• Nipple inversion, meaning the nipple pulls back into your breast

• Nipple or breast pain

• A change in the way the skin of your breast, areola, or nipple looks or feels. For example, the skin may look like the skin of an orange, or be dimpled or puckered.

These symptoms may be caused by breast cancer or by other, less serious conditions. It’s important to check with a doctor to be sure.

Schedule a Mammogram at Richmond University Medical Center

Early detection and treatment is the best strategy for a better cancer outcome. Schedule your mammogram at RUMC: Call 718-818-3280.

Kathy Giovinazzo is Director of Radiology at Richmond University Medical Center.

For More Information

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Thomas Forlenza at 718-816-4949. His office is located at 1366 Victory Blvd on Staten Island.

Dr. Forlenza is the Director of Oncology at Richmond University Medical Center.