A lump or mass is a common symptom of breast cancer, but it’s not the only one. Read on for four other symptoms of breast cancer.

While many people with breast cancer do not experience symptoms, a new lump or mass in the breast is a possible symptom of breast cancer. You might feel the lump while doing a self-exam, or a doctor might find it during a checkup.
Most new lumps — more than
And while lumps are a common symptom of breast cancer, there are other symptoms to know about.
Every person’s nipples are slightly different. Most nipple changes are not a symptom of cancer.
Still, it’s best to be alert for any changes to the shape, size, or color of your nipples and report them to a doctor. Look out for areola irritation as well.
One symptom of breast cancer is when your nipples suddenly push in toward your body rather than pointing out. Nipples that do this are called inverted or retracted.
A change in the texture or color of your nipple might also be a symptom of cancer. Look for a scaly, itchy rash or dimpling that resembles the skin of an orange. The nipple might also turn red or purple.
Fluid that isn’t breast milk might leak out of your nipples. It will leak out on its own when lightly expressed. That fluid
- clear
- milky
- blood-tinged
What other conditions can cause nipple changes?
Some people naturally have inverted nipples. If your nipples were always inverted, there’s no need to worry, but if they’ve recently retracted, contact a doctor.
An infection of the mammary ducts called mammary duct ectasia can also change your nipple orientation. This condition is
A milky nipple discharge is perfectly fine if you’ve recently given birth or if you’re nursing.
If you’re not pregnant or nursing, nipple discharge is
- an underactive thyroid gland
- injury to the breast
- infection
- a noncancerous tumor
- some medications, including birth control pills
If fluid comes out when you squeeze your nipples, it’s likely just the natural fluid that’s carried through your breast ducts. This fluid can be:
- yellow
- green
- brown
A change in the color or texture of the skin on your breast can be a symptom of breast cancer.
Look for these types of changes:
- scaling or flakes
- crusting
- dimpling or puckering, which causes the skin to become textured like an orange peel
- swelling
- redness or other skin color changes, including a rash
- bleeding
- sores that don’t heal
- itching
- visible veins in the breast, which can be a sign of increased blood flow to the cancer
Skin changes aren’t necessarily cancer, but they can sometimes be a symptom of a rare type of breast cancer like Paget disease or inflammatory breast cancer.
Make an appointment with a doctor if your skin doesn’t go back to its usual appearance within a few days.
What other conditions can cause breast skin changes?
A few other skin conditions can affect your breasts, including:
- rashes unrelated to inflammatory breast cancer
- moles
- skin infections
Skin changes such as rashes and skin infections should clear up within a few days. If they don’t go away, have a doctor take a look.
Sometimes when you have cancer, one breast grows larger than the other.
Look for a sudden change in breast size or a breast that continues to grow. Get a checkup for any unexpected changes to your breast size.
What other conditions can cause a change in breast size?
Some people naturally have two different-size breasts. If your breasts were always different in size, there’s no need to worry.
Your breasts can also change shape during times of hormonal transition, such as during pregnancy and menopause.
Dimpling of the breast or skin can also be a symptom of breast cancer. The skin will be pulled in.
Talk with a doctor if the change seems sudden or dramatic and doesn’t appear to be linked to any hormone issue.
Breast cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a
Because this type of breast cancer spreads very quickly, it’s important to get medical attention if you have any breast pain with associated skin changes.
What other conditions can cause breast pain?
Breast pain usually isn’t a symptom of cancer. More common causes of breast pain or discomfort include:
- puberty
- menstruation
- pregnancy, especially during the first trimester
- nursing
- injury to the breast
- past breast surgery
- an infected milk duct (mastitis)
- menopause
- fibrocystic breasts
Certain medications may also cause breast pain, such as:
- chlorpromazine and other antipsychotic medications
- digitalis preparations
- estrogen replacement therapy
- methyldopa
- oral contraceptives
- oxymetholone
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine
- spironolactone
- water pills (diuretics)
The pain may feel like a burning, tightness, prickling, or stabbing. If your pain isn’t connected with your period or another hormonal transition and doesn’t go away, visit a doctor.
If you notice any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your nipples or breasts, talk with a doctor. Mention any family history of cancer, as this
After assessing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, your doctor might order a mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray used to diagnose breast cancer.
If you do have cancer, detecting it early gives you a good chance of successfully treating it.
Your symptoms may also be a sign of another underlying condition. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and care.
No matter the cause, doctors recommend getting in the habit of regularly checking your breasts for any changes like lumps, swelling, or discoloration. If you notice anything different, make a doctor’s appointment.
Find support from others who are living with breast cancer. Download Healthline’s free app here.
While breast lumps or masses can be a symptom of breast cancer, feeling a lump in your breast doesn’t mean you have cancer. It can be a benign tumor or cyst.
Other symptoms of breast cancer include changes in your breast size, nipples, or skin and breast pain. Speak with a doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Regular screenings for breast cancer can help detect it early. Talk with a doctor about when to start yearly mammograms or other breast cancer screening options.