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Nov 17, 2022 · There are over 200 different types of cancer that can cause many different signs and symptoms. Sometimes symptoms affect specific areas of the body, such as our tummy or skin. But signs can also be more general, and include weight loss, tiredness (fatigue) or unexplained pain.
- Breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the US, except for skin cancer. It's also the second-leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer).
- Colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Some factors that increase colorectal cancer risk include physical inactivity, a diet high in red and processed meats, excess body weight, smoking, alcohol use, and a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
- Lung cancer. Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in the US and the leading cause of cancer death. What you can do. Get screened. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan for people who
- Cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancers. HPV is a very common infection that can be spread during skin-to-skin contact with infected body parts, not just during sex.
- Overview
- Why is it important to do a monthly self-exam of your breast?
- What does a cancer lump on the breast look like?
- What is nipple discharge like?
- What changes in the size and shape of the breast may happen in breast cancer?
- What are inverted nipples?
- What does peeling, scaling, or flaking skin on the breast mean?
- What does breast cancer rash look like when it first starts?
- What are the early signs of breast cancer on the skin?
- Other frequently asked questions
Depending on the type of breast cancer, you may notice lumps or changes in the size and color of your breast. Your nipple may also change in appearance.
Breast cancer results from mutations in the genes of the breast cells. It causes them to divide and multiply uncontrollably.
The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but some people have a higher risk than others. This includes people with a personal or family history of breast cancer and certain gene mutations.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females. It can also develop in males.
Diagnosing and treating breast cancer early offers the best outlook. That’s why experts recommend examining your breasts regularly and scheduling regular mammograms. A doctor can determine which breast cancer screening schedule is best for you.
Since cancer cells can metastasize or spread to other parts of the body, recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer early may result in earlier treatment and a better outlook.
The earliest symptoms of breast cancer are easier to feel than see. Doing a monthly self-exam of your breasts can help you become familiar with their typical look and feel.
While there’s no evidence that self-exams help you detect cancer before symptoms appear, they may make it easier for you to notice any changes in your breast tissue, such as lumps.
A breast lump may be easier to feel than see, but there are some characteristic ways breast cancer may look, such as:
•dimpled, orange-peel-looking skin
•peeling or flakey skin
•inverted (turned in) nipples
•a rash
These appearances don’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer since most breast lumps are not cancerous. But if see any of these skin changes, talk with your healthcare professional.
If you’re breastfeeding, you may experience a milky discharge from the nipples. But discharge when you’re not breastfeeding can potentially be an indicator of breast cancer. Discharge may appear:
•whitish
•clear
•bloody
It may affect only one nipple and come from one duct.
If you’re noticing discharge and not breastfeeding, make an appointment with a doctor. They can do an examination and find out the cause.
Breasts may naturally swell during your menstrual cycle. Swelling or dimpling at other times may be an indicator of breast cancer.
You may want to talk with a doctor if you notice:
•swelling in one breast but not the other
•swelling in your breasts outside of your menstrual cycle
•one breast suddenly appearing larger than the other
•breast swelling that occurs with other symptoms
Changes in nipple appearance may happen over time and be considered typical. But if your nipple becomes inverted, you may want to discuss it with a doctor.
Instead of pointing outward, an inverted nipple is pulled into the breast.
A type of breast cancer called Paget disease that affects the nipples can affect your skin. On your breasts or nipples, you may notice:
•peeling
•scaling
•flaking
This is a symptom of breast cancer but can also be a symptom of eczema (atopic dermatitis) or another skin condition.
A doctor can run tests to determine the cause of these symptoms and recommend treatment.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive but rarer form of breast cancer that affects the skin and lymph vessels of the breast. It may cause a rash as an early symptom. Unlike other types of breast cancer, IBC doesn’t usually cause lumps.
In the case of IBC, the rash may be:
•swollen
•warm
•reddish
•itchy
A rash isn’t the only visual symptom of IBC. This type of cancer can also change the appearance of your breasts.
You may notice dimpling or pitting. The skin on your breast may begin to look like an orange peel due to underlying inflammation.
Can breast cancer be found in the armpit?
Yes, breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, known as axillary lymph nodes, especially in more advanced stages.
Are breast cancer lumps in the armpit hard?
Breast cancer-related lumps in the armpit can be hard, but not always. The texture of a lump can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of breast cancer and its stage.
Can skin cancer look like breast cancer?
Skin cancer can sometimes resemble breast cancer if it appears on the breast skin or nipple. Skin cancer on the breast typically presents as a new or changing mole, lesion, or patch of skin that may have irregular borders, different colors, or an unusual shape. In contrast, breast cancer often presents as a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, changes in the skin texture or color of the breast, nipple discharge, or changes in the shape or size of the breast. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
- Valencia Higuera
May 7, 2024 · What are the symptoms of stomach cancer, and when should you see a doctor about them? Here, surgical oncologist and gastrointestinal cancer specialist Paul Mansfield, M.D., weighs in, and six survivors share how they knew they had stomach cancer.
Here are 10 cancer symptoms that every woman should be on the lookout for. 1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. More than 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer experience irregular bleeding. If you have already undergone menopause, any bleeding — spotting included — should be evaluated.
Jun 21, 2023 · Other MD Anderson patients have reported different throat cancer symptoms, such as news photographer Damion Smith, who lost his voice, and senior civil engineering inspector Scott Courville, who developed pain in his jaw, felt lumps in his throat and saw little white spots on his tonsils.
