What are the early or initial stage symptoms of breast cancer and how soon they can be diagnosed?

Question

Hi lybrate-user,
I appreciate you seeking help. Symptoms, of breast cancer, manifest majorly in the following ways -
a. Lump/ nodule in the breast that gets attached to the skin of the breast over time. The lump / nodule could be hard and painless with irregular edges or it could also be soft, rounded, tender and painful.
B. Enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla which are palpable.
C. Swelling of whole or a part of a breast. This is even if there is no distinct lump felt.
D. Retraction or thickening of the nipple (s). E. Pain in the breast or nipple.
F. Discharge from nipple other than breast milk.
G. Irritation/ scaliness of skin over the breast.
H. Redness of nipples
i. Rarely, red, swollen and tender breast.
To be on a safer side, once one gets to experience any of the above-mentioned, its advisable that one gets this clinically examined by her OB/ GYN right away and not delay any further. Imaging, either through mammography or MRI subsequently followed by a biopsy is always the gold standard for accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. Hope this clarifies. Take care.
Sincerely

Pritam Mohapatra · Accepted Answer

Hi lybrate-user,
I appreciate you seeking help. Symptoms, of breast cancer, manifest majorly in the following ways -
a. Lump/ nodule in the breast that gets attached to the skin of the breast over time. The lump / nodule could be hard and painless with irregular edges or it could also be soft, rounded, tender and painful.
B. Enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla which are palpable.
C. Swelling of whole or a part of a breast. This is even if there is no distinct lump felt.
D. Retraction or thickening of the nipple (s). E. Pain in the breast or nipple.
F. Discharge from nipple other than breast milk.
G. Irritation/ scaliness of skin over the breast.
H. Redness of nipples
i. Rarely, red, swollen and tender breast.
To be on a safer side, once one gets to experience any of the above-mentioned, its advisable that one gets this clinically examined by her OB/ GYN right away and not delay any further. Imaging, either through mammography or MRI subsequently followed by a biopsy is always the gold standard for accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. Hope this clarifies. Take care.
Sincerely