Feel for a lump- is the most heard advice for breast cancer awareness. However, research has shown that this message, while important, doesn’t capture the whole picture.
Some scientific studies conclude that nearly one in six women with breast cancer do not have a noticeable lump. That means thousands of cases may be overlooked or diagnosed late simply because they don’t fit this well-known symptom.
Dr Gagan Saini, Vice Chairman, Radiation Oncology at Yashoda Medicity lists five subtle symptoms that women must consider.
Changes in the skin of the breast
Dimpling of the skin (resembling an orange peel), thickening, redness, irritation, swelling, or an area of unusual warmth means it is time you pay a visit to a doctor.
These changes can be indicative of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive subtype that often progresses quickly and does not exhibit a lump. These changes can be mistaken for an infection or skin condition but require immediate medical attention.
Changes in the nipple
Be aware of inversion (nipple turning inward), flattening, scaling, crusting, or spontaneous discharge of bloody or clear fluid without squeezing. These symptoms may be signs of cancers that originate in the milk ducts. While such changes can sometimes have benign causes, they should never be ignored.
Persistent itching or rash
An itchy breast can be dismissed as skin irritation or an allergic reaction to fabric or detergent. But if persistent, or accompanied by a scaly rash that doesn't go away with typical treatments, it could signal Paget’s disease of the nipple. This is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the skin and ducts of the nipple and is often mistaken for eczema or dermatitis.
Changes in breast size or shape
Subtle differences in size, shape, or position of one breast (for example if it appears larger, lower, or oddly shaped) can be cause of concern. Breast asymmetry may reflect underlying changes in breast tissue due to a growing tumor, even if a lump isn’t palpable.
Unexplained pain or discomfort
Although breast pain is usually not a sign of cancer, persistent, localised discomfort that doesn’t fluctuate with the menstrual cycle should be checked out, especially if accompanied by any of the signs mentioned above.
Remember that breast cancer is not always a lump. Subtle symptoms need as much attention as early detection can make a huge difference.