The skin of the nipple is more prone to allergies and to eczema. Eczema of breast skin is not common, but can occur particularly in women who have already developed eczema in other parts of the body. Any area of redness of the breast skin, which persists for more than two weeks, particularly whilst taking antibiotics, should be checked as soon as possible by a breast specialist. The redness associated with inflammatory carcinoma progresses slowly and does not regress with antibiotics. This is usually associated with a rarer type of breast cancer, termed inflammatory carcinoma. Skin Changes Redness of the breast skin, such as occurs in an infection, can also be a sign of underlying breast cancer. Nipple Inversion Nipple inversion can be a sign of underlying breast cancer, especially if the cancer is close to the nipple. Nipple Discharge Nipple discharge should alwasy be checked as it can be a sign of breast cancer. If there are any changes in the gentle curvature of the shape of the breast it is important to have your breasts checked by a specialist. Localised changes in the shape of the breast such as dimpling, distortion or pulling in of the nipple can all be signs of breast cancer although there may be other reasons. An increase in size of just one of the breasts, should always be investigated by a specialist. The changes are often worse prior to each menstrual period. Hormonal breast swelling is a fairly common occurrence and is usually associated with breast pain and tenderness. This may occur after starting or stopping the contraceptive pill, using the depo-contraceptive injection or with hormone replacement treatment. General enlargement of the breasts occurs either during pregnancy or when there are hormonal changes that affect the breast tissue. Changes in only one breast should always be checked by a specialist. Usually both breasts either enlarge or change shape in a similar way, although sometimes the changes are more marked in one breast than the other. This is particularly obvious during pregnancy and the period after breast feeding. It is common for the breast to gradually change in shape or size during life. This can be a sign of underlying breast cancer and careful inspection in a mirror is an important part of breast self-examination. Change of breast shape It is always important to look out for any change in the overall shape of your breast. It does not necessarily mean that the cancer has invaded the skin, but it is a sign you should have a breast examination by a specialist. A very important feature of cancerous lumps is that they tend to pull the overlying skin inwards causing a visible dimple (like an orange peel). A painful lump in the breast is much less likely to be cancerous, but we would advise that all lumps whether they are painful or not should be checked out by a specialist. Cancerous lumps are nearly always pain free. A cancerous lump in the breast can be any size from smaller than the size of a pea to as large as a tennis ball. Most breast lumps are not cancerous and can be a cyst or fibroadenoma. There's no special technique and you don’t need training to check your breasts.Ĭheck the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits.Breast Lump The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. How to check your breastsĬhecking your breasts only takes a few minutes. Some people may be asked just to keep an eye on their symptoms instead.ĭoctors will decide what’s best to do based on your individual situation. People who are referred by their GP to a breast clinic may find their appointment is delayed or converted to a telephone consultation. You should do this in the first instance by calling your GP surgery or visiting the GP surgery website to find out what to do. Getting symptoms checked during the coronavirus outbreak But it’s important to get checked by your GP. Noticing an unusual change doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer, and most breast changes are not because of cancer. But look out for pain that’s there all or most of the time. On its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer. any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple.a change to the nipple, for example it has become pulled in (inverted).a change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed.a change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling. a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit – you might feel the lump but not see it.So it's important to check your breasts regularly and see your GP if you notice a change.Ĭommon breast cancer signs and symptoms include: The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment.
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