Breast Cancer Symptoms

What Breast Cancer Symptoms Women Need to Know

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is estimated 1 in every 7 American women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Two hundred and twenty thousand American women will develop breast cancer this year.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Reported breast cancer symptoms include:

# discharge from the nipple(clear or bloody)
# persistent tenderness of the breast
# pain in the nipple
# swelling or mass in the armpit (lymph nodes)
# inverted or scaly nipples
# a lump that can be felt, no matter how small
# swelling of the breast

Sometimes there are no symptoms of breast cancer when it is in the early stages. If you notice a lump, or are experiencing anything unusual, you must report the symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible. Performing a monthly self breast exam is the one of the best ways to notice any changes in your breasts.