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Breast Cancer Health Center

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Treatments and tests.

Chemo Side Effects

Nausea is among the most common.

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Breast Cancer Overview

The first sign of breast cancer often is a breast lump or an
abnormal mammogram. Breast cancer stages range from early,
curable breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer, with a variety
of breast cancer treatments. Male breast cancer is not uncommon
and must be taken seriously.

Select a Chapter

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Top Search Terms for Breast Cancer

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Understanding Breast Cancer -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
In its early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As a
tumor develops, you may note the following signs:

A lump in the breast or underarm

that persists after your menstrual
cycle. This is often the first
apparent symptom of breast

cancer. Lumps associated with

breast cancer are usually painless,
although some may cause a prickly
sensation. Lumps are usually
visible on a mammogram long
before they can be seen or felt.

Swelling in the armpit.

Pain or tenderness in the breast.

Although lumps are usually
painless, pain or tenderness can
be a sign of breast cancer.

A noticeable flattening or
indentation on the breast, which
may indicate a tumor that cannot
be seen or felt.

Any change in the size, contour,

texture, or temperature of the
breast. A reddish, pitted surface
like the skin of an orange could be
a sign of advanced breast cancer.

A change in the nipple, such as a

nipple retraction, dimpling, itching,
a burning sensation, or ulceration.
A scaly rash of the nipple is
symptomatic of Paget's disease,
which may be associated with an
underlying breast cancer.

Unusual discharge from the nipple

that may be clear, bloody, or
another color. It's usually caused

by benign conditions but could be

due to cancer in some cases.

A marble-like area under the skin.

An area that is distinctly different

from any other area on either
breast.

Understanding Breast Cancer -- Symptoms

Breast Cancer Home

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