Fact: A palpable lump or a lump you can feel in the breast is not always the first sign of breast cancer.

There are a few misconceptions surrounding a ‘lump in the breast’, such as breast cancer lumps are often painless, if the lump is smooth, or moves around freely under the skin, it’s not breast cancer. But the most popular misconception is that the earliest sign of breast cancer is a lump that can be felt during a breast self-examination. Most often, this may not be the case, the lump may not be felt, particularly when it first develops. By the time the lump develops significant enough to feel, the cancer might have already spread beyond the breast into the lymph nodes.

There are multiple other symptoms that breast cancer presents, which include:

  • Swelling of a part or all of the breast
  • Skin dimpling or orange peel appearance or feel to the skin
  • Pain in the breast
  • Pain around the nipple
  • Inwardly turned nipple (nipple retraction)
  • Changes in the breast skin such as dryness, flaking, or redness
  • Nipple discharge
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or around the collar bone

Take home message: Breast cancer doesn’t always cause a lump. Any unusual changes in your breast, even when there is no lump should be checked out by a healthcare professional. It is not advisable to neglect your symptoms with an impression that you would have felt the changes if there were any. Performing breast self-exams is a good idea, but it should not be considered a substitute for professional screenings. 

Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.