Understanding Breast Cancer: Key Symptoms and Common Causes
Verified by: Dr. Shreyas Cadabam
Introduction
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Understanding its early symptoms and causes is essential, as timely detection often leads to better outcomes and more effective treatment.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It typically begins in the ducts or lobules and may invade nearby tissue. If left untreated, it can spread to lymph nodes and distant organs.
Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early signs of breast cancer often appear as subtle physical changes. Identifying these symptoms, especially lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Lump in the Breast or Underarm
A lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm is the most common early sign of breast cancer.
It is often painless and may feel hard, irregular, or fixed in place. Any new lump should be medically evaluated, even if it doesn’t cause discomfort or appears small.
Nipple Discharge or Inversion
Unusual nipple discharge especially if it’s bloody, clear, or occurs without squeezing may signal breast cancer.
Another warning sign is nipple inversion, where the nipple turns inward instead of pointing outward. While these changes can have benign causes, they should always be examined by a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis.
Skin Changes or Dimpling
Changes in the skin’s texture such as dimpling, thickening, or a rough, orange-peel-like appearance may indicate underlying tumour growth.
Redness, warmth, or visible distortion of the breast’s surface are also concerning signs. These symptoms suggest lymphatic blockage and should prompt immediate medical assessment to rule out inflammatory breast cancer.
Swelling or Breast Pain
Unexplained swelling in all or part of the breast even without a lump can be an early sign of cancer.
Some individuals also report persistent breast pain or tenderness. While discomfort is often linked to hormonal changes, any unusual or ongoing pain should be medically assessed to rule out underlying causes.
Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer develops from a mix of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Understanding what increases your risk can help you make informed health decisions and prioritise regular screenings or early intervention.
Genetic Mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2)
Inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase breast cancer risk. These mutations can:
- Disrupt normal cell repair
- Lead to earlier-onset cancers
- Be passed through family lines
Genetic testing can help assess your individual risk and guide preventive care.
Hormonal and Reproductive Factors
Certain hormonal patterns can raise breast cancer risk. These include:
- Early menstruation (before age 12)
- Late menopause (after age 55)
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Delayed childbirth or never giving birth
Longer lifetime exposure to oestrogen increases the chances of abnormal breast cell growth.
Lifestyle Factors (e.g., alcohol, obesity)
Everyday habits can impact breast cancer risk. Key contributors are:
- Regular alcohol consumption
- Obesity, especially after menopause
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
These factors can increase inflammation, hormone levels, and fat-related risks—making healthy lifestyle choices a vital part of prevention.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer isn’t a single disease it includes several types based on where it starts and how it behaves. Understanding the type helps doctors choose the most effective treatment approach.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
IDC is the most common type of breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts and invades surrounding breast tissue.
If untreated, it can spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
ILC starts in the lobules the glands that produce milk and spreads to nearby breast tissue. Unlike IDC, it may not form a distinct lump, making it harder to detect through standard imaging or physical examination in early stages.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts.
It hasn’t yet spread to nearby tissue, but without treatment, it can progress to invasive cancer. Early detection offers excellent treatment success and long-term outcomes.
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
LCIS isn’t cancer but indicates abnormal cell growth in the breast lobules. While it doesn’t usually spread, it increases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in either breast, making regular monitoring and follow-up care essential for early detection.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
TNBC lacks oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it unresponsive to common hormonal or targeted therapies. It tends to grow and spread quickly, often affecting younger women, and usually requires chemotherapy as a primary treatment approach.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
This type overexpresses the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth. HER2-positive breast cancer tends to be more aggressive but responds well to targeted treatments like trastuzumab.
Early diagnosis and therapy significantly improve prognosis and long-term survival rates.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, aggressive form that blocks lymph vessels in the breast skin.
It causes redness, swelling, warmth, and a thickened, pitted appearance. Symptoms can develop quickly and often resemble infection, making rapid diagnosis and treatment crucial.
Paget’s Disease of the Nipple
Paget’s disease affects the skin of the nipple and areola, often presenting as redness, flaking, or itching.
It’s usually linked to underlying ductal carcinoma and may be mistaken for eczema. Early detection is important for identifying any associated tumours.
Male Breast Cancer
Though rare, men can develop breast cancer most often invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Symptoms include a painless lump, nipple changes, or discharge.
Risk factors include age, high oestrogen levels, and family history. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and outcomes.
Metastatic (Stage 4) Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer, or Stage 4, occurs when cancer has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes to organs like the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
It’s often a progression of earlier stages and requires ongoing, multidisciplinary treatment.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer staging helps determine the extent of disease spread. It ranges from Stage 0 to Stage IV, guiding treatment decisions and predicting outcomes based on tumour size and lymph node involvement.
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)
Stage 0 refers to non-invasive breast cancer such as DCIS or LCIS, where abnormal cells are confined to the ducts or lobules. There's no spread to surrounding tissue, and early treatment can prevent progression to invasive cancer.
Stage I
Stage I breast cancer means the tumour is up to 2 centimetres in size and may have spread to a small number of nearby lymph nodes or not at all. It’s considered an early stage with a strong treatment response.
Stage II
Stage II breast cancer involves a tumour between 2 and 5 centimetres, or smaller tumours that have spread to nearby lymph nodes. While more advanced than Stage I, it is still often treatable with surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies.
Stage III (Locally Advanced)
Stage III indicates a larger tumour or significant spread to nearby lymph nodes. It may also involve the chest wall or skin.
Though advanced, aggressive treatment including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation can still offer positive outcomes and long-term disease control.
Stage IV (Metastatic)
Stage IV breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant organs, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
While not curable, it is manageable with ongoing treatment aimed at controlling symptoms and prolonging life.
TNM Classification Explained
The TNM system classifies cancer based on:
- T (Tumour) size and extent
- N (Nodes)—spread to lymph nodes
- M (Metastasis)—presence of distant spread
This system helps doctors assess cancer stage, predict outcomes, and plan personalised treatment.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you notice a new lump, nipple changes, discharge, skin dimpling, or persistent breast pain.
Early evaluation is essential, even if symptoms seem minor. Timely screening can detect cancer at a stage where treatment is most effective.
How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed
Diagnosing breast cancer involves a combination of imaging, tissue sampling, and lab tests. These steps help confirm the presence of cancer, determine its type, and guide personalised treatment planning.
Mammogram and Breast Ultrasound
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that detects lumps or changes in breast tissue. Ultrasound complements it by identifying fluid-filled cysts or solid masses.
Together, they provide detailed imaging to guide further testing and early detection of abnormalities.
Biopsy and Lab Analysis
A biopsy involves removing a small sample of breast tissue or cells for microscopic examination.
Lab analysis determines if the cells are cancerous, their type, and receptor status information that’s essential for selecting the most effective treatment approach.
Blood and Hormone Tests
Blood tests may assess tumour markers like CA 15-3 or CEA, which help monitor cancer progression.
Hormone receptor tests (oestrogen, progesterone, HER2) determine how the tumour responds to treatment and guide decisions about targeted or hormonal therapy.
Conclusion
Recognising breast cancer symptoms early can save lives. Understanding causes, types, and diagnosis empowers timely action.
Don’t ignore subtle changes early detection increases treatment success.
Talk to an Onco-specialist to take the first step toward personalised breast health care.
How can Cadabam's Diagnostics help you?
At Cadabam’s Diagnostics, we offer advanced breast screening tests, including mammograms, ultrasounds, and lab diagnostics guided by experienced specialists. With timely, accurate results and compassionate care, we help you take proactive steps toward breast health and early cancer detection.
FAQ
What is the main cause of breast cancer?
There is no single cause. Breast cancer usually results from a combination of genetic mutations, hormonal influences, and lifestyle factors like alcohol use, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Family history and ageing also increase the risk.
How to avoid breast cancer?
While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and staying informed about family history. Regular screenings and early detection are equally important for prevention.
What are 20 warning signs of cancer?
Common signs include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain, lumps, changes in skin or moles, unusual bleeding, persistent cough, indigestion, hoarseness, fever, night sweats, and changes in bowel, bladder, appetite, or menstrual patterns—any lasting change warrants medical attention.
How does breast cancer affect your life?
Breast cancer impacts physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and daily routines. Treatment side effects, body image changes, and ongoing check-ups can be challenging. However, early diagnosis, support systems, and tailored care greatly improve quality of life and long-term outcomes.
How to detect breast cancer early?
Early detection involves regular breast self-exams, annual clinical check-ups, and screening tests like mammograms or ultrasounds especially after age 40 or earlier with risk factors. Noticing and reporting any breast changes promptly can significantly improve treatment success.