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Glossary

Symptoms  

About 80 percent of breast lumps are benign, particularly those that occur in young women. And most lumps that are tender and painful are not malignant. In fact, before menopause, about half of American women are troubled by lumpy breasts that may become more lumpy and tender just before the menstrual period. (However, don't be falsely reassured that a painful lump is not cancer. The only way to know for certain is with a breast biopsy.) Sometimes a fluid-filled cyst may form within the breast and feel like a lump. This condition is not really a disease, despite the term "fibrocystic breast disease" (now more appropriately referred to as "fibrocystic condition") that is used to describe it. Nor is it thought to lead to cancer.

Early breast cancer usually does not cause any symptoms or pain. But as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should be aware of and watch for:
  • Any new lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
  • A change in the breast size or shape
  • Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
  • Swelling, redness, or warmth that does not go away
  • Pain or tenderness in one spot that does not change with your monthly cycle
  • Pulling in or puckering of the nipple
  • A new, sudden nipple discharge that appears only in one breast
  • An itchy, sore, or scaling area on one nipple

Your doctor should promptly evaluate any of the above symptoms. In most cases, a cancer does not cause them but they need to be evaluated by a medical professional so that any problems can be detected and treated as early as possible.

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This content is reviewed regularly. Last Updated 6/6/2007



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