The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump deep in the breast.  It often feels hard and immovable, like a lemon seed. It can be any shape or size.  A lump is not always easy to feel.

A thickened area of skin or obvious lump can occur during menstruation or breastfeeding. However, lumps that don’t go away could be tumors growing near the surface of the skin. 

Tight clothing may leave a temporary dimple or indention. Dimples that don’t go away could be a sign of a tumor deep in the breast. Tumors can pull the skin inward causing an indentation.

Crust on the nipple is often harmless, but it may signify Paget’s disease. With this type of breast cancer, cancer cells live inside the nipple, creating a red or white scab-like crust that doesn’t go away. The area may also be sore.

These can be signs of an infection, such as mastitis (in breastfeeding women), or a skin condition called eczema. However, if medical treatments don’t help after a week, red or hot areas could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.

Nipple discharge that occurs in the absence of developing breasts, infection, cysts, pregnancy or breastfeeding should be checked out by your doctor.

Breast cancer can break down the skin and form a wound. If a sore is infected, it may smell or ooze. Sores are often accompanied by an obvious hard lump and require immediate care.

Most new blood vessels or veins are connected to weight gain or breastfeeding. However, although uncommon, a pronounced vein near the surface of the skin can also be a sign of breast cancer.

Any new nipple changes, such as the nipple flattening or turning inward, could be signs of a breast cancer tumor. A tumor underneath the skin pulls the nipple toward it as it grows.

Most new blood vessels or veins are connected to weight gain or breastfeeding. However, although uncommon, a pronounced vein near the surface of the skin can also be a sign of breast cancer.

Breastfeeding or your menstrual cycle can cause breasts to change. But if one breast unexpectedly changes size, flattens, swells, or droops, this could be a sign of breast cancer.

Sometimes when a breast swells, it causes hair follicles to look like dimples — similar to the surface of an orange peel. Breast swelling can indicate inflammatory breast cancer.