While most adults are aware that lumps are a common symptom of breast cancer, there are other signs that may point to different forms of the disease. Recognizing both common and uncommon symptoms can help women and men notify their doctors of any changes in their breasts and potentially detect cancer earlier, according to Dr. Ashley Pariser, a medical oncologist at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
A recent survey conducted by the university’s cancer center revealed that many people are not familiar with other breast cancer symptoms, which include:
- A retracted, inverted, or downward-pointing nipple
- Breast puckering
- Loss of feeling in the breast
- Pitting or thickening of the skin on the breast
- Nipple discharge
These symptoms, which may indicate inflammatory breast cancer, are often mistaken for an infection, warns Dr. Pariser.
“If these symptoms do not improve, it is important to consider alternative reasons such as inflammatory breast cancer,” she says.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of the disease, accounting for only about 1% to 5% of breast cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society. However, it is an aggressive and fast-growing form, making it crucial to be aware of the warning signs.
“Inflammatory breast cancer does not resemble typical breast cancer. It often does not cause a breast lump, and it may not be visible on a mammogram, making diagnosis more challenging,” states the American Cancer Society.
This type of cancer is more commonly found in younger women under the age of 40, and it is more prevalent in Black women compared to White women, as well as in women who are overweight or obese.
One woman’s experience highlights the importance of recognizing the symptoms. Lisa Overholser initially noticed skin changes in her breast, which became thickened and dimpled. However, it was the pain in her left arm that drove her to seek medical attention. She was eventually diagnosed with stage four inflammatory breast cancer.
Overholser’s treatment included intensive chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and a two-drug oral treatment to manage her disease.
Now in remission, Overholser encourages others to consult their doctors if they notice any changes in their bodies.
