Women's Health

Early breast cancer is often seen on a mammogram before there are any symptoms. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump. But sometimes painful lumps are cancerous. Other symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Skin changes, such as dimpling or puckering.
• Changes in the color or feel of the breast.
• Nipple discharge.
• Darkening of the area around the nipple.
• A nipple being drawn inward.
• Any breast problem that lasts more than 2 weeks.
• A breast lump in a man.

Breast changes in boys

In men, enlargement of male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is a noncancerous breast change. Breast buds are common in teenage boys during puberty. The buds may last up to 2 years, but they tend to go away within the first year. Breast buds develop because of rapid changes in hormone levels.

Treatment of a breast problem depends on the cause of the problem.

Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.