Early symptoms of breast diseases

Early symptoms of breast diseases mainly include breast pain, breast lumps, nipple discharge, and changes in the breast skin. Breast pain may be caused by conditions such as mastitis or mammary hyperplasia; the nature of the pain varies and may be related to the menstrual cycle. Breast lumps can be detected upon touch or light pressure. Most lumps are benign, but those that suddenly increase in size or have unclear borders should raise suspicion for malignancy. Nipple discharge occurring outside the lactation period warrants special attention, especially if the discharge is dark brown or bloody, which may indicate precancerous lesions or breast cancer. Skin changes such as peau d'orange (orange-peel appearance), redness, or dimpling also require prompt medical evaluation.