
Breast cancer: Diagnosis
Part of our GP resources on tumour types, here we focus on diagnosis of breast cancer, including screening and genetic testing
Miss Katherine Krupa, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon says:
"Skin changes that indicate a possible breast cancer include a rash, redness, puckering or dimpling of the breast. Some patients present with skin that looks like orange peel or with a texture to the skin that is different to rest of the breast skin. A rare cause of skin changes in the breast is Paget’s disease. This presents with a scaly, red, and sometimes itchy rash which looks like eczema. Paget’s disease can be a sign of underlying breast cancer and warrants further investigation.
Swelling around the collarbone or armpit could be an indication of breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. This can present even before there is a palpable mass in the breast tissue."
NICE Guideline: Consider non-urgent referral in people aged under 30 with an unexplained breast lump with or without pain.
Miss Katherine Krupa, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon says:
"Breast cancer is very rare in women under 30. Consider referring women under 30 if they have a palpable breast lump that has been present for more than one menstrual cycle.
If the patient has other concerning symptoms as well as the mass, such as nipple discharge or retraction, skin changes or unexplained axillary swelling they should be referred immediately."