A lump or mass is a common symptom of breast cancer, but it’s not the only one. Read on for four other symptoms of breast cancer.

A new lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. You might feel the lump while doing a self-exam, or your doctor might find it during a checkup.

But most new lumps — more than 90% — are benign, or noncancerous.

Watch for any breast changes and report them to your doctor right away. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better your chances of successful treatment.

Every person’s nipples are slightly different. Most nipple changes are nothing to worry about. Still, it’s best to be alert for any changes to the shape, size, or color of your nipples and report them to your doctor.

One symptom of breast cancer is when your nipples suddenly push in toward your body rather than pointing out. Nipples that do this are called inverted or retracted.

A change in the texture or color of your nipple might also be a symptom of cancer. Look for a scaly, itchy rash or dimpling that resembles the skin of an orange. The nipple might also turn red or purple.

Fluid that isn’t breast milk might leak out of your nipples. It will leak out on its own when lightly expressed. That fluid can be:

  • clear
  • milky
  • blood-tinged

What other conditions can cause nipple changes?

Some people naturally have inverted nipples. If your nipples were always inverted, there’s no need to worry, but if they’ve recently retracted, contact your doctor.

An infection of the mammary ducts called mammary duct ectasia can also change your nipple orientation. This condition is more common in people who are nearing menopause.

A milky nipple discharge is perfectly fine if you’ve recently given birth or if you’re nursing.

If you’re not pregnant or nursing, nipple discharge is usually a sign of a benign condition, such as:

If fluid comes out when you squeeze your nipples, it’s likely just the natural fluid that’s carried through your breast ducts. This fluid can be:

  • yellow
  • green
  • brown

A change in the color or texture of the skin on your breast can be a symptom of breast cancer.

Look for these types of changes:

  • scaling or flakes
  • crusting
  • dimpling or puckering, which causes the skin to become textured like an orange peel
  • swelling
  • redness or other skin color changes, including a rash
  • bleeding
  • sores that don’t heal
  • itching
  • visible veins in the breast, which can be a sign of increased blood flow to the cancer

Skin changes aren’t necessarily cancer, but they can sometimes be a symptom of a rare type of breast cancer like Paget disease or inflammatory breast cancer.

Let your doctor know if your skin doesn’t go back to its usual appearance within a few days.

What other conditions can cause breast skin changes?

A few other skin conditions can affect your breasts, including:

Skin changes such as rashes and skin infections should clear up within a few days. If they don’t go away, have your doctor take a look.

Sometimes when you have cancer, one breast grows larger than the other.

Look for a sudden change in breast size, or a breast that continues to grow. Any unexpected changes to your breast size warrant a call to your doctor.

What other conditions can cause a change in breast size?

Some people naturally have two different-size breasts. If your breasts were always different in size, there’s no need to worry.

Your breasts can also change shape during times of hormonal transition, such as during pregnancy and menopause.

Talk with your doctor if the change seems sudden or dramatic and doesn’t appear to be linked to any hormone issue.

Breast cancer rarely causes pain. Less than about 3.2% of breast cancers are said to cause pain. The pain may start when the lump presses on nearby nerves.

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of the disease that can cause tenderness or burning pain in your breast. The affected area will also be swollen and red or discolored and look pitted like orange peels.

Because this type of breast cancer spreads very quickly, it’s important to visit your doctor if you have any breast pain.

What other conditions can cause breast pain?

Breast pain usually isn’t a symptom of cancer. More common causes of pain or discomfort include:

Certain medications may also cause breast pain, such as:

The pain may feel like a burning, tightness, prickling, or stabbing. If your pain isn’t connected with your period or another hormonal transition and it doesn’t go away, talk with your doctor.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your nipples or breasts, talk with your doctor. Mention any family history of cancer, as this may affect your risk level.

After assessing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, your doctor might order a mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray used to diagnose breast cancer.

If you do have cancer, detecting it early gives you a good chance of successfully treating it.

Your symptoms may also be a sign of another underlying condition. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and care.

No matter the cause, doctors recommend getting in the habit of regularly checking your breasts for any changes like lumps, swelling, or discoloration. If you notice anything different, make an appointment with your doctor.

Find support from others who are living with breast cancer. Download Healthline’s free app here.

While breast lumps or masses can be a symptom of breast cancer, feeling a lump in your breast doesn’t mean you have cancer. It can be a benign tumor or cyst.

Other symptoms of breast cancer include changes in your breast size, nipples, or skin and breast pain. Speak with your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Regular screenings for breast cancer can help detect it early. Talk with your doctor about when to start yearly mammograms or other breast cancer screening options.