Breast cancer awareness campaigns have historically focused on lumps as the primary symptom. In reality, breast cancer can present in many different ways — and awareness of the full range of symptoms is essential for early detection. The following 12 symptoms are recognised by Breast Cancer Now and Cancer Research UK as signs that should prompt medical assessment.
| # | Symptom | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A new lump or thickening | The most common presenting symptom. Can be in the breast, upper chest, or armpit. Not all lumps are cancer — most are benign — but all new lumps should be assessed. |
| 2 | Change in size or shape | One breast becoming noticeably larger or changing shape compared to the other. |
| 3 | Change in skin texture | Puckering or dimpling of the skin, resembling orange peel (peau d'orange). This can indicate a tumour pulling on the overlying skin. |
| 4 | Redness or rash | Redness, rash, or crusting of the skin over the breast or nipple. Inflammatory breast cancer can present as a red, swollen breast without a discrete lump. |
| 5 | Nipple discharge | Any discharge from the nipple that is not related to breastfeeding, particularly if it is bloodstained or occurs from one breast only. |
| 6 | Nipple inversion | A nipple that turns inward (inverts) when it was previously everted. A nipple that has always been inverted is not a concern. |
| 7 | Change in nipple position | The nipple pointing in a different direction or appearing pulled. |
| 8 | Pain in the breast or armpit | Persistent, unexplained pain in the breast or armpit that is not related to the menstrual cycle. |
| 9 | Swelling in the armpit or collarbone | Enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla or supraclavicular fossa can indicate breast cancer that has spread to the lymphatic system. |
| 10 | Skin ulceration | An open sore or ulcer on the breast skin. This is more common in advanced disease. |
| 11 | Visible veins | Prominent veins on the breast surface that were not previously visible. This can indicate increased blood flow to a tumour. |
| 12 | An area that feels different | Any area of the breast that feels harder, firmer, or different from the surrounding tissue — even without a discrete lump. |
If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should:
Breast ultrasound is the first-line imaging investigation for women under 40 with a breast symptom, and is used alongside mammography in women over 40. It can:
At Sonoworld, a breast ultrasound scan costs £235 and includes verbal results at the end of the appointment and a written report within 24 hours.
The most important thing we tell patients who come to us with a breast symptom is this: the fact that you have noticed something and come for a scan is the right decision, regardless of what we find. The vast majority of breast lumps we scan are benign — simple cysts, fibroadenomas, or areas of normal glandular tissue. But the minority that are not benign are identified at a stage when treatment is most effective. Early detection saves lives. Do not wait.
Yes. Approximately 90% of breast lumps referred to breast clinics are benign. The most common causes of a breast lump in women under 40 are fibroadenomas and cysts. However, all new lumps should be assessed — the only way to know is to have it checked.
Breast ultrasound can identify features that are suspicious for malignancy and guide the decision about biopsy. It cannot provide a definitive diagnosis of cancer — that requires histological examination of a tissue sample (biopsy). If a suspicious lesion is identified on ultrasound, the next step is typically a core biopsy.
No. You can book directly without a GP referral.
Sonoworld is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our sonographers are registered with HCPC and are members of BMUS. All scans are performed at our Marylebone clinic: 29 Weymouth Street, London W1G 7DB.
Same-day and next-day appointments available at our Marylebone clinic. Instant verbal results. Written report within 24 hours. No GP referral required.
Price: £235 all-inclusive
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