A breast cancer diagnosis can be one of the most frightening and upsetting pieces of news you can get. Learning what there is to know about this condition and what to say to your doctor will, however, assist you in resolving it. Breast cancer is a form of cancer that has spread to the breast. It differs from stage 4 breast cancer in that stage 4 has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body.
You can check for symptoms of breast cancer yourself by doing a weekly breast self exam, although a doctor using must confirm any condition definitively. Telltale signs of breast cancer  are:

1. A lump in the breast or armpit
The lump itself is the most noticeable symptom of an armpit lump. Tenderness or pain within the lump can signal an infection or an allergic reaction. Cysts may be soft to the touch, whereas cancerous tumors may feel hard and fixed.

2. Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
Sometimes a mass may be felt in the breasts that is not a lump. It may appear to be thicker or more swollen and orange in color. That is often a sign that the breast may be cancerous.

3. Irritation or dimpling of the skin
Any irritation or dimpling of the skin, particularly when it is an orangish color, is indicative of inflammation manifested by a breast that has been exposed to cancer.

4. Pulling in of the nipple
This is a retraction or inversion of the nipple. Instead of perking outward, it is drawn in, as if the nipple has sunk inside the breast. This frequently is a sign that cancer has struck.

5. Red or painful nipples
Red nipples that are often scaly or flaky may be signs of a breast disease called Paget’s disease. This is a rather rare form of cancer that originates within the nipple.

6. Nipple discharge or blood
While nipple bleeding can be minimal and difficult to see, pay attention if you see blood stains on your clothes, particularly your bra. If you observe breast secretions that are bloody, irregular, or ongoing please consult with your physician.

About 20 to 30% of women with early-stage breast cancer will develop metastatic breast cancer. Breast cancer is a tough illness that refuses treatment. Even with medication and frequent follow-up visits to the doctor, it can happen many years after a breast cancer diagnosis.