Changes of texture
Another critical difference in breast cancer is a change in the texture of the skin. This is often a symptom of a late stage, when cancer cells have already grown bigger, and especially in Paget’s disease, a specific type of breast cancer.
Texture changes start to show when the inflammation in and around the tumor spreads to the skin cells and starts to change the normal turnover of epithelial cells. As a result, patients may begin to notice scaling and dryness of the skin. The skin becomes thickened as well, and the affected breast may sometimes start itching.
These changes of texture should be differentiated from eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions. However, if you’re experiencing them in both breasts, it is not likely to be caused by breast cancer. In all cases, it is best to ask your doctor about your symptoms in order to get professional advice according to your symptoms and a thorough physical exam.
