Breast cancer can show up on the skin. Here's what to know

Key Points:

• Up to 10% of breast cancer patients are initially diagnosed through skin changes rather than lumps, with symptoms including discoloration, rashes, swelling, and nipple inversion, which should prompt medical evaluation.
• Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form, often presents with skin symptoms instead of a lump, can be mistaken for infections or eczema, and is more common in younger Black women.
• Breast cancer treatments frequently cause skin, hair, and nail side effects, affecting up to 94% of patients; radiation can cause skin irritation, while chemotherapy often leads to hair loss, which many patients find distressing.
• Dermatologists play a crucial role in managing treatment-related skin issues and helping patients maintain comfort and appearance during and after therapy, including recommending scalp cooling to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
• Patients are encouraged to report any new or persistent skin changes to their doctors, as early dermatological involvement can aid in diagnosis and management of both cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.