Breast Cancer Pictures

• Pictures of Breast Self Exam

Image - Breast Self Exam - Step 1

Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color.

• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin.

• A nipple that has changed position or become inverted (pushed inward instead of sticking out).

• Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Image - Breast Self Exam - Step 2 and 3

Raise your arms and look for the same changes.

While you're at the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge (this could be a milky or yellow fluid or blood).

Image - Breast Self Exam - Step 4

Feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side—from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Image - Breast Self Exam - Step 5

Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Learn more about breast self exam in our Diagnosis section, including a recent controversial research report on the effectiveness of breast self exams for saving lives.

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• Pictures of Types of Breast Cancer

Image - Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Normal breast with non–invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in an enlarged cross–section of the duct.

Breast profile:

A ducts

B lobules

C dilated section of duct to hold milk

D nipple

E fat

F pectoralis major muscle

G chest wall/rib cage

Enlargement:

A normal duct cells

B ductal cancer cells

C basement membrane

D lumen (center of duct)

Image - Range of Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Image - Lobular Carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

Normal breast with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) in an enlarged cross–section of the lobule.

Breast profile:

A ducts

B lobules

C dilated section of duct to hold milk

D nipple

E fat

F pectoralis major muscle

G chest wall/rib cage

Enlargement:

A normal lobular cells

B lobular cancer cells

C basement membrane

Image - Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

Normal breast with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in an enlarged cross–section of the duct.

Breast profile:

A ducts

B lobules

C dilated section of duct to hold milk

D nipple

E fat

F pectoralis major muscle

G chest wall/rib cage

Enlargement:

A normal duct cells

B ductal cancer cells breaking through the basement membrane

C basement membrane

Image - Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Normal breast with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) in an enlarged cross–section of the lobule.

Breast profile:

A ducts

B lobules

C dilated section of duct to hold milk

D nipple

E fat

F pectoralis major muscle

G chest wall/rib cage

Enlargement:

A normal cells

B lobular cancer cells breaking through the basement membrane

C basement membrane

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Image - Breast Anatomy

Breast profile:

A ducts

B lobules

C dilated section of duct to hold milk

D nipple

E fat

F pectoralis major muscle

G chest wall/rib cage

Enlargement:

A normal duct cells

B basement membrane

C lumen (center of duct)

Image - Axillary Lymph Nodes

Lymph node areas adjacent to breast area.

A pectoralis major muscle

B axillary lymph nodes: levels I

C axillary lymph nodes: levels II

D axillary lymph nodes: levels III

E supraclavicular lymph nodes

F internal mammary lymph nodes