Shape abnormality in the breast. Breast cancer may cause the breast to change shape due to swelling, thickening skin, and tumor growth. Breast swelling is usually due to inflammatory breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. Swelling may occur along the collarbone, armpit, or breast and it may occur as the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. Many women also experience changes in the shape or size of the breast with a lump or an area of the skin that feels thicker. Changes in skin texture include dimpling and puckering which can give the skin a texture similar to an orange peel. Skin may also appear scaly, itchy, or red as a potential sign of breast cancer.
