Patient's question:
What are the early signs of breast cancer? I have had breast disease for a long time, but I have never treated it. Will it turn into cancer? What are the early signs of breast cancer?Doctor's answer:
Regarding the questions from netizens, according to clinical investigations by Shanghai Zhenmei Gynecological Experts, breast cancer patients often regret not detecting the early signs of the disease sooner, avoiding the need for breast removal and its impact on female appearance. Zhenmei Experts suggest that women pay attention to self-care and be aware of the following early signs of breast cancer:Early breast cancer refers to a tumor of small size, usually less than one centimeter, or even palpable. Breast cancer can be detected through self-examination or medical check-ups. Women over 30 are advised to perform monthly or quarterly self-examinations of both breasts. If any abnormal lumps or nodules are found, medical attention should be sought.
Early symptoms of breast cancer include:
1. Some early breast cancer patients may not yet be able to feel a definite lump in the breast but often experience local discomfort, especially postmenopausal women. They may feel mild pain or discomfort in one breast, or heaviness and aching in one shoulder or back, even extending to the upper arm on that side.
2. Changes in breast appearance: The skin over the lump may appear elevated, or in some cases, the skin may resemble orange peel, accompanied by edema, discoloration, or eczema-like changes.
3. Small, bean-sized lumps can be felt in the early stages of breast cancer, which are hard but movable. Generally, there is no pain, though some may experience intermittent dull or sharp pain.
4. Swelling of regional lymph nodes, with axillary lymph node enlargement being the most common. Enlargement of supraclavicular lymph nodes already indicates advanced stages.
5. Nipple discharge: Bloody or serosanguineous discharge should be particularly noted and further examined.
6. The nipple appears retracted near the center. The breast skin may show slight indentation (medically known as "inversion of the nipple"), erosion of the nipple, asymmetry, or thickening and roughening of the skin with enlarged pores (medically known as "peau d'orange").
Additionally, estrogen is one of the prerequisite conditions for the development of breast tumors. The onset of breast cancer can occur between the ages of 18 and 70, with the majority of cases occurring between 30 and 60. Particularly during the childbearing and menopausal periods, women are at a higher risk of breast cancer. Women undergoing estrogen replacement therapy for more than 10 years should be closely monitored and, if possible, undergo genetic screening.
Specific manifestations include:
① Lumps in the breast that are fixed in location and growing.
② Small "dimples" appearing on the breast skin without apparent cause.
③ Localized breast skin edema with enlarged and deep sweat pores, resembling orange peel.
④ Uneven positioning of the nipples on both breasts.
⑤ Nipple retraction.
⑥ In women over 40, unilateral breast skin erosion around the areola with weeping, unresponsive to treatment with hormones like dexamethasone.
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