Patient's question:
I got married last year. Recently, I've been experiencing lower abdominal pain, especially during my period. I'm very worried it might affect fertility, and I'm also extremely sensitive to cold and coldness. Is it true that a dimpled areola is a symptom of breast cancer?Doctor's answer:
Early-stage breast cancer, once detected, has a high chance of being cured with timely treatment, and the harm to the patient is also minimal. Early treatment of breast cancer significantly affects the patient's prognosis and has a direct relationship with reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer. In the past, Western medicine primarily relied on surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and immunotherapy for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. However, with the continuous research and development of integrated Chinese and Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of tumors, such as the development and clinical application of ginsenoside Rh2 (Humen Sushen) with a content of 16.2%, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal medicine have also played a greater role in the treatment of breast cancer. Below, we answer your questions. The main early symptoms of breast cancer are:1. Some early breast cancer patients may not yet be able to feel a clear lump in the breast, but often experience local discomfort, especially postmenopausal women, who may sometimes 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. Early breast cancer may present as a bean-sized lump within the breast, which is relatively hard and movable. Generally, there is no obvious pain, though some may experience intermittent dull or pricking pain.
3. Changes in breast appearance: The skin over the lump may appear elevated, with some areas resembling orange peel, or even edema, discoloration, or eczema-like changes.
4. The nipple is near the center with retraction. The breast skin may show slight indentation (medically known as "inverted nipple syndrome"), nipple erosion, asymmetry of the nipple, or thickening and roughening of the breast skin with enlarged pores (medically known as "orange peel syndrome").
5. Nipple discharge: Bloody or serous bloody discharge should be particularly noted and further examination is recommended.
6. Swelling of regional lymph nodes, with axillary lymph node enlargement being the most common. Enlargement of supraclavicular lymph nodes already indicates advanced stages.