Today I had a breast cancer screening, and the color Doppler ultrasound results were suspicious.

Patient's question:

Main symptoms: None
Onset time: None
Laboratory test results: Today, breast cancer screening was performed. The color Doppler ultrasound results showed suspicious abnormalities: thickening of both breasts, low echo in the 3 o'clock position of the left breast, a nodule size of 1.41.8 cm, and point-like strong echoes inside. It is recommended for further examination.
I am particularly worried and frightened. Please ask the expert about the severity of the problem.

Doctor's answer:

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. According to statistics, its incidence accounts for 7-10% of all malignant tumors in the body, second only to cervical cancer in women. Its onset is often associated with genetics, and the incidence is higher in women aged 40-60, particularly around the time of menopause. Only about 1-2% of breast cancer patients are male. It typically occurs as a malignant tumor in the glandular epithelial tissue of the breast. It is one of the most common malignant tumors that severely affects women's physical and mental health and may even be life-threatening. Breast cancer is rare in men.
Self-examination of breast cancer via visual inspection:
Take off your top and stand in bright light in front of a mirror to perform a bilateral visual inspection of the breasts:
- With arms hanging down, observe any changes in the contour of both breasts, whether they are at the same height, and check for any peeling or erosion of the nipple and areola skin.
- Check if the nipple is raised or retracted.
- Then, cross your hands on your hips and rotate your body slightly to the left and right to continue observing these changes.
Palpation:
- Stand or lie down, place your left hand behind your head, and use your right hand to examine your left breast. Keep your fingers together and move in a clockwise direction from the top of the breast, gradually checking the outer upper quadrant, outer lower quadrant, inner lower quadrant, inner upper quadrant, and axillary area in order. Systematically check for any lumps, paying attention not to miss any area. Avoid pressing or squeezing with the fingertips.
- After examining the breast, gently squeeze the nipple with your index and middle fingers to check for any bloody discharge.
- If any lumps or abnormalities are found during the examination, seek further medical evaluation at a hospital promptly.