Patient's question:
Hello, I am a 25-year-old unmarried woman. Several years ago, small indented bumps the size of rice grains appeared on my left breast and arm, with no other symptoms. Seeing descriptions of breast cancer, I am very scared. Could this be a symptom of breast cancer?Doctor's answer:
This is very possible.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. They 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 that 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. In some cases, the skin may resemble orange peel, or even show edema, discoloration, or eczema-like changes.
4. The nipple is near the center with nipple retraction. The breast skin may have slight indentation (medically known as "inverted nipple"), nipple erosion, nipple asymmetry, or thickening and roughening of the breast skin with enlarged pores (medically known as "peau d'orange").
5. Nipple discharge: Bloody or serosanguineous discharge should be particularly noted for further examination.
6. Regional lymph node enlargement, with axillary lymph node enlargement being the most common. Enlargement of supraclavicular lymph nodes already indicates advanced stages. C5