Patient's question:
My third sister experienced breast tenderness and lumps six months ago. She went to the hospital for a check-up, where it was initially diagnosed as fibrocystic breast changes. She was given some traditional Chinese medicine to take. About a month ago, her breast pain returned, and upon further examination, it was discovered that she had breast cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy.Doctor's answer:
Early-stage breast cancer, once detected, has a high likelihood of being cured with timely treatment, and the harm to the patient is also minimal. Early treatment of breast cancer significantly impacts 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 (Hulimeng) 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 address your questions. The main early symptoms of breast cancer are: 1. Some early-stage breast cancer patients may not yet be able to feel a distinct 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. Small, bean-sized lumps can be felt within the breast, which are relatively hard and movable. Generally, there is no obvious pain, though some may experience intermittent dull or pricking pain. 3. Changes in breast shape: Visible swelling at the lump site, with some areas of skin appearing orange-peel-like, or even edema, discoloration, or eczema-like changes. 4. Nipple retraction near the center, accompanied by mild depression in the breast skin (medically known as "inverted nipple"). 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. D2