Clinical manifestations of breast cancer

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on February 15, 2025
00:00
00:00

The clinical manifestations of breast cancer mostly present as painless lumps in the breast. Many early-stage breast lumps are found during physical examinations or screenings. Lumps commonly develop in the upper outer quadrant and are typically solitary on one side, though occasionally there are multiple lumps, or they may appear bilaterally. The size of the clinically observed lumps varies, with diameters of up to 5 centimeters being common. Generally, the lumps are hard in consistency, have unclear boundaries, and are not easily movable within the breast. Sometimes, the nipple may be inverted and there may be bloody discharge. Enlarged lymph nodes may also be present under the armpit.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
58sec home-news-image

Breast Cancer Surgery Plan

The surgical plan for breast cancer is a significant issue, as it involves determining whether the breast cancer is in its early stages, the location of the cancerous mass in the breast, whether the axilla and lymph nodes are affected, and whether there are distant metastases, among other factors, in order to make a comprehensive judgment. Therefore, breast cancer surgery is designed based on the location and size of the tumor in the breast, whether the skin and axillary lymph nodes are involved. For early-stage breast cancer, there are surgical methods that allow for the preservation of the breast and even the axilla, known as breast-conserving and axilla-conserving surgery. If a patient with breast cancer can receive such treatment, they have more than a 70% chance of completely curing the disease, while still retaining the breast and axilla. Thus, there are multiple surgical options for breast cancer, and each individual’s situation is different.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
1min 13sec home-news-image

Breast cancer chemotherapy regimen

Breast cancer chemotherapy regimen. Thus, chemotherapy occupies a very important position in the treatment of breast cancer. The commonly used chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer treatment include alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide; antimetabolites like fluorouracil, methotrexate, gemcitabine, and capecitabine; anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin and others. In recent years, taxanes, particularly docetaxel, have been used more frequently. Other drugs include mitomycin and cisplatin, among others. However, the specific chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer should be assessed by a professional oncologist. The regimen should consider the pathological stage, pathological type, whether surgery was performed, whether the surgery completely removed the tumor, lymph node metastasis, and other factors to devise a suitable chemotherapy plan. Therefore, it is possible that each individual might have a regimen that is specifically suited to their situation, and not all regimens are suitable for everyone.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
52sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of breast cancer

The symptoms of early-stage breast cancer mainly include breast lumps, abnormal nipple discharge, and changes in breast skin. Breast cancer is a common type of malignant tumor among women in China, with adenocarcinoma being the most common pathological type, although other types can also be seen clinically. Patients exhibiting abnormal breast lumps, abnormal nipple discharge, and changes in breast skin should consider the possibility of breast cancer. Patients suspected of having breast cancer should undergo breast imaging tests, including mammography and breast MRI, among others. Patients in whom abnormal breast masses are found during imaging tests can obtain a definitive diagnosis by surgical removal or percutaneous biopsy. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer should undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
58sec home-news-image

How is breast cancer treated?

For the comprehensive treatment of malignant (breast cancer), it needs to be specifically addressed based on case analysis, considering the patient's physical condition, economic factors, and other circumstances. There isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment plan suitable for everyone, as each case requires specific analysis. The treatment options for breast cancer include, firstly, surgery, which can be either a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, depending on lymph node metastasis and pathological staging. The second option includes radiation therapy, the third is endocrine therapy, the fourth is chemotherapy, the fifth is targeted therapy, and the sixth and subsequent options may include immunotherapy.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
45sec home-news-image

Can breast cancer be cured?

Breast cancer is one of the few curable solid malignant tumors; a solid tumor refers to one that forms a mass or has a tangible tumor body. However, the prerequisite is that the breast cancer must be in its early stages, as advanced breast cancer is currently difficult to cure, and not all early-stage breast cancers can be cured. With standardized systematic treatment in modern medicine, about 60% to 70% of early-stage breast cancers can be completely cured. However, 30% to 40% of early-stage breast cancers still develop into advanced-stage breast cancer. This is one of the reasons why long-term monitoring, close follow-up, and regular re-examinations are necessary for breast cancer management later on.