early symptoms of breast cancer

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Breast cancer, in the majority of cases, manifests as a painless lump, often accidentally discovered by the patient without any adverse discomfort. During self-examinations or routine screenings, a few patients might detect them. These lumps are commonly found in the upper outer quadrant, typically appearing as a single lesion on one side, with no obvious abnormalities on the skin. Dimpling, an orange-peel-like texture, the appearance of satellite nodules in later stages, nipple retraction, bloody discharge, and eczema-like changes can be observed. There is also swelling of regional lymph nodes.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Does breast cancer have a genetic component?

Breast cancer is somewhat related to genetics and has a certain familial predisposition. It manifests as a higher incidence rate in relatives with breast cancer, especially in closer blood relations, and daughters may develop the disease at an earlier age than their mothers. There is also a higher risk of bilateral occurrence and a tendency for other malignant tumors to develop in different parts of the body. Additionally, if a family has at least two sisters with breast cancer and their mother is not afflicted by the disease, the susceptibility of this family is about three times higher than average, commonly occurring after menopause, and usually affecting one side. Of course, the influence of human genetic factors on the development of breast cancer is multifaceted. The occurrence of breast cancer is affected not only by genetic factors but also by many other factors, which have a cumulative effect of risks. It is recommended that individuals from families with a history of breast cancer should undergo regular screening, improve their lifestyle, and avoid the accumulation of risk factors, which can also enable earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer that has already developed.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
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Does breast mammography detect breast cancer?

Mammography primarily checks for any issues in a woman's breast, such as space-occupying lesions, which can be simply understood as a method specifically for screening breast cancer. Mammography is generally performed in the radiology department, where each breast is compressed using a flat panel, and then images are taken to look for any suspicious nodules. Generally speaking, it is adequate to perform this examination once a year. If one prefers not to undergo mammography, breast ultrasound can also be used to screen for breast cancer. If performed annually, it can effectively detect early cancerous changes or suspicious nodules, and if necessary, further treatment or assessment can be undertaken.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Breast cancer is a disease.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor of the breast that can occur in both women and men, though it is more commonly seen in women. Breast cancer arises when breast epithelial cells undergo genetic mutations under the influence of various carcinogenic factors, losing the characteristics of normal cells. Consequently, the structural organization of breast cancer tissue is disrupted, with loose cell connections, allowing cancer cells to easily detach and spread throughout the body via pathways such as blood or lymphatic fluid, leading to metastases in the lungs, brain, bones, etc. Therefore, this disease directly affects patient survival outcomes and should be taken seriously by everyone.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Early manifestations of breast cancer

Early-stage breast cancer is primarily characterized by a single, painless small lump, which is hard with unclear boundaries and a rough surface, blending indistinguishably with surrounding tissues and difficult to move within the breast. It is usually discovered accidentally or while bathing. Swollen lymph nodes may be present, and the nipple may be inverted with possible bloody discharge. As the tumor grows, it may invade the Cooper's ligaments, causing the skin to dimple, a condition known as peau d'orange. These are all early symptoms of breast cancer. If the condition progresses, it may lead to a skin texture resembling orange peel.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is most commonly found (60% of cases) on the outer boundary of the breast. Its symptoms often include a single, painless, small lump that is hard, with an uneven surface and an irregular shape. The boundaries of the lump are not clearly distinguishable from the surrounding tissue, and it cannot be easily moved within the breast. The skin over the lump may show signs of redness, swelling, dimpling or orange-peel-like changes. Additional symptoms might include dimpling, ulceration, and other abnormalities. The lump may be associated with changes in the same side nipple, such as bloody discharge, and enlarged lymph nodes can sometimes be felt under the armpit.