early symptoms of breast cancer

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Breast cancer commonly occurs in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, with a hard, stone-like texture, mostly presenting as solitary masses that can be round, oval, or irregular in shape. These tumors have limited mobility and tend to adhere to the skin and surrounding tissues. However, the size of the mass does not change with menstrual cycles or emotional fluctuations, and it can grow rapidly in a short period. It predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly women. Additionally, mammography can reveal tiny calcifications, abnormal vascular patterns, and spiculated changes.

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Does breast cancer cause hair loss in the early stages?

Breast cancer generally does not directly cause hair loss. In some cases, if it is breast cancer, it may cause anxiety, poor rest, and sleep quality, which might lead to relatively noticeable hair loss. However, hair loss associated with breast cancer mainly occurs during chemotherapy, as it is a common side effect of the treatment. Therefore, apart from chemotherapy, the relationship between breast cancer itself and hair loss is not particularly significant. While some people may experience noticeable hair loss, most do not have obvious hair loss.

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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.

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What are the symptoms of breast cancer in the nipple?

Breast cancer typically results in bloody nipple discharge. If the condition progresses, it can cause the breast to shrink, harden, and the nipple to elevate. Due to the pulling of the milk ducts, the nipple may flatten, retract, or even become inverted. Over several months, there may also be significant enlargement, causing the affected breast's volume to increase and protrude. Breast cancer can invade the chest muscle fascia and muscles, causing the tumor to fix to the chest wall and become difficult to move. Cancer cells block the subcutaneous lymphatic vessels, leading to lymphatic retention and resulting in dermal edema. The skin will then exhibit an orange peel-like texture.

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What should I do if I have advanced breast cancer with breast necrosis?

Firstly, radiotherapy can be used, localized radiation therapy, which will achieve certain local control effects. It can also provide surgical opportunities for some breast cancer patients who are otherwise inoperable. Additionally, it can relieve pain, reduce compression symptoms, and stop bleeding in ulcerated cancer lesions, thereby improving the patient's quality of life. If chemotherapy is possible, it should be pursued as it can reduce distant and extensive metastases. Then, if surgery is feasible, the ulcerated or already healed surgical incisions can be excised and sutured to improve the patient's quality of life.

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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.