Health Alert Five manifestations of breast cancer, every woman should know!

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. The latest data from the World Health Organization shows that there will be 2.26 million new breast cancer patients worldwide in 2020. Fortunately, the 5-year survival rate of early breast cancer has exceeded 90%. Behind this number is a clear life warning: the outcome will be very different if it is discovered early or late. This article will explain the five typical manifestations of breast cancer in detail and help you master the key points of self-screening.

1. Breast lumps: the most easily detected "silent alarm"

80% of breast cancer patients seek medical treatment because of painless lumps. Three notable features of this type of lump:

• Rock texture: hard like pebbles;
• Strong fixity: no obvious movement when pushed by fingers;
• Rapid growth: often develops at a rate of 1-2cm per month

2. Skin changes: "visual signals" of tumor growth

When cancer cells invade the subcutaneous lymphatic vessels, characteristic skin changes will occur:

• Dimple sign: local skin depression such as cheek dimples;
• Orange peel sign: enlarged pores with orange peel-like texture;
• Satellite nodules: tumors break through the skin to form cauliflower-like ulcers;
• Inflammatory breast cancer: overall redness, swelling, heat and pain in the breast (easily misdiagnosed as mastitis).

3. Nipple discharge: a "liquid alarm" that cannot be ignored

Nipple discharge during non-lactation period needs to be alert:

• High-risk features: single-hole discharge, bloody or serous, spontaneous and continuous discharge;
• Intraductal carcinoma: about 5% presents as clear or bloody discharge.

4. Nipple retraction or repeated rupture: the ignored "geometric alarm"

Be vigilant for progressive nipple inversion:

• Tumor traction: the central mass causes Cooper ligament contracture;
• Direction change: the nipple deviates to the direction of mass growth;
• Structural destruction: accompanied by nipple erosion and scab.

Pay attention to distinguish congenital inversion from acquired changes

5. Axillary mass: the "sentinel signal" of metastasis

Axillary lymph node enlargement may be the first symptom of breast cancer:

• Hard texture: like the touch of an eraser;
• Fusion into a mass: multiple lymph nodes are adhered and fixed;
• Painless progressive enlargement: different from the tenderness of inflammatory enlargement.

Statistics show that about 6% of breast cancer presents with axillary lymph node metastasis as the first manifestation.

6. Three-level screening defense system

1. Monthly self-examination: palpation during bathing + observation of appearance in front of mirror
2. Annual imaging: ultrasound is preferred for those under 40 years old, combined with mammography for those over 40 years old
3. Genetic testing: BRCA1/2 mutation carriers need to be screened in advance

The early signs of breast cancer may be hidden and subtle, and any new, persistent, or progressive changes in the breasts are worthy of professional evaluation. Mastering these warning signs and establishing regular screening habits is to build the most reliable life defense line for yourself.