Breast Tumor

Most breast tumors are benign; breast cancer is a common female malignancy. Early stage often has no obvious clinical symptoms, or only mild breast pain - mostly dull/aching, rarely stabbing, often intermittent and localized to the lesion, not varying with the menstrual cycle. In late stage when the carcinoma invades nerves, pain becomes severe and may radiate to the ipsilateral shoulder and arm. Breast-tumor masses are most often in the upper outer quadrant, next in the nipple/areolar region and upper inner quadrant. Because there are usually no subjective symptoms, the mass is often discovered accidentally (bathing, dressing). A few patients have varying degrees of tenderness, irritation or nipple discharge. The mass grows relatively fast; invading surrounding tissue changes breast contour, producing signs: skin dimpling over the tumor, nipple pulled toward the carcinoma, nipple retraction. Large carcinomas may contract the whole breast, with the mass protruding. As the carcinoma continues to grow, so-called peau d'orange changes appear. These are important breast-tumor symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Lymphadenopathy; painless solitary breast nodule; lactation disorder; nipple discharge; premenstrual breast pain; breast mass

Causes and Pathogenesis

Viral particles can be transmitted through breastfeeding and cause this disease, confirmed by animal experiments; some scholars hypothesize a viral etiology, though epidemiologic evidence is insufficient. Endocrine imbalance may also cause breast tumors: long-term abnormal hormonal stimulation leads to neoplastic change; estrogen and progesterone are the two hormones most closely linked to breast malignancy. Family-history data show heredity is also important: especially bilateral breast-tumor patients and young-onset cases have 9-fold risk vs ordinary women, likely via inherited susceptibility. Reduced anti-tumor immune function, breast trauma/radiation injury are also predisposing factors.

Treatment

Surgery, drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

1. Regular exercise: a study in the Journal of the U.S. National Cancer Institute shows exercise reduces postmenopausal breast-cancer incidence by 60%; Norwegian study of 25,624 women found those exercising ≥4 h/week had 37% lower risk. 2. Control weight: Harvard study shows women with rapid weight gain after 18 have nearly double postmenopausal breast-cancer risk vs stable-weight women. 3. Avoid alcohol: U.S. experts estimate one drink/day raises breast-cancer risk 11%, two drinks 24%, >two drinks 40%; recommend ≤3 drinks/week in moderation. 4. Take vitamin D: 200 IU/day reduces risk ~30%; doctors recommend ≥200 IU/day for women ≤50, 400-600 IU/day for >50. 5. Sun exposure: skin synthesizes vitamin D in sunlight; 10-15 min/day is enough, but avoid overexposure (skin-cancer risk). 6. Supplement selenium: selenium is an essential trace element with strong antioxidant capacity; selenium supplementation enhances cellular antioxidant defense.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Breast Surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.