Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, accounting for 22% of all malignant tumors in women. It occurs in equal proportion in bilateral breast. Forty to 50% of these tumors are found in the upper outer quadrant, followed by the central, upper inner, lower, and inner quadrants in that order. They can occur in all age groups, but benign lesions are common in younger women, while in older women, breast cancer is more common. The most common symptom is a breast mass, which may or may not be painful, and abnormal nipples (overflow, crinkling, distortion or eczema) may also be present, while other symptoms are rare. The following clinical signs require vigilance and early medical attention.
Lumps
Any newly appearing independent lump
A new mass on top of a pre-existing nodule
Asymmetrical nodules that persist after menstruation
Abscesses or inflammation that cannot be effectively controlled after a course of antibiotic therapy
Recurrent recurrence of cysts
Pain
Pain associated with the mass
Pain that is difficult to control
Persistent unilateral breast pain in postmenopausal women
Nipple discharge
Women aged 50 years
Women aged 50 years with
Bilateral nipple discharge sufficient to soak clothing
Hemorrhagic overflow
Persistent single ductal overflow
Nipple wrinkling, distortion, eczema
Altered skin contour
Family history of breast cancer
Don’t panic if you have any of the above conditions. The key is early diagnosis and treatment!