Clinical manifestations of breast cancer

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on February 15, 2025
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The clinical manifestations of breast cancer mostly present as painless lumps in the breast. Many early-stage breast lumps are found during physical examinations or screenings. Lumps commonly develop in the upper outer quadrant and are typically solitary on one side, though occasionally there are multiple lumps, or they may appear bilaterally. The size of the clinically observed lumps varies, with diameters of up to 5 centimeters being common. Generally, the lumps are hard in consistency, have unclear boundaries, and are not easily movable within the breast. Sometimes, the nipple may be inverted and there may be bloody discharge. Enlarged lymph nodes may also be present under the armpit.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Clinical manifestations of breast cancer

The clinical manifestations of breast cancer mostly present as painless lumps in the breast. Many early-stage breast lumps are found during physical examinations or screenings. Lumps commonly develop in the upper outer quadrant and are typically solitary on one side, though occasionally there are multiple lumps, or they may appear bilaterally. The size of the clinically observed lumps varies, with diameters of up to 5 centimeters being common. Generally, the lumps are hard in consistency, have unclear boundaries, and are not easily movable within the breast. Sometimes, the nipple may be inverted and there may be bloody discharge. Enlarged lymph nodes may also be present under the armpit.

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Written by Cui Yu Rong
Breast Surgery
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Postoperative drainage care for breast cancer surgery

After breast cancer surgery, drainage tubes are generally required. Negative pressure drainage ensures that there is no accumulation of fluid after the surgery, and it also allows for observation of any postoperative bleeding. In most cases, if the drainage is substantial, the tube can be removed four to seven days after surgery, but it can generally be removed around three days post-operation. The drainage tube should always be kept clear. If the drainage is obstructed, a small amount of saline water can be used for flushing, or the drainage tube can be moved to achieve adequate drainage. The drainage fluid should be emptied daily, and care must be taken to maintain the sterility of the negative pressure drainage device.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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Breast cancer symptoms

The symptoms of breast cancer depend on the severity of the cancer and whether there are any signs of metastasis or recurrence. It is important to emphasize that over 90% of breast cancer cases do not involve pain as a symptom. This means that the earliest symptoms of breast cancer are usually determined by whether the cancer is in its early or late stages. Early-stage breast cancer may have no symptoms at all, or there may be signs such as a lump or hard nodule in the breast, discharge from the nipple, especially coffee-colored or bloody discharge. Late-stage symptoms can include changes in the skin of the breast resembling the texture of an orange peel, palpable large lymph nodes in the armpit that are hard but neither painful nor itchy. If the cancer has metastasized to the lungs, chest cavity, pleura, liver, bones, or head, symptoms might include chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, abdominal distention, bone pain or fractures, as well as headaches, eye pressure, and dizziness, among others. Therefore, the symptoms of breast disease depend on whether the cancer is in its early stages; if it is in a late stage and has metastasized to other parts, corresponding symptoms will be present. It is also important to remember that early-stage breast cancer may not show any symptoms at all.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Symptoms of male breast cancer

The clinical symptoms of male breast cancer are generally similar to those of females, mainly presenting as painless, progressive enlargement of breast lumps. These breast lumps usually occur under the areola, and some patients may experience nipple inversion or abnormal nipple discharge. Many breast lumps tend to have unclear boundaries with surrounding tissues and often adhere to the skin or chest muscles. Many patients with male breast cancer experience metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes, causing the metastatic lymph nodes to enlarge and become painful, local lymphatic drainage obstruction, and causing local upper limb swelling and pain. Moreover, some male breast cancer cases have metastasized to the lungs, presenting clinically with symptoms such as coughing and chest pain related to the respiratory system. Some patients with male breast cancer have liver metastasis, clinically presenting with pain in the liver area, decreased appetite, and abnormal coagulation functions.

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Written by Cui Yu Rong
Breast Surgery
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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.