What Type of Breast Pain is at Risk of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. If not detected and treated early, the cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body. Monitoring and observing breast abnormalities is therefore important and should not be overlooked, such as noticing pain in the breast area or changes in the size and shape of the breast. Regular breast checks and breast cancer screening can significantly increase the chances of a cure and reduce the risk of death from this disease.
What Causes Breast Cancer and What Are the Symptoms?
Breast cancer is caused by abnormal growth of cells in the breast tissue, forming a lump called
“tumor,” which can be either benign or malignant. If the tumor is malignant, it is called “breast cancer”. The danger of breast cancer lies in its ability to spread rapidly through the lymphatic system and bloodstream to other organs. The symptoms of breast cancer that can be self-observed include the following:
- Finding a lump in the breast or under the armpit that is hard and fixed in place, not movable
- Changes in the size, shape, or skin color of the breast or nipple
- The nipple retracts or appears dimpled
- Discharge of fluid or blood from the nipple
- Frequent pain in the breast area
Breast Cancer Can Be Noticed from Breast Pain
Breast pain is a symptom many women have experienced, which is usually not serious as it may be caused by hormonal changes in the body. However, concerns about breast cancer often lead many patients to want to know which types of breast pain should be monitored closely.
Common Breast Pain Symptoms
Breast pain commonly occurs due to hormonal changes before, during, and after menstruation. Patients may feel tightness or pain in the breasts, but these symptoms usually resolve on their own after some time and are not related to breast cancer.
Breast Pain Symptoms That Are Risky for Breast Cancer
Breast pain associated with breast cancer is not commonly a prominent symptom. However, patients can observe certain abnormal signs that should be monitored along with breast pain, including:
- Finding a lump in the breast or armpit that is painful to touch: If a patient finds an abnormal or new lump in these areas, especially if touching the lump causes pain or the lump grows rapidly, they should consult a doctor immediately.
- Noticing physical changes in the skin of the breast: Patients may observe abnormal swelling in the breast area and feel changes in the texture of the breast skin, such as wrinkling, redness, swelling, or itching rash.
- Abnormalities in the nipple area: Patients can observe visible abnormalities in the nipple, such as noticeable nipple retraction and discharge of fluid from the nipple, including lymph or blood.
- Frequent breast pain: If breast pain does not subside or worsens over time, patients should undergo screening by a specialist immediately.
Breast Cancer and New Treatment Techniques
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery or breast-conserving cancer surgery technique is a surgical method that combines cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery so that patients can maintain the shape of their breasts after removing the cancerous tissue. This Oncoplastic Breast Surgery helps improve patients’ quality of life physically and mentally because they do not have to lose the entire breast as in traditional surgery. This technique increases confidence and makes patients feel comfortable with their appearance after treatment.
However, the choice to use Oncoplastic Breast Surgery must consider several factors, such as the size and location of the tumor and the patient’s physical condition. It is important to consult a specialist to evaluate and plan appropriate treatment for each individual.
For patients seeking consultation on breast cancer screening and treatment, they can consult the expert medical team at the Breast Care Clinic at Phyathai 1 Hospital, Building 1, 1st Floor. The clinic is equipped with advanced and highly effective medical devices for diagnosis, such as digital mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as modern treatment techniques like Oncoplastic Breast Surgery or breast-conserving surgery technique . The expert medical team will continuously evaluate and follow up on treatment to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
