Methods for checking eczematous breast cancer

Breast eczematoid carcinoma is a common female disease, also known as epithelioma-like eczema, with clinical manifestations of nipple itching, burning pain. After the onset of the disease, the patient's initial symptoms are not obvious. As the disease progresses, the later symptoms become more and more prominent, with nipple ulceration and erosion. The course of the disease is slow, and nipple damage gradually expands to the adjacent skin. In more severe cases, axillary lymph nodes are enlarged and the nipple outline disappears. Some patients have damage to the armpits and scrotum, and should be treated early.

In typical cases, pathological observation of nipple discharge smears can reveal malignant Paget cells. Since the disease is difficult to differentiate from chronic eczema and contact dermatitis in the early stages, patients with chronic skin lesions of the nipple and areola who have not improved significantly after more than 2 weeks of treatment or who have improved but relapsed repeatedly should be highly vigilant. Differential diagnosis mainly relies on pathological tissue biopsy of the skin at the site of the lesion, and multiple biopsies should be taken.

1. Self-examination

(1) Examination time: between the 5th and 10th day after the end of menstruation each month, when breast tissue is the softest and the disease detection rate is high; menopausal women can have an examination on a fixed day each month.

(2) Inspection method:

a) Stand in front of a large mirror with your hands hanging naturally, and observe whether there are any changes in the shape and size of your breasts.

b) Raise your hands behind your head, straighten your chest and observe whether the surface of your breasts is sunken or wrinkled. Turn your body left and right and observe your breasts from different angles, such as the front and side.

c) Observe the nipple and pinch it gently with your thumb and index finger. For some women, a small amount of white discharge is normal. If there is bleeding or abnormal discharge, consult a doctor immediately.

d) Lie down on a flat surface, place a small pillow or folded towel under one shoulder, and place the hand on the same side behind the head. Use the other hand to touch and press the breast to check for swelling or lumps. The examination range must end at the armpit. Repeat the same steps on the other side.

2. Regular physical examination

Regular physical examination means going to the hospital and having an experienced doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases do a comprehensive palpation examination again. According to age, it is recommended that women aged 20 to 50 have a regular check-up once a year, and women over 50 should have a breast examination every six months.

3. Auxiliary examination

The most commonly used methods for breast examination include mammography, ultrasound, CT breast ductography, ductoscopy, puncture biopsy of lumps and biopsy of sections, etc. The specific examination items should be determined by the doctor according to the needs of the patient.