Is breast cancer painful in the early stages?

Simple breast cancer is usually painless in the early stages. As the disease progresses, in late stage breast cancer, the cancer may invade surrounding tissues and even internal organs, causing pain. Especially when bone metastasis occurs, the pain is obvious, seriously affecting the patient's quality of life. Clinically, if the tumor is hard, has orange peel-like changes, or has nipple retraction, one should be highly alert to the occurrence of breast cancer. However, some patients may also have symptoms of pain at the same time as breast tumors, which are mostly caused by complications of breast hyperplasia.

Can breast pain be breast cancer?

Breast pain is not necessarily related to breast cancer. Patients with early, mid-stage, and most late-stage breast cancer will not experience breast pain. Pain is caused by invasion of nerves or invasion of local tissues such as muscles and skin. Breast pain is not an early manifestation of breast cancer. It is recommended that patients undergo B-ultrasound examinations every year or every six months before the age of 50, and mammography examinations after the age of 50; regular examinations are a way to detect breast cancer early. If breast cancer patients experience breast pain, it indicates that the disease is in the late stage.

Self-examination methods for breast cancer

The self-examination method for breast cancer is as follows: 1. Self-examination scope: including bilateral breasts and bilateral armpits; 2. Visual examination: observe whether the shape of the breasts has changed, such as whether the breast skin has orange peel-like changes, redness and swelling, etc.; whether the nipples are inverted; 3. Palpation: Palpation should be performed by pressing down, clockwise or counterclockwise, and avoid pinching the breasts. Touch the breasts for lumps and nipple discharge. If dark red nipple discharge or painless lumps are found, it is necessary to be vigilant and it is recommended to go to the hospital for further examination as soon as possible.