Liu Chunhui
The common symptoms of
breast nodules are varied and may vary depending on the nature of the nodule (benign or malignant) as well as individual differences. Here are some common symptoms of breast nodules:
Breast masses: Breast nodules usually appear as lumps or masses in the breast, which may be single or multiple, in one or both breasts.
Benign nodules are usually well-defined, soft, and active, while malignant nodules may be ill-defined and hard.
Breast pain: Patients with breast nodules may have breast pain, which may be distending pain, tingling or dull pain. Pain is usually related to the menstrual cycle, which is more common before menstruation and can be relieved after menstruation. Breast hyperplastic nodules often cause breast pain, and the pain is periodic. Not all patients with breast nodules will have pain, and the degree of pain varies from person to person.
Nipple discharge: Both benign and malignant nodules can cause nipple discharge. Nipple discharge from benign nodules is usually colorless or yellowish fluid, while malignant nodules may cause bloody or yellow-green or yellowish fluid. Nipple discharge may be spontaneous or may occur after squeezing the breast.
Breast skin changes: Breast nodules may cause changes such as pitting, wrinkling, or discoloration of the breast skin. If not treated in time, it may block the subcutaneous lymphatic vessels of the breast, resulting in an orange peel-like appearance of the skin of the breast (orange peel-like change).
Abnormal
nipple and areola: When the condition is aggravated, it may affect the nipple and areola, causing symptoms such as swelling, retraction or depression of the nipple.
Breast asymmetry: Breast nodules may cause breast asymmetry, which is the difference in the size or shape of the breasts on either side.
Other symptoms: Nodules caused by infection or local injury may cause inflammation such as redness, swelling, heat and pain in the breast, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever in severe cases.
Some patients with breast nodules may also have discomfort such as breast itching.
It should be noted that not all breast nodules will have the above symptoms, and the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Therefore, for the diagnosis of breast nodules, it is necessary to consider the patient’s medical history, clinical signs and auxiliary examination results. Once breast nodules or related symptoms are found, they should seek medical examination and treatment in time so as not to delay the condition.
