What are the causes of pain in three places during early stage of breast cancer

Early breast cancer often presents as local pain, which may involve the breast, armpit, or shoulder and back area. The main causes include local compression of the tumor, inflammatory response, and nerve stimulation caused by the early spread of cancer cells. It is very important to identify the source of pain in time and seek medical examination.

1. Breast pain: local compression or inflammatory response of the tumor

When breast cancer is in its early stages, the tumor may compress the breast tissue, causing dull pain or tingling in the breast area. The tumor may cause local inflammation, irritate nerve endings, and cause discomfort. This pain is usually mild, but if it lasts for a long time or gradually worsens, it should be taken seriously and checked out as soon as possible.

Solution:

-Check your breasts regularly for lumps, changes in shape, or skin abnormalities.

-If the pain is accompanied by a lump or orange peel-like changes in the skin, you should go to a breast specialist hospital immediately for color Doppler ultrasound or mammography examination.

2. Armpit pain: lymph node disease

Armpit pain is often caused by early spread of the tumor to the axillary lymph nodes, resulting in lymph node enlargement or inflammation. This pain may be dull or tender, accompanied by the feeling of an abnormal lump in the armpit.

Solution:

- Gently check your armpit for any swelling or tenderness.

- If the pain is unbearable or the axillary lymphadenopathy persists, seek medical attention as soon as possible for B-ultrasound and related lymph node biopsy to determine the extent of the lesion.

3. Shoulder and back pain: possible nerve involvement or metastasis

In the early stages of breast cancer, the tumor may compress local nerves, causing radiating pain in the shoulder and back area. In some cases, the cause of the pain may also be related to the local metastasis of cancer cells to adjacent areas, which requires special attention.

Solution:

-Note any accompanying stiffness, limited range of motion, or increased pain in the shoulder and back area.

- When seeking medical attention, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT) can be performed to assess the extent of the lesion and further screen for abnormal metastases.

If you find pain in the above three parts and suspect breast cancer, it is recommended to consult a breast doctor as soon as possible for professional evaluation and diagnosis. Early diagnosis is the key to improving the cure rate of breast cancer. At the same time, the earlier the treatment is intervened, the better the prognosis. You should also pay attention to breast health in your daily life and have regular physical examinations, especially those with a family history of genetics or high-risk factors need to be more vigilant and take the initiative to screen.