A Lump Is Not the Only Sign of Breast Cancer

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the five most common cancers in Vietnam are breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer.

Notably, breast cancer is currently the most common cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Vietnamese women. The number of new cases continues to rise, with a concerning trend toward younger patients.

According to Dr. Cao Thi Thuy Ha, Deputy Head of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department at Hanoi French Hospital:

“Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the breast tissue and begin to grow uncontrollably. If not detected early, these cells can spread throughout the breast, metastasize to the lymph nodes, and affect other vital organs such as the bones, liver, lungs, and brain - making the disease more severe and harder to treat.”

A Lump Is the Most Common but Not the Only Sign

While the presence of a lump is the most recognized symptom of breast cancer, not all cases present with a clearly noticeable lump. Here are other abnormal signs to watch out for:

1. Changes in breast shape and sensation

• One breast suddenly becomes significantly larger than the other
• Unexplained, prolonged breast pain or firmness
• Redness, darkening, or swelling of the breast resembling an orange peel
• Skin dimpling, wrinkling, or puckering; appearance of blisters or persistent itching
• Swelling of all or part of the breast

     2. Changes in the nipple: If the nipple suddenly becomes inverted, feels hard or painful, develops a rash, or changes color - and these are not lifelong features - these could be warning signs of breast cancer. It’s important to seek medical evaluation early.

     3. Unusual nipple discharge: If you are not breastfeeding and notice discharge from one nipple - especially if it's spontaneous, clear, or bloody - you should get examined, as this could be a symptom of breast cancer.

    4. Swollen lymph nodes: Swelling in the lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone that persists without explanation may indicate cancer has spread. This symptom should not be ignored, especially if it occurs alongside other changes in the breast.

Dr. Thuy Ha emphasizes that early detection is key to successful treatment and improved survival rates. If breast cancer is diagnosed at stages 0–1, the chance of cure can reach 80–90%. At stage 2, the rate drops to around 60%, but breast-conserving treatment is still possible. However, once the disease advances to stage 3 or 4, the chance of complete recovery significantly decreases, and treatment efforts are primarily focused on symptom control and prolonging life.

Regular health check-ups and breast cancer screening are simple yet vital measures for early detection. It is also important to pay close attention to even the smallest changes in the breast, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer, a history of benign breast tumors, or are over the age of 40.

Hanoi French Hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic imaging systems, allowing doctors to choose personalized screening methods for each patient, including:

• Breast ultrasound: useful for visualizing areas of the breast that are hard to see on a mammogram, ideal for younger women and those with dense breast tissue.
• Giotto IMS mammography machine: uses X-rays to capture images inside the breast, with sensitivity ranging from 80-94%, increasing with age.
• Siemens MRI: highly useful for detecting abnormalities that may not be visible on a mammogram or ultrasound, especially for women at high risk for breast cancer.
• BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing to screen for hereditary breast cancer risk.
• Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB): the best histological sampling method, highly accurate and reliable, offering an alternative to surgical biopsy to avoid unnecessary surgeries.

For consultations or breast cancer screening at Hanoi French Hospital, please contact the hotline at 024 3577 1100, message our fan page "Hanoi French Hospital," or reach out via Zalo at zalo.me/2008009049335817955.