6. Persistent Breast/Nipple Pain: The Steady Ache
Not menstrual – constant, localized pain.
Pain patterns:
| Cancer Pain | Normal Pain | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Constant | Cyclical | Week 2 |
| One-sided | Both sides | Immediate |
| Deep ache | Surface | Mammogram |
| Progressive | Stable | Urgent |
Study finding: 28% of inflammatory breast cancers present with pain first.
Warning combinations:
- Pain + lump = 92% cancer likelihood
- Pain + skin changes = 87%
- Pain + discharge = Emergency
#5 swells mysteriously…
Swelling causes:
| Mechanism | Location | Cancer Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Lymph node invasion | Armpit | Early |
| Tumor growth | Breast | Local |
| Inflammatory response | Entire breast | Aggressive |
Critical statistic: Swelling without lump = 34% of IBC cases.
Armpit check:
- Raise arm overhead
- Use opposite hand
- Feel 3 areas: front, middle, back
- Note any firm nodes
#4 pulls inward…
