What are the breast lymph nodes?

The increasing incidence of breast cancer reminds us to pay attention to breast health. Breast lymph nodes have long been considered a precursor to breast cancer. Therefore, many people become extremely worried about whether they will develop breast cancer once they discover breast lymph nodes. In fact, breast lymph nodes are related to breast cancer to a certain extent, but not necessarily. So, let’s understand what breast lymph nodes are.

Breast cancer patients may experience swollen lymph nodes. So is swollen lymph nodes necessarily a symptom of breast cancer? Experts tell us: Don't put too much psychological pressure on yourself if you find swollen lymph nodes. Swollen axillary lymph nodes are not necessarily related to breast cancer. What we need to do is go to the hospital to find out the cause.

Are swollen lymph nodes in the armpit related to breast cancer? Experts have made the following introduction to the relationship between swollen lymph nodes and breast cancer:

Breast cancer gradually develops and can invade the lymphatic vessels and metastasize to its local lymphatic drainage area, because the site of lymphatic metastasis is mostly the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes. So the symptoms of swollen axillary lymph nodes appeared. Lymph nodes often grow from small to large, and the number of lymph nodes gradually increases. At first, the enlarged lymph nodes can be moved, and finally they fuse and become fixed.

Symptoms of swollen axillary lymph nodes: If the axillary vein is invaded and compressed, it can often cause edema of the ipsilateral upper limb; if the brachial plexus is invaded, it can cause shoulder pain. When examining the axillary lymph nodes, the affected upper limb should be relaxed as much as possible so that the top of the axilla can be palpated. If enlarged lymph nodes can be felt, attention should be paid to the number, size, texture, mobility and surface condition of the lymph nodes to distinguish them from inflammation and tuberculosis.

Breast cancer can metastasize to the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes, and can also metastasize to the contralateral axillary lymph nodes through the mutual communication between the anterior chest wall and the internal mammary lymphatic network, with an incidence of about 5%. In addition, advanced breast cancer may metastasize to the ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph nodes or even the contralateral supraclavicular lymph nodes.

Breast cancer may cause symptoms such as swollen axillary lymph nodes, but is swollen axillary lymph nodes related to breast cancer? This can only be determined through detailed examination. Therefore, once this symptom appears, a detailed examination must be conducted before drawing any conclusions.

Patients who seek medical treatment for enlarged axillary lymph nodes as the first symptom without a lump in the breast are less likely to do so. When the axillary lymph nodes are enlarged and pathology confirms metastatic cancer, in addition to a careful examination of the lymphatic drainage area, lung and digestive tract tumors must also be ruled out.

Is enlarged axillary lymph nodes related to breast cancer? I believe you understand it now, and I hope it helps you.

Breast self-examination in 4 steps while standing:

1. Use your five fingers to touch, do not pinch or rub, this is very important, otherwise you may mistake normal breast tissue for a lump.

2. Raise one arm, and stretch the other hand horizontally to touch from top to bottom, from bottom to top, from inside to outside, and from outside to inside.

3. Start from the nipple and draw a spiral line outward. Don't ignore not only the breast, but also the armpit and collarbone.

Supine examination: It is easier to examine people with full breasts while lying on their backs. You can put a small pillow under your back for better results. The examination techniques are basically the same as above. Appearance examination: Stand in front of the mirror to see if there are any changes in the shape, size, and position of the nipples of the breasts. See if there are any changes in skin color. Raise your arms to see if there are any uneven areas. Nipple examination: Rub the nipples with your fingers to see if there is any secretion, the color of the secretion, and whether the color of the nipples has changed. Once a suspicious lump is found in the breast, necessary examinations should be done: breast X-ray examination, breast ultrasound examination, and other examinations.

The above is an introduction to what breast lymph nodes are. It is important to note that at a time when breast cancer is prevalent, it is becoming increasingly urgent to pay attention to breast health. In addition to diet, exercise and other conditioning methods that need attention, regular check-ups are also necessary measures to prevent breast cancer, so make a plan to have regular breast examinations every year.