[Medical Q&A] Are there any common sites for breast cancer to occur?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Kong Xiangyi, deputy chief physician, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

The breast is a hemispherical organ that can secrete milk to nourish the next generation. The structure of the breast is relatively complex and can be divided into four main areas, namely the outer upper quadrant, the inner upper quadrant, the outer lower quadrant and the inner lower quadrant. This division helps us better understand the occurrence and distribution of breast cancer. The occurrence of breast cancer is not evenly distributed in these four quadrants. The most noteworthy thing is that the outer upper quadrant is the area with the highest incidence of breast cancer. About 40% of breast cancer cases occur in the outer upper quadrant. This may be related to the fact that the outer upper quadrant is close to the axilla, so axillary lymph node metastasis also occurs in this area. Next is the inner upper quadrant, where about 20% of breast cancer occurs. In addition, there are some breast cancer cases that occur across two quadrants, such as the junction of the outer upper quadrant and the inner upper quadrant. At the same time, the nipple areola area, the central area and the outer lower quadrant. But relatively speaking, the incidence of breast cancer in the inner lower quadrant and the axillary tail area is lower.

Therefore, in daily life, we should focus on the upper outer quadrant and the upper inner quadrant. When doing a breast self-examination, you can use touch to carefully check whether there are abnormal lumps in these two areas. Of course, regular B-ultrasound examinations are also essential. During a B-ultrasound examination, the doctor will comprehensively examine each quadrant of the breast to ensure that no possible lesions are missed.

Understanding the structure of the breast and the distribution characteristics of breast cancer can help us better prevent and detect breast cancer early. Caring for breast health starts with understanding and paying attention.