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Multiple Choice
Which of the following signs is usually the first clinical manifestation of breast cancer?
A
Axillary lymph node enlargement
B
A painless lump in the breast
C
Skin ulceration
D
Nipple retraction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking for the first clinical manifestation of breast cancer, which refers to the earliest noticeable sign or symptom that typically appears in patients.
Review the options provided: The choices include axillary lymph node enlargement, a painless lump in the breast, skin ulceration, and nipple retraction. Each of these is associated with breast cancer but may occur at different stages of the disease.
Recall the biology of breast cancer progression: Breast cancer often begins as a localized growth in the breast tissue. The earliest detectable sign is typically a lump, which is often painless and can be felt during self-examination or a clinical check-up.
Eliminate later-stage symptoms: Skin ulceration and nipple retraction are usually associated with more advanced stages of breast cancer, where the tumor has grown significantly or affected surrounding tissues. Axillary lymph node enlargement may occur when cancer cells spread to nearby lymph nodes, which is also not an initial sign.
Conclude that the first clinical manifestation is a painless lump in the breast, as it is the earliest and most common sign detected in patients during the initial stages of breast cancer.