Cancer can attack any area of the body. During Tang and Sung times, doctors noticed that most men suffered in the abdominal area, while women suffered in breast and uterus. The head, face, and extremities were the least afflicted. Cancer of the blood, or leukemia, of the nervous system, and other areas are modern afflictions and will not be discussed here.
One of the first symptoms of cancer is plain, white bumps which neither hurt nor itch; they have no particular sensation and arouse no suspicion. The patient usually seeks medical attention once these bumps enlarge. This development may take anywhere from a few months to a year or even ten years—individual health and environment prohibit generalizations. These enlarged bumps become painful as they begin to constrict blood vessels, precipitating a slight paralysis or restricted limb movement. The patient Will exhibit an emaciated appearance resulting from diminished appetite—evidence of a critical situation. The bumps may, however, exhibit no sensation until broken. Large amounts of pus drain from the wound and the patient experiences stinging pain. Sleeping and eating diminish, and a painful death is imminent. Anesthetics are administered around the clock and the patient survives but a few days. Cancer is by far the most painful and frightening disease known to man. It is unbearable to watch someone suffer and die from it or even listen to accounts of cancer sufferers.
Summary: When the bumps first develop they are ignored because they neither hurt nor itch. As they enlarge, soreness shows the swelling is constricting blood vessels. At this point the illness is quite serious.
Q: After the lesions are broken, can we just suture the hole?
A: Yes, but only a knowledgeable doctor can suture the wound while draining the pus, all the while supplementing the patient’s ch’i.
source: Master of Five Excellences