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Breast hyperplasia
Are breast hyperplasia and breast lumps the same thing?
Breast hyperplasia and breast lumps are different. Breast hyperplasia can be found in one or both breasts, where nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt. These lumps are tough but not hard, sometimes causing a stabbing pain. The borders of the lumps are not distinctly separate from the surrounding breast tissue, but they are not adhered to the skin or the chest muscles. Sometimes, they manifest as areas of thickening with unclear boundaries. On the other hand, breast lumps generally occur as a single lump in one breast, are round or oval in shape, have clear boundaries, are movable, and the texture is generally firm. They might be multiple, but usually, there's no breast pain or only mild discomfort during menstruation. The size and nature of the breast lumps do not change with the menstrual cycle.
How will breast hyperplasia worsen?
Breast hyperplasia worsening can turn into breast cancer. The texture of breast cancer lumps is generally quite hard, and some are as hard as stone. They mostly occur as a single lump on one side, and can be round, oval, or irregular in shape. They can grow quite large, have limited mobility, and easily adhere to the skin and surrounding tissues. The lump is unrelated to menstrual cycles and emotional changes, and can rapidly increase in size over a short period of time, commonly occurring in middle-aged and older women. Additionally, on a mammogram, breast cancer often appears as a lump shadow, with small calcification spots, abnormal vascular shadows, and spurs also aiding in diagnosis. However, the final diagnosis must be confirmed by histopathological examination results.
How to regulate mammary gland hyperplasia
For symptoms that are not severe or are mild, most do not require treatment, but regular re-examination of breast ultrasonography or mammography is necessary. For more pronounced symptoms, medication and symptomatic treatment can be used as follows: Bras can be used to support the breasts, and traditional Chinese medicine can be used to treat breast hyperplasia by smoothing the liver, regulating Qi, and harmonizing the Conception and Governing Vessels. Endocrine treatment can also be used, though it should be avoided as much as possible. However, for premenopausal women with severe pain, it can be taken before the onset of menstruation. When undergoing endocrine treatment, regular pelvic ultrasound examinations are required, as endocrine treatment may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Vitamin treatment, such as with Vitamins B, C, and E, can improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous function, and can be used as an adjunctive therapy for this condition.
Does breast hyperplasia hurt?
The main symptom of mammary gland hyperplasia is breast pain, which usually occurs in accordance with the menstrual cycle. There is significant breast pain before the period, and symptoms tend to lessen after the period. Generally, the pain is intermittent, diffuse, dull, or like needle pricks. There can also be shooting pain or hidden pain, and even some report pain as if being cut by a knife. Some of the pain is subjective, but it can also manifest as pain upon touch, or pain from friction caused by clothing during walking. There can be tenderness in the breasts, or increased pain in the upper limbs after physical exertion. The pain may occur in one breast or both.
What are the symptoms of mammary gland hyperplasia?
The primary symptoms of mammary gland hyperplasia are breast swelling and pain, which typically affect both sides but are often more pronounced on one side. Breast swelling and pain are noticeably worse before menstruation and ease after the period ends, then gradually cease until the pain reappears with the next menstrual cycle. The entire breast may feel diffusely nodular and tender to touch, with occasional lumps or increased breast pain, all related to the menstrual cycle. Additionally, mammary gland hyperplasia may also involve a small amount of nipple discharge, primarily white or brown in color.
How to treat mammary gland hyperplasia?
Treatment of breast hyperplasia: The first aspect is psychological treatment. Breast hyperplasia is often related to fatigue, irregular life, mental tension, and excessive stress. To treat hyperplasia, it is foremost necessary to alleviate the pressures of life and work, eliminate worries, and maintain a relaxed mood and peaceful mindset, which can alleviate the symptoms. The second is the treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, which involves using some herbs that soothe the liver, improve qi circulation, invigorate the blood, remove blood stasis, and soften and dissipate masses. The third aspect is the treatment with Western medicine, generally involving hormones, which can alleviate pain, but have significant side effects. The fourth is surgical treatment.
What should I do if I have breast hyperplasia?
For symptoms that are mild and diseases that are not severe, most cases may not require treatment, but regular follow-ups are needed. For those with more significant symptoms, drug therapy and symptomatic treatment can be administered. Firstly, a bra can be used to support the breasts. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment can alleviate breast hyperplasia through methods such as soothing the liver and regulating qi, harmonizing Chong and Ren meridians. Endocrine treatment can also be used, ideally avoided, but may be taken before menstruation if pre-menopausal pain is very severe. Vitamin treatment with Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E can be used, as these vitamins improve liver function, regulate hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nerve function, serving as adjunctive therapy for this condition. In recent years, Vitamin E is also considered to have pain-relieving effects. For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, when the lesion is limited to a part of the breast, and when there are still noticeable lumps after menstruation, it is advisable to undergo a biopsy or surgical treatment.
Where does the mammary gland hyperplasia nodule grow?
During a physical examination for breast hyperplasia nodules, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt in one or both breasts. These lumps are tough but not hard, and sometimes tender to touch. The boundary between the lump and surrounding breast tissue is unclear, yet there is no adhesion to the skin or chest muscle. Sometimes it appears as an ill-defined thickening area, most often located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, but it can also affect the whole breast. The lumps often swell before and during menstruation and shrink after. In ultrasound imaging, breast hyperplasia nodules appear as uneven low-echo areas, and if cysts form, they appear as anechoic areas.
How to treat breast hyperplasia?
For breast hyperplasia, oral medication can be taken, such as some traditional Chinese medicine formulations that also have effects like activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, softening lumps, and dispersing nodules, such as Ruhe Sanjie tablets. One can also use traditional Chinese medicine orally to regulate the condition, which generally includes herbs that soothe the liver and relieve depression, soften lumps and disperse nodules, or strengthen the spleen. Moreover, for breast hyperplasia, it is recommended to maintain a good mood and eat fewer soy products, as there is a certain relationship between breast hyperplasia and estrogen, and soy products may contain estrogen, such as soybeans. It is also crucial to maintain a positive mindset. Breast hyperplasia, in many cases, might not require treatment; it is suggested to have a follow-up every 3 to 6 months. If accompanied by severe breast pain, oral medication can be taken for adjustment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)
Methods for Mammary Gland Hyperplasia
The main clinical manifestation of breast hyperplasia is usually premenstrual breast pain, and palpation of the breasts may reveal hyperplasia. Generally speaking, breast hyperplasia is not a serious issue, but there is a possibility of cancerous changes in a small number of patients. Typically, the clinical treatment of breast hyperplasia should not primarily focus on pain relief. The main treatment method is to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, thereby alleviating pain and symptoms. Patients with breast hyperplasia should maintain a positive mood and emotions, and avoid getting upset or angry in daily life.