What does breast lobule feel like to the touch?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Fibrocystic breast changes may occur in one or both breasts, where palpable, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt. These lumps are firm but not hard, and sometimes painful. The boundary between the lumps and surrounding breast tissue is unclear, yet they are not adherent to the skin or chest muscles, sometimes appearing as unclearly bordered thickened areas. Lesions are more commonly located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast but can affect the entire breast. The lumps may enlarge during premenstrual or postmenstrual phases, but they typically reduce in size postmenstrually. Diagnosis can be confirmed through breast ultrasound and mammography. Breast ultrasound typically indicates proliferative breast tissue, showing areas of uneven, low echogenicity and, in cases of cysts, anechoic areas.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can ultrasonography detect lobular hyperplasia?

Lobular hyperplasia can be detected by ultrasound, appearing as heterogeneous hypoechoic areas on the ultrasound, and if cysts form, they appear as anechoic areas. The exact cause of lobular hyperplasia in the mammary glands is not very clear. It is currently believed to be related to elevated levels of estrogen caused by endocrine disorders, external environmental factors, work and living conditions, interpersonal relationships, and various other stressors that affect the psychological aspects, all of which can change the body’s internal environment. This in turn affects the function of the endocrine system, causing abnormal secretion of one or several hormones, ultimately disrupting the balance of hormone levels in the body, leading to increased estrogen, and causing mammary tissue hyperplasia.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can mild pain from lobular hyperplasia be ignored?

For mild pain associated with lobular hyperplasia, it may not require intervention but regular follow-up is needed. For more pronounced symptoms, symptomatic pharmaceutical treatment should be administered. Supporting the breasts with a bra, using traditional Chinese medicine to soothe the liver, regulate qi, and harmonize the Chong and Ren meridians may alleviate the pain. Endocrine treatment is another option, though generally avoided if possible. However, for severe pre-menopausal pain, taking vitamins such as B, C, and E before menstruation can help as they improve liver function, regulate hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nerve function. Vitamin E also helps alleviate pain.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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What should I do about the pain from lobular hyperplasia of the breast?

Breast lobular hyperplasia accounts for more than two-thirds of female breast disease patients and can occur from youth to middle age. In the early stage of the disease, there is breast pain, followed by lumps, or pale yellow nipple discharge. Therefore, women should pay attention to preventing the occurrence of breast lobular hyperplasia. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that breast lobular hyperplasia is caused by liver Qi stagnation and phlegm and Qi stagnation, related to unhappy emotions and depressive moods. If there is a satisfying sexual relationship between spouses, including a coordinated and harmonious sex life, it can maintain a happy mood and smooth liver Qi. The Qi and blood in the collaterals will be harmonized and smooth, and the breast lobule will not easily proliferate. Therefore, we should adjust from life and diet, and of course, necessary medical treatment is essential.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What should I do if lobular hyperplasia recurs?

After the recurrence of lobular hyperplasia of the mammary gland, if there are significant symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine can be used to alleviate the pain through the method of soothing the liver and regulating the Qi, and harmonizing the Chong and Ren meridians. Endocrine treatment is also an option, but should be avoided if possible. However, it can be taken before menstruation if the pain is particularly severe in the pre-menopausal period. Vitamin therapy can also be used, including Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, etc., which have effects on improving liver function, regulating sex hormone metabolism, and improving autonomic nerve function. These can be used as adjunctive therapy for the disease. Some also believe that Vitamin E can relieve pain. Regular follow-ups with breast ultrasound and mammography are also necessary.

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Breast Surgery
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The difference between breast cancer and lobular hyperplasia

The difference between breast cancer and lobular hyperplasia is as follows: Lobular hyperplasia primarily manifests as nodular lumps that can be felt within one or both breasts. These lumps vary in size, are tough but not hard, and sometimes tender to touch. The boundaries of the lumps with the surrounding breast tissue are not clear, but they are not adherent to the skin or chest muscles, sometimes presenting as areas of thickening with unclear boundaries. Breast cancer, on the other hand, appears as a solitary, painless lump that is hard as stone and can be round, oval-shaped, or irregular. It can grow large, has poor mobility, and can easily adhere to the skin and surrounding tissues. The growth of the cancerous lump is not related to the menstrual cycle or emotional changes, and it can grow rapidly in a short time. On a mammogram, breast cancer lumps may show tiny calcifications, abnormal vascular shadows, and spicules.