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23
Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
About me
The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Breast Surgery Department, attending physician, specializes in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of breast diseases and early detection of breast cancer using traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments. Has participated in 4 national natural science foundation projects and provincial projects, with over 10 published papers.
Proficient in diseases
Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of breast diseases and breast cancer using traditional Chinese medicine and herbal medicine.
Voices
Is hyperplasia of the mammary glands serious?
Overall, breast hyperplasia is a benign disease and not severe, so there is no need for excessive anxiety. However, it should definitely not be taken lightly. Studies have found that about 2% to 3% of cases with breast hyperplasia may develop into cancer, and the rate of malignant transformation in cystic breast hyperplasia is 3 to 5 times higher than in other women. If you do not control factors that cause breast hyperplasia, such as endocrine disorders, high-fat diets, smoking, drinking, hypertension, and diabetes, then the breast ducts and epithelia being chronically stimulated by these factors could potentially become cancerous. The progression from breast hyperplasia to breast cancer is a lengthy process, undergoing four stages: hyperplasia → atypical hyperplasia (precancerous) → in situ carcinoma → invasive carcinoma. Therefore, breast hyperplasia should be taken very seriously, with efforts made for early examination, early detection, and early treatment. This is especially important for those with a family history of breast cancer or who belong to families with a high incidence of cancer.
Can hyperplasia of mammary glands be completely cured?
Generally speaking, breast hyperplasia can be cured. Do not be afraid if you have breast hyperplasia, although the duration and methods of treatment vary depending on the degree of breast hyperplasia. Simple breast hyperplasia, which often occurs in young women, primarily manifests as breast pain that varies with the menstrual cycle. This is considered a normal physiological state. Managing emotions and living a regular life can naturally alleviate the symptoms. However, as long as any type of breast hyperplasia is treated promptly with the correct approach, and treatment is adhered to consistently with regular follow-ups, it is quite easy to cure.
Is breast swelling and pain during menstruation normal?
For many women, in addition to experiencing dysmenorrhea during their menstrual period, they often encounter various discomforts. Many young and middle-aged women experience breast pain before and after their period. Is this normal? Many women worry that this is a sign of a pathological change in their breasts. Generally speaking, this type of cyclical breast pain or stabbing pain that occurs as the menstrual cycle approaches and then eases or disappears after the onset of menstruation is mostly due to changes in hormones within the body, and it is a normal physiological condition that does not require treatment. However, if the pain is severe, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly.
What is invasive breast cancer?
Invasive breast cancer is the most common tumor in women, accounting for 22% of all malignant tumors in females. Invasive breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor where cancer cells have broken through the basement membrane of the breast ducts or lobular alveoli and invaded the interstitium. The vast majority of invasive breast cancers are adenocarcinomas, originating from the epithelial cells of the breast parenchyma, especially from the terminal duct lobular units. Its characteristics include the tumor's infiltration into adjacent tissues and a marked tendency for distant metastasis.
How to treat nodular hyperplasia of the breast?
According to different pathological types, clinically, there are simple hyperplasia of the breast and cystic hyperplasia of the breast, and the treatment methods are different. For simple breast hyperplasia: If the patient has no symptoms such as pain, medication treatment can be considered unnecessary. Maintaining a regular lifestyle, relaxing, and eating less high-fat food and fewer caffeine-containing beverages are beneficial. If the pain affects normal life and work, timely treatment is needed to alleviate the pain. Surgery is generally not recommended unless the hyperplastic lumps cannot be ruled out for malignant transformation. For the treatment of cystic breast hyperplasia: If the cyst is small and the symptoms are mild, endocrine treatment can be carried out; if the cyst is large, has symptoms of compression, or if ultrasound suggests thickening of the cyst wall, rich blood supply, or intra-cystic tumors, or if the patient worries about cancer transformation causing significant mental stress, surgical treatment can be considered.
What medicine should be taken for mammary gland hyperplasia?
Simple lobular hyperplasia of the breast does not require medication or other treatments, just pay attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly check the lobular hyperplasia in both breasts at the hospital to monitor any changes in the condition. After menopause, as the body's estrogen levels decrease, the lobular hyperplasia will gradually improve. Just pay attention to a regular lifestyle, and there is no special dietary requirements compared to others. If the pain is unbearable and severely affects daily life, under the guidance of a doctor, you can take some traditional Chinese medicines that soothe the liver and regulate qi, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, or use estrogen receptor antagonists, which prevent the estrogen receptors from exerting their physiological effects, thereby relieving symptoms.
What is the best way to manage breast hyperplasia?
Patients with mammary gland hyperplasia should maintain a regular routine in their daily lives. Improving work and study efficiency, changing lifestyle habits of staying up late and sleeping during the day, relieving stress in time, maintaining a good mood, and regular exercise can all be helpful. Avoid trying breast massages and essential oil breast enhancement treatments at beauty salons too readily, as some essential oils illegally add estrogens, which can exacerbate the symptoms of mammary gland hyperplasia. Additionally, adhere to healthy dietary habits, avoid high-calorie junk food, and do not blindly take so-called hormone-based health products that claim to delay aging and improve skin. If the pain is unbearable and severely affects daily life, consider taking some symptom-relieving medication under a doctor's guidance rather than blindly following traditional dietary remedies. The most important point: whether symptoms are present or not, regular hospital check-ups are essential. Annual specialized medical examinations at the hospital are necessary. Women under 40 should have an ultrasound examination once a year, and those over 40 should have an ultrasound plus a mammography every year to ensure early detection of any potential health issues. Women with a family history and higher risk factors should have even more frequent check-ups.
Will ovulation cause breast pain?
Generally speaking, breast pain may occur during the ovulation period, but this varies from person to person. However, having breast pain does not necessarily mean ovulation is occurring. If breast pain occurs during ovulation, it could be due to ovulation, but other conditions such as hormonal influences, breast hyperplasia, or mastitis cannot be ruled out. It is recommended that patients visit a hospital for examinations such as breast ultrasound or mammography to rule out any medical conditions.
How to regulate premenstrual breast swelling and pain
Before menstruation, estrogen levels rise and the breast tissue becomes congested and swollen, leading to breast pain. At this time, it is recommended for women to maintain a light diet, keep in a pleasant mood, avoid irritability, have regular routines, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in moderate exercise, among other practices. After menstruation begins, hormone levels decrease, and this type of pain naturally eases without needing much attention. However, if the pain is severe and affects normal life, or if the pain lasts beyond the menstrual period, it is advised to visit a breast surgery specialist 3 to 5 days after the end of the period for an examination.
Does breast cancer have a genetic component?
Breast cancer is somewhat related to genetics and has a certain familial predisposition. It manifests as a higher incidence rate in relatives with breast cancer, especially in closer blood relations, and daughters may develop the disease at an earlier age than their mothers. There is also a higher risk of bilateral occurrence and a tendency for other malignant tumors to develop in different parts of the body. Additionally, if a family has at least two sisters with breast cancer and their mother is not afflicted by the disease, the susceptibility of this family is about three times higher than average, commonly occurring after menopause, and usually affecting one side. Of course, the influence of human genetic factors on the development of breast cancer is multifaceted. The occurrence of breast cancer is affected not only by genetic factors but also by many other factors, which have a cumulative effect of risks. It is recommended that individuals from families with a history of breast cancer should undergo regular screening, improve their lifestyle, and avoid the accumulation of risk factors, which can also enable earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer that has already developed.