

Lin Yang

About me
Graduated from Jiamusi Medical University in July 2005 with a Master's degree in Medicine.
Proficient in diseases
Treat various breast diseases such as breast hyperplasia, benign and malignant tumors. Has unique insights into the application of mammary ductoscopy.

Voices

What causes breast swelling, pain, and chills?
Generally, it is considered related to breast hyperplasia. We can diagnose it through breast ultrasound or mammography. Currently, breast hyperplasia is mainly thought to be related to an increase in estrogen levels caused by endocrine disorders. The external environment in which people live, work and living conditions, interpersonal relationships, and various other pressures causing neuro-psychological factors, can change the internal environment of the body, thereby affecting the function of the endocrine system, and then causing the secretion of one or several hormones to be abnormal. During the menstrual cycle, the receptors in the breast undergo cyclical changes due to changes in hormone levels. When the balance of hormone levels in the body is disrupted, with an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in progesterone secretion, it may cause incomplete regression after breast hyperplasia, leading to the proliferation of breast tissue. Therefore, the functional state of the ovaries and the presence of disorders play a very important role in the development of the disease.

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 tests should be done for breast pain?
Breast pain is generally considered to be caused by breast hyperplasia. It usually occurs or worsens before menstruation and decreases or disappears after menstruation. In this case, it is recommended to have a breast ultrasound, which generally shows uneven low echo areas. If cysts are formed, anechoic areas will be reported. You can also undergo a mammography X-ray examination, which often shows ground glass-like or cotton wool-like shadows. If financial conditions allow, further breast MRI examination can be conducted to more accurately determine the benign or malignant nature of the condition.

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.

Can breast distension and pain be treated with moxibustion?
Breast distension pain can be treated with moxibustion, but the results might not always be satisfactory as breast distension pain is related to mammary gland hyperplasia, which is believed to be connected to increased estrogen levels caused by endocrine disorders. Generally, we use traditional Chinese medicine for treatment, which relieves pain through methods that soothe the liver and regulate Qi, and harmonize the thoroughfare and conception vessels. Endocrine treatment is also an option but is used as sparingly as possible. However, it can be administered before menstrual onset in cases where pain is significantly pronounced in the pre-menopausal phase. Regular pelvic ultrasound re-examinations must be conducted during endocrine treatment due to the increased risk of endometrial cancer that this treatment might entail. Treatment with vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E can also be used, as they aid in improving liver function, regulating sex hormone metabolism, and enhancing autonomic nervous system functions, serving as adjunctive medication for this condition. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

Is breast swelling and stabbing pain cancer?
Breast swelling and stabbing pain are generally not manifestations of cancer, but typical symptoms of breast hyperplasia. During a physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt in the breast, which are tough but not hard, and sometimes tender to touch. Ultrasound examination shows no lumps and no flocculent patterns on the molybdenum target, which can be diagnosed as breast hyperplasia. However, it is important to be cautious as breast hyperplasia and breast cancer can coexist. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should have strengthened follow-up examinations. On the other hand, for patients with significant hyperplastic lumps or unclear boundaries in the thickened areas of the breast, it is recommended to perform a biopsy on the suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain, what's wrong?
Breast swelling and occasional stabbing pain are considered to be caused by fibrocystic breast changes. The symptoms of fibrocystic breast changes include cyclic swelling and pain in the breasts, often appearing or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. It may manifest as swelling and pain in one or both breasts, or prickling and painful sensations, and can extend to the shoulders, upper arms, or thoracic regions. Few patients may experience nipple discharge. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, which are firm but not hard, can be felt in one or both breasts. Sometimes these lumps are tender, and their boundaries with the surrounding breast tissue are indistinct, but they are not adherent to the skin or pectoral muscles. Regular follow-up with breast ultrasound is advisable.

The difference between breast prickling pain and swelling pain.
Breast tingling and soreness are no different; they are both manifestations of breast hyperplasia. The main symptoms of breast hyperplasia include cyclic swelling and pain in the breast, which often appear or worsen before menstruation and diminish or disappear after menstruation. Mild cases may not be noticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not exhibit obvious cyclical changes, and some may experience soreness in one or both breasts, or needle-like pain, which can extend to the shoulders, upper limbs, or chest and back area. A few patients may have nipple discharge, with the color of the discharge ranging from yellow, brown, or bloody. The duration of the condition can sometimes be lengthy, but symptoms typically alleviate or disappear automatically after menopause.