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Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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 department should I go to for breast hyperplasia?
In general, large hospitals manage breast hyperplasia under the department of breast internal medicine, or it can also be seen in the department of breast surgery. Moreover, smaller hospitals that do not have a dedicated breast department categorize it under oncology or thyroid department, and sometimes under gynecology. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the local hospital to determine which department to visit for this condition. Then, further diagnostic procedures like breast ultrasound and mammography can be conducted to determine if it is breast hyperplasia.
What does breast hyperplasia feel like to the touch?
Breast hyperplasia, found during physical examinations, can present as nodular lumps in one or both breasts. These lumps vary in size, are firm but not hard, and may sometimes be tender to touch. The boundaries between the lumps and surrounding breast tissue are unclear, yet there is no adhesion to the skin or chest muscles. Occasionally, the condition presents as an area of indistinct thickening, with lesions typically located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, but it can affect the entire breast. The size of the lumps often changes with the menstrual cycle, enlarging during menstruation or shrinking afterward. Sometimes, there might be nipple discharge, which can be yellow-brown, serous, or bloody. The course of the disease can be prolonged, but symptoms usually disappear or lessen after menopause.
Breast hyperplasia is related to what?
Breast hyperplasia is currently believed to be related to endocrine disorder, leading to increased levels of estrogen, as well as external living and working conditions, interpersonal relationships, and various other stresses. These factors can cause breast hyperplasia. During the menstrual cycle, the breast is affected by changes in endocrine levels, experiencing cyclical changes. Hormonal imbalances, characterized by high levels of estrogen and reduced secretion of progesterone, can lead to incomplete recovery after breast hyperplasia, thereby causing the condition. Mainly, controlling emotions is essential. The primary symptoms are cyclical swelling and pain in the breasts.
Early symptoms of mammary gland hyperplasia
The early symptoms of mammary gland hyperplasia are cyclic swelling pain, which worsens before menstruation and diminishes or disappears after menstruation, with these being the typical symptoms. During a physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt within the breast, which are firm but not hard, and sometimes tender to the touch. Ultrasonography may not show any lumps, or mammography may reveal a cotton-wool-like appearance, which can diagnose mammary gland hyperplasia. However, it is crucial to be cautious of the potential coexistence of mammary gland hyperplasia and breast cancer. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should be closely followed up, advised to return to the hospital every two to three months for re-examination. On the other hand, for patients with significant hyperplastic lumps or unclear boundaries in the thickening type of mammary glands, a biopsy is recommended.
What should be noted for acute mastitis?
For acute mastitis, it is important to keep the nipples clean. The nipples should often be washed with soapy warm water, and rinsed with clean water before and after breastfeeding. Patients with inverted nipples should gently extrude the nipple before cleaning it, but should not use alcohol to clean the area, as alcohol can make the skin of the nipple and areola brittle and prone to cracking. It is important to develop good breastfeeding habits, breastfeeding on a regular schedule, and ensuring that all the milk is drawn out each time. If the milk cannot be fully expressed, it should be manually massaged out or extracted using a breast pump. Additionally, do not let the baby sleep with the nipple in their mouth. If there are any nipple injuries or cracks, stop breastfeeding, use a breast pump to extract the milk, and resume breastfeeding only after the wounds have healed.
Early treatment of acute mastitis
In the early stages of mastitis where there is pain but no redness and swelling, applying heat and then having a lactation masseur clear any residual milk can be effective. However, if symptoms like high fever and chills occur, along with localized redness and swelling, it is advised to go to the hospital to have a complete blood count and an ultrasound. If the leukocyte count is under 10,000 and there is localized swelling, topical application of Rifanuo and oral anti-inflammatory medication can be curative, but it is necessary to stop breastfeeding. If the leukocyte count exceeds 10,000, intravenous antibiotics may be required, alongside cessation of breastfeeding. Then, using a breast pump to extract the milk can help in healing. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)
How should acute mastitis be treated?
Firstly, it is essential to prevent the accumulation of milk and avoid damage to the nipples while keeping them clean. After each breastfeeding, wash the nipples with soap. If the nipples are inverted, frequently squeeze and pull them to correct this. It is important to establish a regular breastfeeding schedule to prevent the baby from sleeping without releasing the nipple. Each breastfeeding session should drain the milk completely; if there is any accumulation, massage or use a breast pump to extract all the milk. After breastfeeding, clean the nipples. If there is any damage or cracking on the nipples, timely treatment is necessary. For the care of the baby's oral cavity, local heat application and massage can be provided.
Is it normal to have ovulatory pain due to lobular hyperplasia?
Lobular hyperplasia causing pain during ovulation is normal. The main symptoms of breast hyperplasia are cyclical swelling and pain of the breasts, often appearing or worsening before menstruation and lessening or disappearing after menstruation. Generally, mild cases do not receive much attention from patients, but severe cases can affect daily life and work. Some patients do not show obvious cyclical changes, and symptoms can include unilateral or bilateral breast pain or cyclical changes, sharp pain, which can extend to the shoulder, upper limbs, or thoracic back area. A minority of patients may experience nipple discharge, which can be yellow-green, brown, or serous in color. The condition can persist for a long time, but symptoms usually disappear or decrease after menopause.
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.
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.