What should I do about hyperplastic nodules in the breast?

Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Breast nodules are a symptom commonly associated with breast hyperplasia and neoplastic breast diseases. In treatment, it is crucial to first make an accurate diagnosis through breast ultrasound and mammography. If some nodules are highly likely to be benign, regular follow-up observation may be considered. If a biopsy is needed for some breast nodules to determine their pathological nature, the treatment plan can be decided based on the pathology results. If diagnosed as malignant tumors, a personalized comprehensive treatment plan should be developed in collaboration with multiple disciplines based on the patient's condition, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecular targeted therapy, among others.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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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.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can hyperplasia of mammary glands be completely cured?

Generally speaking, it is difficult to completely cure breast hyperplasia because it is related to elevated levels of estrogen. Factors such as the external environment, work, living conditions, interpersonal relationships, various stress-related psychological factors, and changes in the indoor environment cause the state of the ovaries to continuously change, leading to the condition. Therefore, over a period of time, the use of medication or changes due to stress and mental factors can improve breast hyperplasia and eliminate the feeling of pain. However, with changes in the environment occurring again, the hyperplasia can recur, similar to catching a cold. After recovery, exposure to the virus after some time can lead to a recurrence.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Which department treats mammary gland hyperplasia?

Breast hyperplasia is organized differently in larger cities, with separate departments for breast internal medicine and breast surgery. Generally, simple breast hyperplasia should be treated in breast internal medicine. In medium-sized cities, breast internal medicine and breast surgery are combined into one department, so a normal breast department is sufficient. In smaller cities, due to the lack of a dedicated breast surgery department, it falls under general surgery or oncology. Therefore, one can visit oncology or general surgery. In even smaller towns, general surgery or gynecology can handle breast hyperplasia. Further down, in clinics, we still recommend visiting medium-sized or larger cities for treatment of breast hyperplasia.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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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.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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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.