What is breast hyperplasia?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Breast hyperplasia refers to the proliferation of epithelial and fibrous tissues in the breast, degenerative changes in the ductal and lobular structures of the breast tissue, and the progressive growth of connective tissue. The main cause of its onset is primarily related to hormonal imbalances. It mainly manifests as menstrual cycle-related pain, occasional nipple discharge, sometimes white discharge, or grass-yellow discharge, often presenting as swelling pain or stabbing pain, which can radiate to the ribs or back pain.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Mammary gland hyperplasia should visit which department?

Breast hyperplasia, also known as lobular hyperplasia, includes clinically observed conditions such as cystic mammary disease, chronic mammary disease, chronic cystic mastitis, mammary dysplasia, breast cysts, and cystic hyperplasia of the breast. It is a common benign condition of the breast. It is commonly seen in middle-aged women and is mostly related to hormonal imbalances in the body. It is not an inflammation or a tumor, but a physiological response of the body to hormonal imbalance, representing a disorder of the normal structure of the breast. To examine breast hyperplasia, one should of course visit the breast department at a formal hospital for a consultation! If a small hospital does not have a breast surgery department, a consultation can be made in gynecology.

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How to treat breast hyperplasia?

For breast hyperplasia, oral medication can be taken, such as some traditional Chinese medicine formulations that also have effects like activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, softening lumps, and dispersing nodules, such as Ruhe Sanjie tablets. One can also use traditional Chinese medicine orally to regulate the condition, which generally includes herbs that soothe the liver and relieve depression, soften lumps and disperse nodules, or strengthen the spleen. Moreover, for breast hyperplasia, it is recommended to maintain a good mood and eat fewer soy products, as there is a certain relationship between breast hyperplasia and estrogen, and soy products may contain estrogen, such as soybeans. It is also crucial to maintain a positive mindset. Breast hyperplasia, in many cases, might not require treatment; it is suggested to have a follow-up every 3 to 6 months. If accompanied by severe breast pain, oral medication can be taken for adjustment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Where does the mammary gland hyperplasia nodule grow?

During a physical examination for breast hyperplasia nodules, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt in one or both breasts. These lumps are tough but not hard, and sometimes tender to touch. The boundary between the lump and surrounding breast tissue is unclear, yet there is no adhesion to the skin or chest muscle. Sometimes it appears as an ill-defined thickening area, most often located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, but it can also affect the whole breast. The lumps often swell before and during menstruation and shrink after. In ultrasound imaging, breast hyperplasia nodules appear as uneven low-echo areas, and if cysts form, they appear as anechoic areas.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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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.

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Can breast hyperplasia turn into cancer?

Traditional breast hyperplasia, specifically lobular hyperplasia, does not become cancerous. However, if the hyperplasia has progressed to atypical hyperplasia, there is a small chance that it could turn into cancer. Normal lobular hyperplasia, in itself, does not become cancerous. Self-examinations and annual hospital check-ups are very important. Therefore, when you cannot distinguish whether the hyperplasia is lobular or atypical, you should go to a formal hospital for an examination.