Are breast hyperplasia and breast lumps the same thing?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on March 28, 2025
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Breast hyperplasia and breast lumps are different. Breast hyperplasia can be found in one or both breasts, where nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt. These lumps are tough but not hard, sometimes causing a stabbing pain. The borders of the lumps are not distinctly separate from the surrounding breast tissue, but they are not adhered to the skin or the chest muscles. Sometimes, they manifest as areas of thickening with unclear boundaries. On the other hand, breast lumps generally occur as a single lump in one breast, are round or oval in shape, have clear boundaries, are movable, and the texture is generally firm. They might be multiple, but usually, there's no breast pain or only mild discomfort during menstruation. The size and nature of the breast lumps do not change with the menstrual cycle.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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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.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Medications for the treatment of breast hyperplasia

Medications for treating mammary gland hyperplasia: (1) Simple mammary gland hyperplasia 1) For diagnosed patients without symptoms such as pain, it is possible to consider not using medication for treatment. Maintaining a regular lifestyle, relaxing, eating less high-fat food, and drinking fewer caffeinated beverages are all beneficial. 2) If pain affects normal life and work, severe cases may even consider using estrogen blockers to relieve pain. 3) Surgery is generally not recommended, unless the hyperplastic lumps cannot exclude malignancy. (2) Cystic mammary gland hyperplasia 1) For small cysts with mild symptoms, no surgery is needed, and endocrine treatment can be used, including anti-estrogen drugs such as tamoxifen and toremifene, as well as traditional Chinese medicine. 2) If the cyst is large, causes compression symptoms, or if ultrasonography suggests that the cyst wall is locally thickened, has abundant blood supply, contains a tumor attached to the wall, or if the patient is greatly stressed about the potential for cancer, surgical treatment can be considered.

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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.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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How to feel for breast hyperplasia

Patients with mammary gland hyperplasia can feel foreign objects when touching, but the pain from pressing is not very obvious. Patients generally can feel multiple or single nodules with elasticity, and there is no noticeable pain when pressed. Some patients may also experience symptoms such as breast tenderness, which is usually more pronounced before menstruation and may relieve on its own after menstruation ends. Mammary gland hyperplasia is mostly a benign tumor. If the symptoms are not very noticeable, observation can be the first approach. However, if hyperplastic nodules appear, cytological puncture should be conducted, and surgery may be necessary to achieve a cure when needed.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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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.