What is the difference between breast hyperplasia nodules and breast hyperplasia?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on May 24, 2025
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Breast hyperplasia nodules and breast hyperplasia are not much different; breast hyperplasia nodules are a more severe condition than simple breast hyperplasia. Based on the typical symptoms of cyclic breast swelling and pain, which worsen before menstruation and lessen or disappear after menstruation, and upon physical examination, nodular lumps of various sizes can be felt within the breast, which are tough but not hard, sometimes tender to the touch. Supplementary examinations like ultrasound show uneven low-echo areas in the hyperplastic breast, and if cysts are present, they form anechoic areas. Breast mammography shows ground-glass or cotton-wool shadows, which can be diagnosed as breast hyperplasia. However, it is important to be wary of the potential coexistence of breast hyperplasia and breast cancer. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should be closely monitored; on the other hand, patients with obvious hyperplastic lumps or unclear boundaries of thickened breast tissue should undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsy of suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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How to regulate mammary gland hyperplasia

For symptoms that are not severe or are mild, most do not require treatment, but regular re-examination of breast ultrasonography or mammography is necessary. For more pronounced symptoms, medication and symptomatic treatment can be used as follows: Bras can be used to support the breasts, and traditional Chinese medicine can be used to treat breast hyperplasia by smoothing the liver, regulating Qi, and harmonizing the Conception and Governing Vessels. Endocrine treatment can also be used, though it should be avoided as much as possible. However, for premenopausal women with severe pain, it can be taken before the onset of menstruation. When undergoing endocrine treatment, regular pelvic ultrasound examinations are required, as endocrine treatment may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Vitamin treatment, such as with Vitamins B, C, and E, can improve liver function, regulate sex hormone metabolism, and enhance autonomic nervous function, and can be used as an adjunctive therapy for this condition.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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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.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Good methods for mammary gland hyperplasia

According to different pathological types, clinically, there are two types of breast hyperplasia: simple breast hyperplasia and cystic breast hyperplasia, each requiring different treatment methods. Starting with simple breast hyperplasia: for diagnosed patients who do not exhibit symptoms such as pain, medicinal treatment might not be necessary. Maintaining a regular lifestyle, staying relaxed, consuming less fatty food, and drinking fewer caffeine-containing beverages are all beneficial. If the pain affects normal life and work, severe cases might consider using estrogen blockers to alleviate the pain. Surgery is generally not recommended unless the hyperplastic lump cannot be ruled out as malignant. So, how is cystic breast hyperplasia treated? For patients with small cysts and mild symptoms, no surgery is needed, and treatment might involve the use of anti-estrogenic drugs for endocrine therapy. If the cyst is large, causes compressive symptoms, or if an ultrasound suggests thickening of the cyst wall, rich blood supply, or the presence of a tumor attached to the cyst wall, or if the patient is highly stressed about the risk of cancer, surgical treatment might be considered.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Is category II breast hyperplasia serious?

Category II breast hyperplasia is not serious; it is simply a type of breast hyperplasia. Breast hyperplasia is mainly related to the estrogen levels in the body. The main treatments should focus on soothing the liver and regulating qi, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, regulating mood, and adjusting endocrine functions. Some traditional Chinese medicines that soothe the liver, regulate qi, and promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis can also be used to manage these symptoms. There is no psychological burden associated with this, and normal treatment is sufficient.

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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.