Can ultrasonography detect lobular hyperplasia?

Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

Updated on September 12, 2024

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Lobular hyperplasia can be detected by ultrasound, appearing as heterogeneous hypoechoic areas on the ultrasound, and if cysts form, they appear as anechoic areas. The exact cause of lobular hyperplasia in the mammary glands is not very clear. It is currently believed to be related to elevated levels of estrogen caused by endocrine disorders, external environmental factors, work and living conditions, interpersonal relationships, and various other stressors that affect the psychological aspects, all of which can change the body’s internal environment. This in turn affects the function of the endocrine system, causing abnormal secretion of one or several hormones, ultimately disrupting the balance of hormone levels in the body, leading to increased estrogen, and causing mammary tissue hyperplasia.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

49sec

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Why are there lymph nodes under the armpit in lobular hyperplasia?

Breast lobular hyperplasia generally does not involve enlargement of the lymph nodes. The enlargement of lymph nodes can be physiological or pathological. Physiological enlargement is either congenital or caused by inflammation, whereas pathological enlargement is generally caused by breast cancer. Lymph nodes affected by breast cancer can be located and fixed in the armpit, and may also be palpable above or below the clavicle. Lobular hyperplasia is related to the levels of hormones in the body; it is not inflammatory, but mainly associated with increased estrogen levels. There may also be variations in the quality and quantity of estrogen receptors in the breast tissue components, leading to uneven development in different parts of the breast.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

1min 11sec

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What should I do about lobular hyperplasia of the breast?

For cases with mild symptoms or less severe conditions, treatment is generally not necessary; regular follow-ups with breast ultrasound or mammography are sufficient. For those with pronounced symptoms, medication and symptomatic treatments can be given, as detailed below: Chinese herbal medicine can be used, treating breast hyperplasia through methods that soothe the liver, regulate qi, and harmonize the Chong. Endocrine treatments are also an option, though preferably avoided, but can be administered before menstruation for those who experience significant pain during the premenopausal period. Vitamin therapy, including vitamins B, C, and E, can improve liver function and regulate basal metabolism, as well as enhance the function of the autonomic nervous system, serving as supplementary medicine for this condition. Recently, vitamin E is also considered to have pain-relieving effects. For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, lesions confined to a part of the breast, or those who still have significant lumps after menstruation, it is recommended to conduct a puncture biopsy and consider surgical treatment if necessary.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

51sec

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What does breast lobule feel like to the touch?

Fibrocystic breast changes may occur in one or both breasts, where palpable, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt. These lumps are firm but not hard, and sometimes painful. The boundary between the lumps and surrounding breast tissue is unclear, yet they are not adherent to the skin or chest muscles, sometimes appearing as unclearly bordered thickened areas. Lesions are more commonly located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast but can affect the entire breast. The lumps may enlarge during premenstrual or postmenstrual phases, but they typically reduce in size postmenstrually. Diagnosis can be confirmed through breast ultrasound and mammography. Breast ultrasound typically indicates proliferative breast tissue, showing areas of uneven, low echogenicity and, in cases of cysts, anechoic areas.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao

Breast Health Department

55sec

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What medicine should be taken for mammary gland hyperplasia?

Simple lobular hyperplasia of the breast does not require medication or other treatments, just pay attention to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly check the lobular hyperplasia in both breasts at the hospital to monitor any changes in the condition. After menopause, as the body's estrogen levels decrease, the lobular hyperplasia will gradually improve. Just pay attention to a regular lifestyle, and there is no special dietary requirements compared to others. If the pain is unbearable and severely affects daily life, under the guidance of a doctor, you can take some traditional Chinese medicines that soothe the liver and regulate qi, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, or use estrogen receptor antagonists, which prevent the estrogen receptors from exerting their physiological effects, thereby relieving symptoms.

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Written by Lin Yang

Breast Surgery

47sec

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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.