Breast glands mistaken for lumps

As we all know, breast cancer is a major disease that causes the highest mortality rate among women. It is a malignant tumor that occurs in the mammary gland epithelial tissue, and its incidence has been on the rise in recent years. One of the most notable early symptoms of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. However, a lump in the breast does not necessarily mean breast cancer. It may also be a normal or good condition.

5 possible reasons for having small lumps in your breast

Before explaining the possibilities, Xiaojiu will first tell you about the correct way to do breast self-examination.

Proper breast examination:

When touching, the palm of your hand should be stretched out, the four fingers should be closed, and the most sensitive ring finger, middle thumb, and the tip of the right ring finger should be used to gently touch the upper outside, lower outside, lower inside, and upper front areas of the breast in turn, and finally the nipple and nipple area in the middle of the breast. Do not pinch the breast tissue with your fingers during the examination, otherwise you will mistake the pinched breast tissue for a lump.

The most serious disease of the breast is breast cancer. This lump is usually irregular, has unclear boundaries, is hard in texture, grows faster, and is not easily stimulated. And, along with that comes shifts, indentations, changes in tone, and more on the skin.

If you don't notice these symptoms and there is a lump in your breast, you need to consider the following five conditions:

1. High-density breast

Breasts can be divided into three types: dense breast type, fat type, and intermediate combination type. The mammary gland occupies most of the breast, which is the high-density mammary gland type; human fat occupies most of the mammary gland, which is the fat type; the glandular duct and human fat are close to the first two types, which is the intermediate complex type. They are all normal types, but this usually requires a mammogram to identify and cannot be detected by self-diagnosis.

High-density breast is a common type in young women. High-density breast simply means that there are more glandular ducts. Moreover, as we age, breast tissue will gradually be replaced by fat tissue. Especially in the middle and late stages of menopause, the breasts of most women will become fat.

Breast tissue is a lump, which is a relatively large disk-like lump in the breast and can normally be grasped or pinched. Therefore, sometimes the lump you feel in your breast is just a normal breast protrusion. If you feel lumps by pushing instead of pinching, you need to pay attention.

2. Breast fibroadenoma

The most common cause of breast lumps is breast fibroadenoma, which is related to the imbalance of estrogen levels in the patient's body, and is manifested in different degrees of proliferation of breast epithelial tissue and fibrous tissue. It is more common in women between the ages of 20 and 39, because women of this age have abundant ovaries and their estrogen is also in its active stage.

Breast fibroadenomas are not painful and are difficult to detect without examination. The lump grows slowly and is often rotating. It can be on one or both sides of the breast. The lump is round or oval, as hard as the tip of the nose, with a smooth surface, no adhesion to the skin and surrounding tissues, clear boundaries, easy to promote, and feels elastic. The size is about 3 cm in diameter and rarely exceeds 5 cm.

Breast fibroadenomas are usually benign, but they also require more attention. If you feel multiple fibroadenomas and they continue to grow significantly, they may affect the shape and appearance of your breasts, so you need to ask your doctor whether they need to be removed.

3. Cystic or lobular hyperplasia of the breast

Cystic hyperplasia of the breast is a disease characterized by cysts caused by enlarged mammary lobule and distal tube, accompanied by abnormal changes in breast structure. It is more common in middle-aged women. There are often multiple hard lumps of varying sizes on both breasts, with clear boundaries. They can cause pain, which is more obvious in the premenstrual period.

The lumps caused by cystic breast disease are more dangerous. Compared with general breast hyperplasia, the breast hyperplasia caused by fibrocystic breast disease coexists with intestinal metaplasia and has the risk of worsening. It should be regarded as a precancerous lesion and should be taken seriously.

4. Superficial phlebitis of the breast

Breast phlebitis, also known as sternal phlebitis, often causes thrombophlebitis around the breast. This disease is relatively rare. The superficial veins of the infected body suddenly become cord-shaped or column-shaped, the reticular structure is swollen, the diseased venous tissue is swollen or edematous, the local skin temperature is high, there is a feeling of wind, obvious tenderness and pressure, body movement is restricted, the systemic reaction is usually mild, and there is a feeling of fever and discomfort.

Improperly worn underwear can compress the superficial veins and cause thrombophlebitis. The prognosis of breast phlebitis is good. No special medication is required for treatment. Hot compress or acupuncture therapy can be used after the onset of the disease, which will be effective quickly. In very rare cases, skin ulcers or even suppurative infections may occur.

5. All normal conditions that occur during special periods

Before the menstrual period comes, women often experience breast swelling, hardening, and tenderness. In severe cases, the breasts will feel swollen, painful and uncomfortable when subjected to slight vibration or impact. This is normal. Before menstruation, the estrogen level in women's bodies increases, breast hyperplasia occurs, and the breast tissue becomes edematous.

Generally, it will disappear after menstruation or reception. Don't worry too much if there are lumps in the breasts during this special period.

So, although breast cancer is scary, not all lumps indicate breast cancer. Everyone should check themselves regularly. If you find a lump in your breast, please don’t worry too much. If you see any problem, go to the hospital for a physical examination immediately. It must be prevented as early as possible.