Is a breast nodule a lump? What is the difference?

We all need to have a correct understanding of the various breast diseases and hidden dangers, especially female friends, who must clearly distinguish various breast diseases to avoid misdiagnosis or treatment misunderstandings. So, are breast nodules lumps? It can be said that these two diseases cannot be equated, and each has its own characteristics, so the treatment measures are naturally different.

Breast nodules are mainly characterized by cyclical breast pain. Initially, it is a diffuse distension and pain, and the tenderness is more obvious on the upper outer side and upper middle part of the breast. The pain worsens before menstruation every month and decreases or disappears after menstruation. In severe cases, there is persistent pain before and after menstruation. Sometimes the pain radiates to the armpits, shoulders, back, upper limbs, etc. Patients often report that they have a lump in their breast, but clinical examination only reveals thickened mammary glands.

Breast nodules and lumps are indeed two concepts that are difficult to define. Generally speaking, if the breast structure tends to be normal or the so-called proliferative changes, and the physical examination mainly shows a two-dimensional structure, the doctor will define it as a nodule. If the breast structure tends to be a tumor and has an obvious three-dimensional structure, it will be defined as a lump.

However, this does not mean that nodules are less serious than lumps, because breast cancer may manifest as breast nodules or even just thickening of the glands in a relatively early stage, and as the disease progresses, it will gradually manifest as breast lumps.

In addition, most breast nodules can be treated through medical history inquiry, examination, explanation, psychological and dietary therapy, and dynamic observation. Individuals with more severe symptoms and pain can be treated with medication. The most important thing in treating breast lumps is to determine whether the lump itself is breast cancer or is associated with breast cancer, that is, to rule out and confirm breast cancer.

Furthermore, normal breast examination should be performed within one week after each menstruation. Whether sitting or lying down, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingertips should be used to gently press each breast in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to compare its internal structure. Finally, check the area below the areola and under the armpits. Never grab or pinch the breast during examination.

I believe everyone is very clear about whether breast nodules are lumps. As long as the two are correctly distinguished, it will not easily lead to confusion or hinder the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In fact, there are many factors that can cause breast diseases. You must adjust your daily life, improve your living habits, and prevent problems before they happen.