How big a breast nodule needs to be removed surgically

Under normal circumstances, if the breast nodule problem does not endanger a woman's breast health, surgical treatment is not necessary. Because for the vast majority of female patients, breast nodules are in a relatively mild state. At this time, the condition can be eliminated by taking relevant medications or controlling diet in daily life. But generally speaking, how big does a breast nodule have to grow before it requires surgical removal?

1. How big a breast nodule is required for surgery?

Experts remind that not all breast nodules require surgery. As for "how big a breast nodule requires surgery", experts say that the chance of malignant transformation of breast nodules in patients is less than 1%. As long as the treatment is proper, it will not be life-threatening. However, if breast nodules are left alone, they will grow bigger and bigger, which will not only affect the beauty of the breasts, but also directly affect health. It will not work without effective treatment measures. But not all breast nodules require surgery. If the lump is not very large (less than 5 cm) and does not affect the quality of life, conservative treatment with Chinese medicine can be used. Chinese medicine has the effects of softening and dispersing nodules, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and ultimately achieving the purpose of eliminating the tumor.

2. How to rule out whether breast nodules require surgery

To rule out a tumor, doctors usually need to do a comprehensive assessment through physical examination, ultrasound and mammography. If the mass can be touched, the doctor's experience and level are very important. Palpation can usually determine whether surgery is needed.

If the nodule cannot be touched, patients over 35 years old should be examined with mammography. If the tumor is still suspected but cannot be confirmed, an MRI examination should be performed.

If there is no problem with the molybdenum target and only the ultrasound shows a nodule, it is usually not a big deal. However, you should be reminded that the ultrasound results are closely related to the level of the ultrasound doctor. If the ultrasound shows blood flow, you should be alert. If other examinations are normal, you can observe regularly. If after several ultrasound re-examinations, it is still BIRADS4A or above, and the nodule is increasing or changing in nature, it needs to be removed and biopsied. However, it should be noted that sometimes there can be bleeding during or near the menstrual period. This is why you should avoid the menstrual period when visiting a breast doctor.

3. How to treat breast nodules

3.1. Regular inspection

To facilitate early detection and timely treatment.

3.2 Drug treatment

Western medicine treatment for breast nodules: such as tamoxifen, is only considered when symptoms are severe and affect normal work and life.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for breast nodules: such as Rupixiao, Runing Granules and other drugs for softening nodules, dispersing nodules and removing blood stasis.

3.3 Surgical treatment

We do not recommend surgical treatment for patients with simple breast hyperplasia nodules because surgery causes extensive damage, only treats the symptoms but not the root cause, is prone to recurrence, and requires a recovery period after surgery, which is unacceptable. However, if breast nodules do not respond to drug treatment and there is a lump that grows rapidly or becomes hard in a short period of time, the possibility of cancer should be highly suspected. If necessary, a biopsy or simple mastectomy should be performed. If cancer cells are found in frozen sections during surgery, the patient should be treated as having breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of breast nodules

1. Breast pain

Most patients experience cyclical changes in breast pain. Breast pain can be unilateral or bilateral, with swelling or tenderness. Breast pain worsens before menstruation and decreases or disappears after menstruation. It is worth noting that although breast pain is a typical symptom of breast nodules, it does not rule out that some patients with the disease do not experience breast pain due to physical reasons.

2. Breast lumps

This is one of the main symptoms of breast nodules. A small number of patients experience pain. The lumps are often multiple, unilateral or bilateral, and more common in the upper quadrant. The size and texture also change cyclically with menstruation. Before menstruation, the lumps increase in size and become harder, while after menstruation, the lumps shrink and become tough but not hard. During palpation, the mass can be felt to have a nodular structure, of varying sizes, with unclear boundaries from surrounding tissues, often tender, with no adhesion to the skin and deep tissues, and can be pushed. The axillary lymph nodes are not enlarged.

3. Nipple discharge

A small number of patients may also experience nipple discharge, which is mostly spontaneous. The nodules of varying sizes in the breast are actually some cystic dilated milk ducts, and nipple discharge comes from these cysts. The discharge is mostly yellow-green, brown or bloody, and occasionally colorless serous fluid may appear.

4. Systemic symptoms

In addition to the above symptoms, some patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, bloating in the ribs, chest tightness, anorexia, and menstrual disorders.