How do breast nodules occur?

The medical community is not particularly clear about the cause of breast nodules. At present, it is believed that the most likely cause is genetic or environmental factors. Breast nodules will be more severe before menstruation but will be much better or even disappear completely after menstruation. Half of patients with breast nodules will experience varying degrees of breast pain or tenderness.

Causes

The cause of breast nodules is still unclear and is related to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Currently, the possible causes of breast nodule formation include endocrine hormone levels, gene mutations, and environmental influences.

Classification

1. Breast nodules caused by breast hyperplasia

Multiple, unilateral or bilateral, mostly in the upper quadrant. The size and texture often change cyclically with menstruation. The nodules become larger and harder before menstruation, and shrink and become softer after menstruation. During the examination, breast nodules can be felt that are irregular in size, have unclear boundaries with surrounding tissues, are often tender, have no adhesion to the skin and deep tissues, and can move; breast pain

It is common to experience unilateral or bilateral breast tenderness or pain. The duration of the disease varies, and most patients have symptoms of cyclical pain, which occurs or worsens before menstruation and eases or disappears after menstruation.

2. Breast nodules caused by breast tumors

Benign tumors can be single or multiple, and are more common in women of childbearing age. When palpated, the nodules are generally firm, with clear boundaries and good mobility. Malignant tumors are generally single, and are more common in middle-aged and elderly women. When palpated, the nodules are generally hard, with unclear boundaries and poor mobility.

treat

The treatment of breast nodules should first establish a clear diagnosis. Through breast B-ultrasound and mammography, some nodules are considered to be most likely benign lesions and may be considered for regular follow-up observation. Some breast nodules require biopsy to clarify the pathological nature and further treatment plans are decided based on the pathological results. If it is a malignant tumor, multidisciplinary collaboration is required based on the patient's condition to develop an individualized comprehensive treatment plan, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecular targeted therapy.

prevention

Given that the cause of breast nodules is still unclear, there is currently no clear and effective prevention method, but relevant prevention and control measures can be taken for the high-risk factors of breast cancer, including a reasonable diet and a healthy lifestyle. Encourage breastfeeding, quit smoking and drinking, avoid long-term and large-scale oral contraceptive use, etc. If the patient has hereditary breast cancer, relevant breast cancer susceptibility gene testing can be considered to clarify and develop an individualized breast cancer screening plan, and preventive mastectomy can be performed if necessary.