Lump in the chest

The phenomenon of lumps in the chest is generally related to breast diseases, unless the lumps are formed by milk accumulation during lactation, which is a normal phenomenon. It is difficult to determine what disease a lump in the chest alone represents, but we can compare possible conditions based on our own situation and try our best to determine our own problem. So, what are the causes of lumps in the chest? Let’s take a closer look.

Breasts can be divided into three types: dense, fatty, and mixed. The mammary gland occupies most of the breast, which is the dense breast type; the fat occupies most of the breast, which is the fatty type; the gland and fat are between the first two types, which is the intermediate mixed type. They are all normal types, but this usually requires a breast X-ray to identify and cannot be detected by self-detection.

Dense breasts are a common type in young women. Dense breasts simply mean that there are more glandular components. Moreover, as we age, breast tissue is gradually replaced by fatty tissue. Especially in the late menopause, most women's breasts will become fat.

Breast tissue is a hard object, which is a relatively large disc inside the breast and can normally be grasped or pinched with the hands. So, sometimes the lump you feel in your breast is just an area of ​​normal breast bulge. If you can feel a lump by pushing rather than grasping, you need to pay attention.

The most common culprit of breast lumps is breast fibroadenoma, which is related to the imbalance of sex hormone levels in the patient's body. The main manifestation is varying degrees of hyperplasia of the epithelial tissue and fibrous tissue of the breast. It is common in women of childbearing age between 20 and 39 years old, because women of this age have strong ovarian function and their sex hormones are also in an active stage.

Breast fibroadenomas are not painful and are difficult to detect without examination. The lump grows slowly and is mostly solitary, which can occur 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 move, and feels tough. The size is about 3 cm in diameter and rarely exceeds 5 cm.

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

3. Cystic or lobular hyperplasia of the breast

Cystic breast hyperplasia is a disease characterized by cysts formed by highly dilated mammary ducts and terminal ducts, accompanied by abnormal breast structure. It is more common in middle-aged women. There are often several hard nodules of varying sizes on both breasts. The boundaries are not clear and they can cause pain, which is more obvious before menstruation.

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

Breast phlebitis, also known as chest wall phlebitis, often forms thrombophlebitis around the breast. This disease is rare. The superficial veins of the affected limbs suddenly become cord-like or columnar, with a reticular swelling, redness or edema of the diseased venous tissue, increased local skin temperature, a sense of heat, obvious tenderness and pain, limited limb movement, and systemic reactions that are often mild, with slight fever and discomfort.

Improper underwear can compress superficial veins and cause thrombophlebitis. The prognosis of breast phlebitis is good and no special drug treatment is required. Hot compresses or physical therapy can be applied after the onset of the disease, and the effect will be seen quickly. In very rare cases, it may cause skin ulcers or even purulent infections.

5. Normal phenomena that occur during special periods

Before menstruation comes, women often experience breast fullness, hardness, and tenderness. In severe cases, the breasts will become swollen and painful with just a slight vibration or collision. This is normal. Before menstruation, the estrogen level in women's bodies increases, the breasts proliferate, and the tissue between the breasts becomes edematous.

Generally, it will disappear after menstruation comes or ends. There is no need to worry too much if there are lumps in the breasts during this special period.

So, although breast cancer is terrible, not all lumps indicate breast cancer. You should do regular self-examinations. Don’t worry too much if you find any lumps in your breasts. If you see any signs of this, go to the hospital for a check-up immediately. Be sure to take preventive measures as early as possible.