Do you know the difference between breast nodules and breast fibroids?

Breast nodules and breast fibroadenomas are both very common breast diseases. Breast nodules are not tumors and can cause symptoms of breast pain, while breast fibroadenomas are a very common tumor disease among adolescent women and the lumps generally do not cause pain.

1. Symptoms and signs of breast fibroids

Patients often accidentally discover painless lumps in the breast, which are usually solitary but can also be multiple or occur simultaneously in both breasts. They are more common in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. Sometimes the breast is filled with tumors of varying sizes, which is called breast fibroadenoma. The tumor generally grows slowly, but grows faster during pregnancy and lactation. The diameter of the tumor ranges from 1 to 3 cm, but some may exceed 10 cm. It is usually round or oval in shape, with a firm texture, clear edges, a smooth surface, good mobility, and a sliding sensation upon palpation. There was no tenderness to touch and no nipple discharge. It can be divided into 3 types according to clinical manifestations.

1. The common type is the most common, with a tumor diameter of 1 to 3 cm and slow growth.

2. The adolescent type is rare, occurring before menarche. The tumor grows rapidly and is relatively large, which can cause the skin to become tense and thin, and the skin veins to become dilated.

3. Giant fibroadenoma, also known as lobed fibroadenoma, is more common in adolescents aged 15 to 18 and premenopausal women over 40 years old. The tumor is often larger than 5 cm, and can even reach 20 cm. Palpation of the tumor shows lobed changes.

2. Clinical manifestations of breast nodules

The clinical manifestations of breast nodule are often breast pain and breast lumps, and in some cases nipple discharge.

The symptoms of breast pain are often unstable. They may worsen before menstruation and often worsen with mood changes, fatigue, and weather changes. If the pain lasts for more than 3 months and affects your daily work and life, drug intervention is needed. It is recommended to eat less irritating foods, such as spicy food, strong tea, coffee, and cola.

Breast lumps are the main basis for diagnosing breast diseases. Most of them are multiple, with different sizes and hard or tough texture. The lumps are not adhered to the skin, and the surface of the lumps is often not smooth and feels granular to the touch.

Some patients have nipple discharge, which is mostly cool, colorless and serous. If the discharge is yellow or bloody and the amount is large, it may be pathological and should be taken seriously, and you should go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in time.

In addition, some patients with breast hyperplasia also have systemic symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, distension in the ribs, chest tightness, anorexia, and menstrual disorders.