Breast nodules, sometimes referred to as "breast masses," are one of the most common breast diseases in women.
Most breast nodules are detected on physical examination and are commonly described in breast B ultrasounds, such as "low echo nodules of the breast".
Breast nodules are not painful or itchy, basically there is no feeling, if it is not the use of molybdenum targets and B ultrasound during physical examination, many people may not know that their breasts have nodules.
Breast nodules can grow on one side or both sides; they can grow only one or more at the same time.
Breast nodules are anxious because, in many cases, breast nodules become cancerous. Of course, there are also some people who say that breast nodules will disappear on their own, leaving it alone.
In the end, which statement is more reliable, we will make a deal today.
What we need to know is that breast nodules are not a specific breast disease, but a general term for a class of breast diseases. Including breast cysts, hypertrophic nodules, fibroadenomas of the breast, lobular tumors, breast cancer, and even some non-lactation inflammation, etc., can also be called breast nodules.
In the examination report, breast nodules are divided into 6 levels:
Level 1 is negative, that is, it does not exist, it is not found, and level 2 is benign, that is, there is no malignant possibility. Grade 3 is benign, grade 4 and 5 may be malignant, and grade 6 is malignant.
The higher the classification level, the higher the risk of malignancy.
If the test results suggest a breast nodule, what should I look out for?
Earlier we talked about the level of nodules, so if the test results indicate that there are breast nodules, first look at the level, and the first and second levels are ignored.
Most breast nodules are grade 3, and more than 98% of the 3 grades are benign, only need regular follow-up observation, as long as there is no change, generally do not need surgery, and some breast nodules will disappear naturally.
The other 2% of nodules in level 3 do not become malignant, but it is malignant in itself, but because it is too small to show it, it looks benign, which is why it needs to be reviewed regularly.
In addition to regular review, they should also pay attention to self-examination at home, observe the changes of nodules, if there is a rapid growth and enlargement of the nodules, accompanied by local redness, swelling, heat and pain, local skin depression, orange peel-like changes, nipple discharge, to seek medical treatment in time, clear diagnosis and active treatment.
If it is directly above level 4, then it is necessary to pay attention to it, do a biopsy to confirm, and then according to the results, the doctor will formulate a treatment plan.
Some breast nodules, such as intraductal papillomas, are also benign tumors of the breast, but the risk of malignancy is very large, so some doctors will also recommend surgical removal before malignancy.
In addition, women over the age of 40, or women with a family history of breast cancer, if breast nodules are suddenly detected, they must be highly vigilant against the possibility of malignancy, and go to the hospital regularly for review while doing a good job at home.
Some mothers want to eliminate the nodules that have formed through breastfeeding, but breastfeeding can only reduce the incidence of breast cancer and has no effect on the nodules that have been formed.
Even if some nodules disappear during breastfeeding, it is not a credit to breastfeeding, and it is possible to disappear without breastfeeding.
Breast nodules are also not directly related to diet and are related to estrogen levels and function, so someone's nodules will change slightly with the ups and downs of estrogen levels during menstruation.
If a review is required, it is better to do it one week after the menstrual period is clean, when estrogen levels are lowest and the effect on the results is relatively small.
People with breast nodules should pay attention to eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, improve resistance, and eat less heavy oil and heavy sugar foods.
There is also a rumor in society that breast nodules are related to depressed mood and are diseases that come out of the air. But current research suggests that there is no evidence that mood is associated with breast nodules, but getting angry during lactation does affect milk production.
At present, the only way to remove the nodule is surgical removal, and any massage, injection, or medicine is of little use, nor can it be kneaded. So don't trust the so-called secret recipe and delay the disease.
In addition, if there is a breast nodule and you are planning to become pregnant, it is best to do a test before pregnancy to check the nature of the nodule. If the evaluation is benign, repeat it after breastfeeding.