SYMPTOMS

What are breast nodules?

Breast nodules refer to small lumps that occur in the breast, commonly described in breast ultrasound reports, such as "hypoechoic breast nodules"^[1]. Sometimes, they are also referred to as "breast masses" or "breast lumps."

Breast nodules can occur unilaterally or bilaterally; they may appear as a single lump or multiple lumps simultaneously.

The exact cause of breast nodules is unclear but may be related to changes in hormone levels, genetic mutations, environmental factors, etc.^[2]. Clinically, breast nodules are manifestations of various breast conditions, such as fibroadenomas or breast cancer. Some breast nodules may also appear cyclically, such as occurring before menstruation and disappearing afterward, or they may persist.

What are the causes of breast lumps?

1. Fibroadenoma

The lump is solid, smooth, movable, and has clear boundaries with surrounding tissues. It often occurs in young women and is a common benign lump. It grows very slowly, possibly showing no significant increase for years, with an extremely low chance of becoming malignant.

2. Cyst

It is a common "fluid-filled sac" in the breast, containing liquid. Its size may sometimes be influenced by the menstrual cycle. It is also a benign lump and rarely becomes cancerous.

3. Lactational galactocele

When breastfeeding mothers experience blocked milk ducts, milk accumulation can form a lump. For some mothers, this occurs after weaning. This lump is smooth and movable, benign, and will gradually be absorbed by the body, shrinking over time. No residual milk removal is needed, and it almost never becomes cancerous.

4. Traumatic hematoma

If the breast is violently impacted or has recently undergone surgery, a lump containing blood and tissue fluid may be felt. The skin may sometimes show bruising. This is a benign lump and, as long as there is no infection, will typically be absorbed within two to three weeks.

5. Lipoma

It can occur in fatty areas, including the breasts, buttocks, and back—essentially a clump of "fat." The lump feels soft because it consists of fat. It is a benign lump and is more common in overweight women.

6. Breast cancer

The lump grows relatively quickly, is less movable, and has unclear boundaries with surrounding tissues. It may sometimes be accompanied by skin dimpling or nipple bleeding. It is a malignant lump.

Tip:

Note that self-examined "lumps" are often "pseudo-lumps": many are hyperplastic glandular tissues, particularly noticeable before menstruation, which improve or disappear after menstruation. Additionally, incorrect self-examination techniques, such as pinching glandular tissue, can fold and accumulate it, forming a "lump."

Only lumps diagnosed through medical examinations are "true lumps."

What to do if a breast lump is found?

First, it’s important to note that self-examination by non-professionals lacks accuracy in identifying breast lumps. Regular breast examinations at hospitals are the reliable way to detect breast lumps and screen for breast diseases, reducing unnecessary misjudgments and anxiety.

If a breast lump is found, the following approaches may be taken based on the situation:

1. Benign lumps: Regular monitoring or surgical removal

Benign breast lumps have a very low chance of becoming cancerous. If the lump remains stable with no significant changes, regular monitoring is sufficient.

Of course, surgical removal is also an option.

2. Malignant lumps: Early surgery

If examinations suggest a malignant lump, early surgery is recommended.

Even for breast cancer, early detection and treatment yield good outcomes, and medical treatments for breast cancer are increasingly advanced.

TREATMENT

How to relieve breast nodules?

After discovering breast nodules, patients should first obtain a clear diagnosis rather than seek relief blindly.

For nodules likely to be benign, regular follow-up observation may be considered^[2]. For nodules of uncertain nature, a biopsy is required to determine whether they are benign or malignant, and the treatment plan should be based on the pathological results^[2].

For patients with benign breast nodules, ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation can be performed: The patient lies in a supine position with arms abducted. After local anesthesia, the doctor inserts the ablation needle into the nodule under ultrasound guidance and begins ablation until the nodule disappears^[3]. This procedure involves smaller wounds, less pain, and faster recovery.

During follow-up observation, if rapid nodule enlargement, nipple discharge, or abnormal skin changes occur, patients should promptly seek medical attention at a qualified hospital for diagnosis and active treatment.

DIAGNOSIS

Under what circumstances should breast nodules require medical attention?

Seek immediate medical attention if breast nodules are accompanied by the following symptoms or conditions:

• Rapid growth or enlargement;
• Accompanied by localized redness, swelling, warmth, or pain;
• Accompanied by localized skin dimpling;
• Breast skin develops an "orange peel" texture;
• Nipple discharge.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of breast nodules?

Breast nodules may be related to the following causes:

Benign breast diseases:

• Fibroadenoma: One of the most common benign tumors in women. It usually does not recur after removal (though recurrence is possible) and may gradually regress with age. Adolescent patients may develop one or more new lesions (nodules) in other areas or near the site of previous tumor removal ^[4]. Most are single, but multiple nodules may occur. They are round or oval, with clear edges, smooth surfaces, firm texture, and slow growth. They feel slippery when pushed by hand.
• Mammary hyperplasia: Often multiple and scattered in both breasts, with diverse shapes (patchy, nodular, or cord-like). Edges may be clear or unclear, and texture may be soft, tough, or cystic. Significant swelling pain is common, often related to peripheral factors or emotional changes. It occurs cyclically, mostly in women aged 30–50 ^[1].
• Mammary adenosis, etc.

Inflammatory breast diseases: Lactational mastitis, non-lactational mastitis, etc.

Malignant breast diseases:

• Phyllodes tumor: Mostly benign in early stages, here specifically referring to pathologically malignant phyllodes tumors.
• Breast cancer: Mostly single, irregular in shape, with unclear edges, hard or uneven texture, and rapid growth. It easily adheres, causing "dimple" signs or "peau d'orange" skin changes.