Breast cysts or serious hyperplasia

Breast cysts and breast hyperplasia are common benign breast diseases, and in most cases there is no need to worry. Breast cysts are mostly fluid-filled cystic structures, while breast hyperplasia is related to hormone fluctuations. The severity of the two needs to be judged based on specific symptoms. The main difference is reflected in the pain characteristics, mass properties, imaging characteristics, cancer risk, and treatment methods.

1. Pain characteristics:

Breast hyperplasia is usually accompanied by periodic distension and pain, which is aggravated before menstruation and relieved after menstruation.； Breast cyst pain is mostly local and persistent dull pain, which is less related to the menstrual cycle. If the cyst is infected, it may cause severe redness, swelling, heat and pain and requires antibiotic treatment.

2. Nature of the mass:

The hyperplastic nodules are tough and hard in texture, have unclear boundaries and are distributed in sheets.； The cyst is smooth and elastic to palpation, and B-ultrasound can clearly show a round anechoic area. Complex cysts exceeding 3 cm in diameter or with solid components require needle biopsy.

3. Imaging characteristics:

In mammography examination, hyperplasia usually appears as a cloudy increased density shadow, while cysts appear as low-density lesions with clear boundaries. Ultrasound examination can accurately distinguish between the two. Cysts can show posterior echo enhancement, while hyperplasia can show disordered gland structure.

4. Cancer risk:

Simple cysts have almost no possibility of becoming cancerous, and the canceration rate of complex cysts is less than 1%； Atypical hyperplasia has a 4-5 times risk of cancer. It is recommended that patients over 40 years old should have breast ultrasound combined with mammography every 6-12 months.

3. Treatment methods:

Small asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment. Cysts larger than 3 cm can be punctured and drained.； Hyperplasia is mainly treated with traditional Chinese medicine, such as Rupixiao Tablets and Xiaoyao Pills. Those with severe pain can take ibuprofen for a short period of time, but the possibility of malignant tumors must be ruled out.

On a daily basis, you should avoid high-fat diet, limit caffeine intake, and wear comfortable bras without wires. Perform a breast self-examination 3-5 days after the end of menstruation every month, focusing on observing abnormalities such as nipple discharge and skin dimpling. It is recommended that women of childbearing age undergo professional breast examinations every year. Keeping milk flowing during lactation can reduce the incidence of hyperplasia. If the mass is found to increase in size, harden, or adhere to the skin within a short period of time, you need to seek medical attention immediately to rule out malignant lesions.