The difference between breast cysts and breast hyperplasia

Breast cysts and breast hyperplasia are two common benign breast diseases. The main differences lie in pathological characteristics and clinical manifestations. Breast hyperplasia manifests as breast tissue hyperplasia and incomplete involution, while breast cysts are cystic structures formed by expansion of breast ducts.

1. Pathological differences:

Breast hyperplasia is the proliferation of breast lobule and duct epithelial cells accompanied by connective tissue hyperplasia, which is a hormone-dependent disease. Breast cysts are round or oval cysts formed after breast duct obstruction, containing clear or turbid fluid, and pathological examination shows a single layer of epithelial cells.

2. Symptoms:

Breast hyperplasia often manifests as breast tenderness and nodularity, and the pain is often related to the menstrual cycle. Breast cysts are usually painless masses with clear borders that feel elastic to palpation. Larger cysts may cause local pressure.

3. Image characteristics:

In breast ultrasound examination, hyperplasia appears as a disordered gland structure with uneven echoes, while cysts appear as anechoic areas with smooth borders. On mammography, the cyst appears as a round low-density shadow with a translucent halo around it.

4. Pathogenesis:

Breast hyperplasia is mainly related to the imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, and mental stress may aggravate symptoms. Breast cyst formation is often caused by duct obstruction leading to secretion retention, which may be related to local inflammation or trauma.

5. Processing principles:

For breast hyperplasia, the main purpose is to relieve symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine or short-acting contraceptive pills can be considered to regulate hormones. Small, asymptomatic cysts usually do not require treatment, and larger cysts can be aspirated under ultrasound guidance.

It is recommended to perform regular breast self-examination and clinical examination, and women over 40 years old should receive breast ultrasound or mammography examination every year. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help regulate endocrine, and reducing the intake of high-fat foods can reduce the risk of breast disease. If breast lumps continue to increase, skin changes or nipple discharge occur, you need to seek medical treatment promptly to rule out malignant lesions.