Understanding Nipple Discharge: Is It a Sign of Breast Cancer?
Nipple discharge? Hello doctor! I am a 21-year-old female college student. Since childhood, I have experienced nipple discharge, with dark or yellowish-white crusts on my nipples. I have never had sexual intercourse, and there are no hard lumps in my breasts. Could this be breast...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Female College Student: The skin glands of the nipples may secrete fluid, and there may also be discharge from the milk ducts. It is advisable to wash the areola and nipples with clean water regularly and keep them dry, avoiding any accumulation around the areola and nipples...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Discharge: Is It a Sign of Breast Cancer?
Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Changes in Your Breasts
Breast lump I would like to ask about something I haven't paid much attention to before. Recently, I noticed that when I press around both nipples, I can feel a noticeable hardness. However, it doesn't hurt much when I press. The left breast is slightly larger than the ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Tako: It is primarily breast tissue; observation is sufficient. If you notice any asymmetry or enlargement, you may seek an outpatient examination.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Changes in Your Breasts
Breast Enlargement and Pain: Is It Normal?
Breast enlargement accompanied by pain? Recently, my breasts have noticeably enlarged, but it's not around my menstrual period, and they have never gotten this big before. They feel firmer than before and are also painful. Aside from the enlargement and pain, there are no ot...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Liyu: Sometimes changes in breast tissue can be caused by hormonal imbalances within the body. If there are fluctuations in hormones (which can be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environment), the breasts may undergo changes. As long as there are no lumps,...[Read More] Breast Enlargement and Pain: Is It Normal?
Understanding Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Breast discharge I occasionally feel some itching in my right nipple, but there are no noticeable changes in appearance. When it itches, I can express a dark grayish-green discharge, but it does not flow out on its own. The left breast does not have this issue. I previously under...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Anma: Sometimes you can go to a medical center for a ductography examination.[Read More] Understanding Nipple Discharge: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Itchy Breasts and Yellow Discharge: What You Need to Know
Itchy breasts with yellow discharge from the areola? I have been experiencing itching in my breasts for the past 1 to 2 months, and my areolas are secreting yellow discharge. My nipples are not itchy and do not have any discharge. I took an allergy medication (Fexofenadine) manuf...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Samantha: Sometimes, hormonal imbalances in the body can occur. First, improve your diet by reducing high-fat foods, including animal fats, and limit caffeine intake. Maintain a regular lifestyle (avoid emotional and stress fluctuations, avoid staying up late and insomnia, a...[Read More] Itchy Breasts and Yellow Discharge: What You Need to Know
Is It Normal to Have a Lump in My Breast Since Puberty?
Breast lump Is it normal to have lumps in my breasts since the onset of development?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear r: If the lump is on both sides and movable, it is likely breast tissue, and observation is sufficient.[Read More] Is It Normal to Have a Lump in My Breast Since Puberty?
Understanding Breast Lumps: Symptoms and Concerns for Women
Breast lump I noticed a hard lump in the upper right part of my chest while lying down yesterday, and it hurts a bit when pressed. My menstrual cycle has also been irregular; my last period was light with a dark color, and I only saw bright red blood when using the restroom. What...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Amy: The relationship with the menstrual cycle is unclear; sometimes it is caused by localized breast tissue, ductal hyperplasia, or fibrocystic changes (which occur during hormonal imbalances). If there are changes in size, whether increasing or decreasing, these are typica...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Symptoms and Concerns for Women
Painful Lump Under Nipple: What Could It Be?
Nipple lump may be painful? Hello, I discovered a hard lump about the size of a pea under my left nipple while showering today. It hurts when I press on it. What could this be? By the way, I am a male.
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Student Zhang: It may be gynecomastia. If symptoms persist or if the lump increases in size, it is recommended to seek an outpatient examination.[Read More] Painful Lump Under Nipple: What Could It Be?
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Ultrasound
Breast lump Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a round hard lump I found today on the inner side of my lower left chest, near the xiphoid process. It is less than 1 centimeter, painful to touch, and does not move. I did not notice it a few days ago. What could be the cause ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear AKI: It may be a skin cyst, which can sometimes disappear on its own. However, if it enlarges or presents symptoms, surgical removal may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Ultrasound
Understanding Accessory Nipples: What You Need to Know
Breast issues I have a growth under my left breast that looks like a nipple. I went to see a doctor, and they said it is a supernumerary nipple. Is that what it is?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Sister: It should be if it resembles the appearance. Accessory breast tissue typically extends from the axilla inward, towards the areola and nipple, and then vertically down to the lower abdomen; this entire pathway is possible.[Read More] Understanding Accessory Nipples: What You Need to Know
Understanding Mammaplasty: Options for Breast Lumps and Cysts
Breast lump, treated with MammoCare? Hello, doctor. Two years ago, I started having breast ultrasounds at Tzu Chi, and I have been continuously monitored since then. There are two larger masses (2-3 cm), one adenoma and one cyst. Although the doctor mentioned that continuous moni...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xue: 1. Micromachining is based on the principle of cutting and suction, where all the extracted specimens are in strips (not as a complete tumor), so it cannot be used for the removal of malignant tumors. Therefore, it is primarily used for solid adenomas (cysts and lipoma...[Read More] Understanding Mammaplasty: Options for Breast Lumps and Cysts
Understanding Breast Lumps: Normal Tissue or Cause for Concern?
Lump in the breast? Hello doctor, about six months ago, I noticed lumps and a cord-like structure in my breast while showering, with the left breast being more pronounced. They have not disappeared since then. When I wear a bra, the underwire causes some pain, which is only prese...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Dora: If there is a concern about ductal hyperplasia of the breast and uncertainty, it is advisable to go to the hospital for an examination and have a physician explain the findings.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Normal Tissue or Cause for Concern?
Understanding Hypothyroidism: When to Consider Fine Needle Aspiration
Hypothyroidism Several years ago, a fine needle aspiration was performed and found to be benign. For convenience, I transferred to a small clinic for follow-up and medication. Besides the initial consultation and an ultrasound, the clinic does not offer fine needle aspiration. Re...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Huang Xiaomin: Regular check-ups, blood tests, and ultrasounds are necessary. If there are changes in the nodules, surgical treatment may sometimes be required.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: When to Consider Fine Needle Aspiration
Understanding Breast Issues: Painful Lumps and Thyroid Concerns
Chest issues Hello doctor, my chest has been hard since I started developing. The hard areas are painful to touch and are slightly smaller than the rest of my breast. Sometimes, after my period ends, the hardness decreases a bit. The two weeks before my period are the most painfu...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Qi: This is caused by hormonal changes in the body, so there is no need to worry too much. Just perform self-examinations every month. Pay attention to maintaining a normal daily routine, avoid insomnia and staying up late, manage your emotions and stress, reduce fried and h...[Read More] Understanding Breast Issues: Painful Lumps and Thyroid Concerns
Understanding White Nipple Discharge in Adolescents: Is It Normal?
In a first-year junior high school student, there is nipple discharge from the breast? I am currently in the seventh grade, and I have had a milky white discharge from my breasts since around fifth grade, but it only comes out when squeezed and has no odor. Is this a normal pheno...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Anonymous: As long as there is no change in color and no increase in discharge, you can simply observe.[Read More] Understanding White Nipple Discharge in Adolescents: Is It Normal?
Thyroid Blood Test Normal, But Throat Pain Persists: What Should I Do?
Thyroid blood tests are normal, but I have a sore throat. Should I get tested again? Two years ago, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and an ultrasound revealed several cysts on both sides of my thyroid (of varying sizes). After taking medication for two months, my blood tests...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Cao: If there is an increase in size or symptoms, it is advisable to take action. If the cyst has enlarged, aspiration for testing can be performed to reduce its size. If it continues to enlarge repeatedly, surgical intervention is recommended.[Read More] Thyroid Blood Test Normal, But Throat Pain Persists: What Should I Do?
Understanding Breast Development Issues in Young Girls: What Parents Should Know
Daughter is in the third grade, experiencing breast development issues? Hello, my daughter was examined for precocious puberty when she was 2 years old because her breasts were developing. However, she reported no pain and there were no hard lumps when I pressed on them. At that ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear A-Dian: It is possible, especially in overweight young girls, to commonly experience this situation, where some may develop lumps. These issues are related to hormonal balance within the body.[Read More] Understanding Breast Development Issues in Young Girls: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Painful and Red Growths Near the Nipple
Granuloma near the nipple Hello! I have had a small lump next to my right nipple since I was young, but I'm not sure what it is. Recently, while showering, it suddenly became painful and itchy, and I noticed it seems to have turned red, resembling a granuloma. It also hurts ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Gan: Most of these are skin cysts caused by the obstruction of skin glands. They are not likely to undergo malignant transformation, but they can easily become infected. If there is redness, swelling, pain, or if they persist or enlarge, a clinic examination is necessar...[Read More] Understanding Painful and Red Growths Near the Nipple
Understanding Unilateral Breast Enlargement and Pain: Causes and Concerns
Unilateral breast enlargement with a lump and tenderness under the areola, along with erythema? The left breast is swollen, with a lump and tenderness beneath the areola. The following day, the breast feels enlarged again, accompanied by the same tenderness and lump. During a sho...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Anonymous: This is often caused by changes in internal endocrine function, and sometimes diet (such as fried foods, high fat, caffeine, etc.) can also play a role. Emotional stress can also contribute at times, but if there are symptoms, it is advisable to seek a consultatio...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Breast Enlargement and Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Nipple Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the center of the nipple? I have a hard spot in the middle of my nipple. It doesn't hurt when I don't press on it, but it does hurt when I do. Could it be breast cancer? I don't want my parents to know. What is the most likely cause?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Master Yi: Gynecomastia is mostly seen in males and can sometimes present with tenderness similar to that experienced in females before menstruation. This condition is often related to an imbalance of female hormones in the body. It is advisable to reduce the intake of fried...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help