Understanding Flat Chest Issues: Causes and Recommended Tests for Young Women
Breast size I would like to ask, at 23 years old, my breasts are flat like a male's, and I don't even have an A cup. However, my menstrual cycle is normal, and the women in my family have relatively large breasts. When I was younger, I experienced a severe impact to my ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ah-Ling: Sometimes, the mammary ducts may enlarge and proliferate independently of hormonal influence, and this is not related to trauma. As for examinations, there are no specific tests that need to be conducted. If the appearance is a significant concern, breast reconstruc...[Read More] Understanding Flat Chest Issues: Causes and Recommended Tests for Young Women
Is It Normal for a Breast Cyst to Remain Swollen After Aspiration?
Will a chest seroma swell again for several days after fluid is drained? Hello, I discovered a large movable lump in my left chest. I had an examination last Saturday, and the results showed it is a benign cyst (approximately 5 centimeters). The doctor mentioned it is benign and ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Chen: After aspiration of the cyst, there may still be some swelling. Sometimes it is due to incomplete drainage, and other times it may be inflammation. Generally, we will monitor the situation. If it continues to enlarge, we may consider aspiration again, or in some cases,...[Read More] Is It Normal for a Breast Cyst to Remain Swollen After Aspiration?
Understanding Breast Cysts and Adenomas: When to Seek Surgery?
Blister? Breast adenoma? Hello, I would like to ask about a situation where I found a lump in my breast and went for an ultrasound examination. After the examination, the doctor told me it was a cyst, which might either grow larger or disappear, but did not specify its size and a...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Wei: 1. Principles for managing swelling and pain: (1) Determine if there is any increase in size. (2) Assess for symptoms such as pain or itching that may affect daily living. In either of these situations, intervention is recommended, which may include biopsy or excision...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cysts and Adenomas: When to Seek Surgery?
Can Essential Oil Massage Help Reduce Fibrocystic Breast Changes?
Fibrocystic changes Hello, I have seen other questions regarding whether essential oil massage can help reduce fibrocystic breast changes. I noticed that it is advised against for tumors, so I would like to know if the same applies to fibrocystic changes. Many beauty therapists h...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Jing: There is no clinical evidence to support the use of massage for the regression of fibrocystic changes.[Read More] Can Essential Oil Massage Help Reduce Fibrocystic Breast Changes?
Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Fibrocystic Changes
Breast lump Hello Doctor: I have had a hard lump in my right breast since puberty, and it is still present now that I am 25 years old. It does not hurt unless I press on it. I am not sure what is going on. If it is a fibrocystic lump, what should I do at the hospital?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Susan: If there is no enlargement and no symptoms, observation is sufficient. It is recommended to have a check-up at the outpatient clinic for those over 30 years old.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Fibrocystic Changes
Can Thyroid Nodules Cause Hypothyroidism Symptoms? Key Tests to Consider
Can thyroid nodules lead to hypothyroidism? About two years ago, I was diagnosed with 2-3 thyroid nodules, but recently I have been experiencing symptoms that resemble hypothyroidism. I'm not sure what tests I should undergo. What blood tests should I request? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Thyroid nodules do not necessarily affect thyroid function, and most are non-functional thyroid nodules. If there is hypothyroidism, it is generally necessary to test thyroid function, including free T4, T3, and TSH, and possibly conduct some nuclear medicine examinations....[Read More] Can Thyroid Nodules Cause Hypothyroidism Symptoms? Key Tests to Consider
Understanding Hardness in the Upper Left Breast: Causes and Concerns
There is a hard area on the left side of the chest? There is a hard area in the upper part of my left breast. What could be the cause?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiang: The firmness can feel different for each person. Clinically, it is often seen as hyperplasia of the breast ducts, or prominent ribs, or the presence of a mass. It is advisable to consult a breast surgeon for examination.[Read More] Understanding Hardness in the Upper Left Breast: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Be Concerned?
There seems to be a lump in the breast? Hello, doctor. I am 25 years old, and my child is 4 years old (breastfed for two years). Since my student days, I have felt a lump in my breast, and recently I have noticed that the lump has become more pronounced. It is a movable lump that...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiaoyu: It may be a fibroadenoma (most commonly seen in women aged 20-30), but if the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters, it is recommended to have an outpatient examination.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Breast Pain and Hard Lumps: Is It Mastitis?
Redness and hard lumps in the breast? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing breast pain and lumps since I was 18 years old. Initially, the lumps were movable, and my chest would sometimes turn completely red. I am now 22 years old, and the lumps have become fixed but still painf...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. A: 1. It is rarely mastitis, but it cannot be ruled out. 2. Generally, painful lumps are mostly benign cysts, and some may be fibroadenomas; however, changes in the skin can be more difficult to explain. It is recommended to have an examination at a breast surgery clinic...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain and Hard Lumps: Is It Mastitis?
Are Skin Changes on Breasts Linked to Thyroid Issues?
Is there any lesion? Doctor, I have developed a rash in my chest area that is not itchy, and there are small white bumps on the areola and just below the nipple that also do not itch. Could this be related to any pathological changes? I have never had these before.
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear 123: 1. Skin cysts can also occur on the chest, presenting with a rash-like appearance. These are usually benign and only require surgical intervention if they enlarge or become symptomatic. 2. A lesion on the areola is often caused by skin glands as well, and similar to ...[Read More] Are Skin Changes on Breasts Linked to Thyroid Issues?
How to Reduce Enlarged Male Breasts: Tips for Confidence
Gynecomastia in males? Since elementary school, my chest has been larger than other boys'. By the second grade, I was already a size A cup. I'm on the heavier side, but other classmates who are heavier than me have smaller chests, which makes me feel very insecure. Is t...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Hao: 1. Obesity can lead to higher hormone levels in the body, resulting in increased breast tissue and breast enlargement; therefore, it is recommended to lose weight first. 2. Maintain a balanced diet and a regular lifestyle (avoid staying up late, insomnia, and be mi...[Read More] How to Reduce Enlarged Male Breasts: Tips for Confidence
Understanding Chest Edge Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Pain at the edge of the chest? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing sharp pain along the edges of my chest, and I can feel my ribs when I press down. My menstrual period is also coming to an end. I haven't had this issue before, and I would like to know what might be causi...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ning Ning: Chest pain or breast pain can sometimes be difficult to differentiate. The most common cause is engorgement of the mammary ducts, while other causes may include muscle pain or nerve pain. If the pain is severe, it is advisable to take analgesics for symptomatic re...[Read More] Understanding Chest Edge Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Understanding Breast Pain and Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest tightness or chest pain? Hello Dr. Zhou: Before my menstrual period starts, I always experience breast tenderness and can feel lumps on both sides. After my period ends, the tenderness and lumps go away. However, this time after my period ended, the breast tenderness (which...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Lily: 1. It's relatively normal; most of the issues are related to hormonal imbalances in the body. Just be mindful of any continuously enlarging lumps. It is recommended to have an annual check-up starting at age 40 (mammography and ultrasound can be alternated for scr...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain and Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Treatment Decisions After Conflicting Breast Cancer Diagnoses
Diagnostic results Dear Doctor: A 1 cm tumor in the breast was evaluated with ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, which resulted in a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ. However, the surgical report after the operation indicated a benign finding. Should the subsequent treatment be ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Li: Based on the pathological report following the surgical resection, if the final pathological report of the entire tumor is benign, then follow-up is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Treatment Decisions After Conflicting Breast Cancer Diagnoses
Is One Breast Enlarged and Softer? Possible Causes and When to See a Doctor
One side of the chest is enlarged? Originally, both sides of my chest felt equally firm and elastic. However, over the past two to three days, the right side has noticeably become softer and larger, although it is not painful and there are no lumps. Could this be related to my me...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Yu: 1. You should perform a self-examination after your menstrual period ends to check for any changes. If you notice any changes, it is advisable to seek an outpatient examination. 2. Chronic insomnia and staying up late can affect the balance of your endocrine system and m...[Read More] Is One Breast Enlarged and Softer? Possible Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Side Chest Pain: Is Papaya Drink the Cause?
Lateral chest pain? I started drinking green papaya and Four Herbs drink this month, and after reaching ovulation, my breasts began to feel swollen and painful. However, this time, as I approached my menstrual period, the pain in my breasts changed to a sharp pain. Is this the fi...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear....: Hyperplasia of the mammary ducts can lead to breast tenderness and swelling. Please monitor for any lumps, but if you experience any unusual pain, you should seek an outpatient examination.[Read More] Understanding Side Chest Pain: Is Papaya Drink the Cause?
Understanding Breast Lumps: Are They Normal and Will They Disappear?
Chest mass or lump? When I was in the fourth and fifth grades of elementary school, I started to develop hard lumps in my breasts. At that time, a classmate told me it was normal because she had seen a doctor about it. Now that I am in my first year of college, the lumps in my br...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiaomi: 1. It should be breast tissue. 2. If there is a continuous increase in size or symptoms that affect daily living, it is recommended to seek outpatient examination and possibly surgical removal.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Are They Normal and Will They Disappear?
Can Thyroid Issues Cause Irregular Menstrual Cycles?
Can thyroid factors affect menstrual cycle irregularities? Hello, my menstrual cycle has changed to once every two months since June of last year, whereas it used to be regular. I went to a gynecologist for blood tests, and only my androgen levels were slightly elevated (0.74, wi...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Joyce: Thyroid abnormalities can sometimes lead to psychological and emotional changes, which may affect daily life. Additionally, they can occasionally influence hormonal changes in the body, but generally speaking, the impact is not significant.[Read More] Can Thyroid Issues Cause Irregular Menstrual Cycles?
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Breast lump pain? Hello Doctor, I discovered a large fibroma in June of the year before last and followed my doctor's advice to have it removed. In early January of this year, I found another hard lump near the center of my left breast before my menstrual period. It occasion...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Iou: It could also be a fibroepithelial tumor or a fibrocystic change. If there are changes in size, it can be monitored; however, if there is a persistent increase in size or if symptoms occur, a consultation in the outpatient clinic is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Uneven Nipples and Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know at 19
One nipple is larger than the other, and there is a hard lump in the breast? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about something. I am around 19 years old and I have hard lumps in both of my breasts. The lumps are of the same size, but the nipples are of different sizes. This makes...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Abby: If there is asymmetry between the breasts or if you feel any suspicious lumps, please visit a breast surgery clinic for an examination. Changes in the breasts are related to growth and development as well as diet. It is advisable to avoid high-fat foods and maintain a ...[Read More] Uneven Nipples and Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know at 19