Understanding Breast Lumps: Definitions and Common Concerns
Definition of a lump? What is the definition of a breast lump? If I carefully palpate the nipple and apply pressure, I can feel something that resembles a tube; is that what it is? Or could it just be a blood vessel? Sometimes, when I palpate my armpit, it feels slightly painful,...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ah Wei: Based on your description, there usually shouldn't be anything resembling a tube. However, if there is any enlargement, increase in quantity, or symptoms, it is advisable to seek an outpatient examination.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Definitions and Common Concerns
Understanding Nipple Wounds: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
There is a wound on the nipple? Tonight while taking a shower, I noticed a small sore on my nipple that stings. I researched online and found a condition called "Paget's disease," which has symptoms including sores on the nipple and itching around the breast (this ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Shih: Is there any eczema-like change around the areola? A simple nipple wound should not be "Paget's disease." If there are any concerns, I recommend an outpatient examination![Read More] Understanding Nipple Wounds: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
Do Thyroid Nodules Require Further Testing? Insights from an Ultrasound Exam
Thyroid nodule Hello Director Zhou: During the physical examination, an ultrasound revealed three nodules on the right thyroid gland, each measuring 0.4 cm in diameter. Is there a need for further fine-needle aspiration biopsy? Thank you! Best regards.
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Mr. Yang: If there is no calcification and no enlargement, sometimes observation is sufficient.[Read More] Do Thyroid Nodules Require Further Testing? Insights from an Ultrasound Exam
Understanding Right Chest Discomfort: Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Concerns
There is sometimes a feeling of tightness or pain in the right chest during breathing? Since I discovered thyroid antibodies at the age of 18, I have been undergoing treatment without interruption. In 2011, I was diagnosed with a malignant papillary thyroid carcinoma after findin...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear WINI: The abnormal sensation in breathing does not seem to be related to the hard mass in the right pleura. Thyroid cancer can potentially metastasize to the lungs, and further examination can be conducted at the thyroid outpatient clinic. As for the hard mass in the right c...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Discomfort: Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Concerns
Understanding Nipple Pain and Itching: Causes and Solutions
Nipple pruritus and pain? Hello, doctor. For the past couple of days, my nipples have been slightly painful and a bit itchy!
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Anonymous: Are there any eczema-like changes? The nipples may sometimes have invisible discharge, which can lead to accumulation, causing itching, pain, and even eczema inflammation. It is important to keep the area clean and dry. If symptoms persist, a consultation with a h...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Pain and Itching: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Breast Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Chest pain Hello doctor, my chest pain was limited to the week before my menstrual period a month ago, but recently I experience similar pain whenever I touch it. It also seems like my breasts have gotten a bit larger, and I occasionally have itching around the nipples. I'm ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Shelly: There may be an endocrine imbalance, as breast pain is often caused by hormonal changes, which can also lead to nipple symptoms. If the symptoms persist, a follow-up in the outpatient clinic is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Can ABVS Ultrasound Replace Mammography for Breast Monitoring?
Breast Automated Breast Volume Scanner (ABVS) Dear Dr. Zhou: Can the new breast ultrasound technology ABVS replace mammography? I have an adenoma and need to have an ultrasound every year, and a mammogram every two years. However, I often feel that the ultrasound is not thorough ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: Regular follow-up primarily consists of alternating annual examinations with breast ultrasound and mammography. As for ABVS, it can replace breast ultrasound and mammography, but it is mainly more useful for patients who have undergone breast augmentation. The inter...[Read More] Can ABVS Ultrasound Replace Mammography for Breast Monitoring?
Can ABVS Ultrasound Replace Mammography for Breast Monitoring?
Regarding Abvs~ Dear Dr. Zhou, Can the new breast ultrasound technology, ABVS, replace mammography? I have an adenoma and need to have an ultrasound every year, and a mammogram every two years. However, I often feel that the ultrasound is not thorough enough due to operator vari...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: Regular follow-up primarily involves alternating annual examinations with breast ultrasound and mammography. As for ABVS (Automated Breast Volume Scanner), it can replace breast ultrasound and mammography, but it is mainly more useful for patients with a history of ...[Read More] Can ABVS Ultrasound Replace Mammography for Breast Monitoring?
Understanding a Swollen Line in the Left Breast: What You Should Know
I felt a lump in my left breast? I have my period these days, and while showering, I noticed a swollen line on my left breast. It doesn't hurt when I touch it, it doesn't feel like a hard lump, and it doesn't move, but it looks like a swollen line. Is there any pro...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: Sometimes it may be lymphadenopathy. Please monitor for any persistent changes. If there is a continuous increase in size or number, it is recommended to seek outpatient evaluation.[Read More] Understanding a Swollen Line in the Left Breast: What You Should Know
Understanding Breast Lumps in Teens: When to Seek Medical Advice
Breast lump Hello, I am currently 15 years old and I would like to ask if it is normal to have hard lumps in both breasts? It seems that they have been there for a long time, and there is a bit of soreness when I press on the areas just inward from both nipples, which are in the ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Xiong: Most are fibroepithelial tumors, which typically enlarge before menstruation and decrease in size after menstruation. If there is an increase in size, a clinic examination is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps in Teens: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Left Breast Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Left chest mass? In the past two days, I have been experiencing unexplained swelling and pain in my left chest. Upon palpation, there is only a sensation of pain. When I pinch it, I can feel a hard lump that seems to move. Should I be concerned that it might be a tumor?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao C: Pay attention to menstrual issues. Before or during menstruation, it is common to feel painful lumps, which usually decrease in size or disappear after menstruation ends. However, if they persist or do not decrease in size, a clinic examination may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Left Breast Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Nipple Discharge: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Nipple discharge Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about something. Last Saturday, during intimacy with my husband, I noticed white discharge from my right nipple (similar to a white and transparent pimple). I have been observing it for the past two days, and when I squeeze i...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Duck: It's generally normal, but if there are any blood-tinged or foul-smelling discharges, a clinic visit for examination is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Nipple Discharge: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Do I Need Surgery for a 4cm Thyroid Cyst?
A 4-centimeter cyst on the thyroid gland? A 4 cm thyroid cyst, does it require surgery?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Lingling: 1. It is common for the thyroid gland to have cysts or nodules, and if they enlarge, aspiration may be performed for testing. 2. If there are recurrent occurrences (after aspiration) or if they continue to enlarge, surgical treatment may be necessary.[Read More] Do I Need Surgery for a 4cm Thyroid Cyst?
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenoma: What You Need to Know
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenoma (Follow-up Inquiry) Hello Dr. Zhou: I am Miss Li, who inquired about breast fibromas on January 6 and is considering surgical intervention. Thank you for taking the time to respond amidst your busy schedule! The minimally invasiv...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Li: It is possible to perform a partial resection of the tumor; however, there is still a chance that the patient may have malignancy. In fact, it is generally recommended to conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis before determining the subsequent management.[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenoma: What You Need to Know
Understanding Painful Right Nipple Bumps: Causes and Solutions
Right nipple Hello, Dr. Chou. I have a small bump on my right nipple that feels a bit painful. Today is the third day, and I noticed that when I squeezed it, pus and blood came out. After squeezing, it still feels swollen, and I keep squeezing out more blood (there's quite a...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Miao: It may be a skin lesion, often caused by infection due to blocked skin glands, which can sometimes lead to the accumulation of pus and recurrent episodes. If symptoms persist, recur, or enlarge, it is advisable to seek an outpatient examination.[Read More] Understanding Painful Right Nipple Bumps: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Breast Firmness in Young Women: What You Need to Know
The firmness of a woman's breasts? Hello doctor, may I ask how soft a woman's breasts should be? My girlfriend's breasts are somewhat firm, but not really hard, just not soft. She is currently eighteen years old; does this mean they will still grow? Why might they ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Anonymous: 1. It is unrelated to childhood injuries. 2. The softness or hardness of the breasts is related to the proportion of fat in the breast tissue, which varies from person to person. Eastern women typically have denser and firmer breasts, but with the westernization o...[Read More] Understanding Breast Firmness in Young Women: What You Need to Know
Understanding Post-Surgery Swelling in Breast Cancer Patients
Postoperative axillary swelling after breast cancer surgery? After five years of follow-up post-breast cancer surgery without any signs of recurrence, the recent discovery of swelling in the neck and armpit raises concerns. This situation could indicate several possibilities, inc...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Wu: Postoperative lymphedema is most commonly observed in the affected upper limb, and less frequently in the neck. It is important to check for any signs of lymphadenopathy.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Swelling in Breast Cancer Patients
Is Daily Soy Milk Consumption Safe? Debunking Myths About Breast Health
Can soy milk be consumed every day? Recently, I saw a news report about a woman who has been making and drinking soy milk every morning for three years, but she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Some doctors mentioned that women should not consume soy milk frequently, as it may i...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Dongdong: Soy milk can be consumed daily; legumes contain phytoestrogens, but since they are natural, moderate consumption is beneficial, especially unsweetened soy milk. In general, moderation is key in all diets. Currently, the only dietary factor associated with breast ca...[Read More] Is Daily Soy Milk Consumption Safe? Debunking Myths About Breast Health
Understanding Breast Discomfort: Itchy Nipples and Thyroid Concerns
Breast discomfort? The nipples are very itchy and I have the urge to scratch them. I applied anti-itch cream, but it was ineffective. The nipples are not inverted, and there are no small lumps or eczema upon examination of the breasts. There is also no discharge. After scratching...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Yang: There is some discharge from the nipples, which is mostly unnoticed. The accumulation of these substances can lead to issues similar to allergies or dermatitis. It is important to maintain good hygiene, keeping the area clean and dry. If symptoms persist, it is advisab...[Read More] Understanding Breast Discomfort: Itchy Nipples and Thyroid Concerns
Understanding Itchy Nipples and Enlarged Areolas: What You Need to Know
Itchy nipples and enlarged areolas? Hello! I would like to ask, sometimes my nipples itch, and recently I noticed that the left areola has enlarged, followed by the right areola also enlarging. Should I be concerned about this? (I have a larger thyroid nodule measuring about 2x2 ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Candy: 1. It is not related to the thyroid. 2. The nipple has many openings of milk ducts and skin glands, and some minor secretions may not be easily visible. Sometimes, these secretions can accumulate on the nipple, leading to allergic reactions or eczema-like changes. Occ...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Nipples and Enlarged Areolas: What You Need to Know