Understanding Hard Lumps Near the Nipple: Should You Worry?
Nipple lump Hello, I have noticed a hard lump in my nipple. It is not painful, and when I press it to the side, the lump becomes more noticeable. Could this possibly be breast cancer? If I need to go to the hospital for an examination, which department should I see if there is no...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: If there is mobility, it could be an adenoma or a cyst. Please schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon or a general surgeon for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and W...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps Near the Nipple: Should You Worry?
Understanding Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism Last month, I had a health check-up, and the results of my thyroid examination showed that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level is 5.150. The Free Thyroxine (Free T4) level is 1.36. The report mentioned potential primary hypothyroidism. Could you please tell ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Regular outpatient follow-up is sufficient and will have less impact on fertility. Wishing you safety and health. Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng.[Read More] Understanding Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Impact on Fertility and Pregnancy
Understanding Nipple Peeling: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
Nipple peeling Hello doctor, about six months ago, I suddenly experienced intense itching in my left nipple, which led to skin breakdown after scratching. Since then, I have had intermittent itching, and for the past two months, I have been seeing doctors and applying medication....
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: 1. Most cases are due to eczema caused by allergies. Pay attention to the material of undergarments, and keep the nipples clean and dry. Start with medication treatment and then observe the condition. 2. Monitor for any eczema-like changes in the nipples and areolas, a...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Peeling: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
Understanding Yellow Breast Discharge: Causes and Treatment Insights
Unilateral breast yellow discharge? Dear Dr. Chou, I would like to ask you about my family member who is 33 years old and has not yet become pregnant. Recently, we discovered that she has a large uterine fibroid. She has been undergoing treatment for two months, initially taking...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Xiao, Hello, 1. Lurasidone is a central nervous system depressant that can cause side effects similar to those of menopause syndrome, such as hot flashes, palpitations, irritability, and insomnia. 2. Breast discharge is related to hormonal changes in the mammary du...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Breast Discharge: Causes and Treatment Insights
Understanding the Link Between Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk
The association between abortion and breast cancer? Hello Doctor, I have recently seen several articles indicating that induced abortion may increase the risk of breast cancer (especially before the age of 18), but I have also come across some studies showing no association. I ha...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Dongdong, Hello. 1. There is currently no definitive conclusion regarding whether induced abortion increases the risk of breast cancer; however, large studies conducted in Europe and the United States indicate that induced abortion does not increase the risk of breast can...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk
Understanding Clustered Calcifications: Follow-Up and Risks in Breast Health
Clustered calcification Last year, a mammogram revealed clustered microcalcifications, which were surgically removed. However, there are still a few calcification spots visible. I would like to ask: 1. How often should follow-up examinations be done? 2. Is there a possibility tha...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Zhou Zhuzhu, 1. Annual mammography screening. 2. If malignant, there may be metastasis; conversely, if it is benign calcification, appropriate follow-up is necessary. Wishing you peace and health. Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare Zho...[Read More] Understanding Clustered Calcifications: Follow-Up and Risks in Breast Health
Understanding Recurrent Hard Lumps on the Areola: Causes and Concerns
A hard lump has developed on the areola? Doctor, I have a hard lump on my areola. It started as a single lump, which later became painful and swollen, but after a while, it shrank and stopped hurting. However, it started again after some time! This cycle of swelling and pain has ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Team Chen, Hello. Symptoms resembling those caused by glandular obstruction and infection can sometimes lead to the accumulation of pus. If this occurs repeatedly, surgical removal is often recommended, although recurrence is common. Wishing you peace and health. Sincere...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Hard Lumps on the Areola: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Right Armpit Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Right axilla? Hello doctor, I woke up the day before yesterday and suddenly felt a lot of pain in my right armpit. There’s no pain when I touch the surface, and I don’t feel any swelling, but when I press hard, I can feel a lump that moves. It doesn’t hurt when I raise my arm, bu...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Shanshan, Hello, it may be due to lymphadenopathy. You can first visit a family medicine clinic for an examination, and based on the results, you can then see a specialist if needed. If a biopsy or excision is required, you can consult a general surgeon. Wishing you safet...[Read More] Understanding Right Armpit Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About a Bump on the Right Areola: When to See a Doctor?
Right breast areola I recently noticed a small area on the areola of my right breast that feels like there is something underneath it, along with a slight bump. It feels just beneath the surface, while my left breast does not have this issue. What could this be, doctor? Is it nec...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Weuk: Hello, it may be caused by the blockage of the glands in the areola skin, resulting in a sensation similar to a lump, which is relatively superficial. You can monitor it yourself, but if it continues to enlarge or if you experience any symptoms, it is advisable to seek...[Read More] Concerns About a Bump on the Right Areola: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Breast Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Spontaneous anticipation of breast tenderness upon palpation? Hello, I have noticed since the second grade that when classmates push me and it hits my chest, it causes pain. I have mentioned this to adults, and they all said it was due to breast development. However, I am now 30 ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Niu Niu, Hello, everyone has a different sensitivity to pain. If you only experience pain without feeling a lump, there is generally less cause for concern. However, since you are 30 years old, it would be advisable to visit a breast surgery clinic for an examination, which...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Breast Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Breast lump I started developing breast tissue in the fourth grade, and I got my first period in the first year of junior high. Now I am 17 years old. I noticed a hard lump in my breast back in fourth grade, and it would hurt a lot if I accidentally bumped it. As I grew older, th...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Zhang San, Hello, it is very normal. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Zhou Jiazhen Director of Surgery Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abnormal Mammogram Results: Next Steps and Concerns
Abnormal mammography results? Hello Dr. Zhou, I recently had a mammogram, and the results showed a shadow the size of a one-dollar coin. Following the doctor's recommendation, I was referred to a breast specialty clinic for an ultrasound examination. However, the ultrasound ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiaowen, Hello. 1. During the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations may cause hyperplasia of the mammary ducts or breast pain, which can sometimes affect imaging and ultrasound procedures, leading to some discrepancies. 2. What is the report from the imaging? If the ul...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Mammogram Results: Next Steps and Concerns
Am I Experiencing Gynecomastia or Just Weight Gain? Understanding My Concerns
I am unsure whether I have gynecomastia or obesity, which makes me very concerned? I am approximately 178 cm tall and weigh 77 kg. However, among my peers of the same age with similar height and weight, my chest is larger and more prominent, which makes me hesitant to stand tall ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Weight loss generally leads to improvement, but the extent of improvement varies for each individual. If there is no improvement, you may visit the outpatient clinic for examination and evaluation. Wishing you peace and health. Director of Surgery, Taoyuan General Hospital...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Gynecomastia or Just Weight Gain? Understanding My Concerns
Understanding Gynecomastia: Surgical Options and Considerations for Men
Gynecomastia Hello doctor, I have a few questions regarding gynecomastia. 1. I have a lean physique with little fat in my upper body, but I have a hard lump beneath my nipple and the nipple is protruding. Can this be treated with just surgical excision without liposuction? 2. ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. Yes, it is possible. 2. Both options are available; the effectiveness will vary depending on the condition of gynecomastia, and the scarring will also differ. 3. If covered by health insurance, both general surgery a...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Surgical Options and Considerations for Men
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: What You Need to Know
When raising both arms, one side of the armpit appears swollen? Hello, I just noticed in the mirror after taking a shower that there is a lump on the left side of my armpit where I have underarm hair when I raise my arms, but there is none on the right side. Could this be a swoll...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: It may be accessory breast tissue. Please monitor for any enlargement or symptoms. If there are any changes, please visit the outpatient clinic for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry o...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Chest Pain in Teens: Causes and Concerns
Persistent chest pain? I am 16 years old and have been experiencing chest pain for a few weeks. It feels somewhat hard to the touch and is painful. I have searched online but am unsure if it's due to an ill-fitting bra or another reason, as I have never experienced pain like...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Chest pain is mostly caused by mammary duct hyperplasia. Pay attention to whether it is related to the menstrual cycle. Additionally, any dietary or lifestyle factors that can affect hormone secretion and balance may lead to discomfort. As long as no lumps are found during...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain in Teens: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Orange Peel-Like Bumps on the Areola: What to Do?
The areola has a texture similar to that of orange peel? Hello, I am 25 years old and have not given birth. I have a dimpled area on my right areola that resembles orange peel, approximately in the 3 to 7 o'clock position. There are also blister-like formations in the raised...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello, it may be eczema-like changes. I'm not sure if it is itchy, but I recommend visiting a dermatologist for treatment. If there is no improvement, I suggest a breast surgical examination. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Chief of Surgery...[Read More] Understanding Orange Peel-Like Bumps on the Areola: What to Do?
Understanding Breast Concerns: Is It Cancer or Something Else?
Questions about the breasts? This year, at 16 years old, my breasts are not even an A cup, and my left breast is larger. For a while, my nipples were painful, and recently I noticed what seems to be a lump in my right breast. In the past, there were lumps that would shrink and hu...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello Little Red Riding Hood: 1. Maintain a normal diet and regular lifestyle to see if there is any improvement. If not, you may consider consulting a general surgeon. 2. Breast pain may be related to abnormalities in the endocrine system, and suspected lumps can sometimes be...[Read More] Understanding Breast Concerns: Is It Cancer or Something Else?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Connections to Arm Discomfort
The outer left chest often feels like a strained pain? I am a patient with muscle atrophy and have been sitting in a wheelchair for an extended period. My left hand often rests on the armrest of the wheelchair to support the weight of my upper body. Could this cause the persisten...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello, 1. The sensation of something in the armpit may be related to lymphadenopathy. As for the pain when pressing on the left arm, it may sometimes be associated with lymphadenopathy or cervical nerve issues. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to follow up at an outpatien...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Connections to Arm Discomfort
Understanding Breast Lumps: Concerns About Cancer and Benign Conditions
Breast lump Hello Dr. Zhou, I have recently noticed a hard lump in the center above my right nipple when lying down. The sensation feels different compared to the left side, and I'm unsure if it's a lump or just a larger area. There is slight pain when I press on it, an...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello, 1. Use your index and middle fingers to perform a self-examination of your breasts, feeling for any firm lumps that do not move. Everyone's sensation may differ, so rely on your own feelings. If you suspect something like a tumor, monitor it for any changes, such as...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Concerns About Cancer and Benign Conditions