Understanding Ductal Hyperplasia: Should You Consider Surgery?
Ductal hyperplasia Hello Doctor: I have had varying sizes of cysts in both of my breasts for about three years. I undergo aspiration and fluid analysis every six months, and all results have been benign, so my doctor has advised me to continue monitoring every six months. The las...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Ms. Yellow, 1. A cyst is a common benign tumor of the breast. Unless there are symptoms, it is generally sufficient to monitor it regularly. However, if there are changes in shape or if there are unknown tissues within the cyst, surgical intervention may sometimes be necess...[Read More] Understanding Ductal Hyperplasia: Should You Consider Surgery?
Understanding Gynecomastia: Post-Surgery Concerns and Solutions
Gynecomastia My male friend previously had gynecomastia and underwent surgery. However, after the surgery, the area around the areola feels hard to the touch (before the surgery, pressing the nipple would reveal a hard lump; after the surgery, the surface of the areola feels hard...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Mao Mao, It is possible that after surgery, some tissue may remain beneath the nipple-areola complex, and the internal wounds may lead to the formation of scar tissue or the accumulation of seroma. It is recommended to return to the hospital's breast surgery outpatient...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Post-Surgery Concerns and Solutions
Understanding Fibroadenomas: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Regarding breast fibromas? Hello Doctor: Last year, I had an ultrasound performed by a breast surgeon, which confirmed a 1.2 cm benign fibroadenoma in the upper left breast. However, in the past week, I have been experiencing occasional pain and discomfort in my left breast, acco...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Daisy, 1. A 24-year-old benign fibroma is likely a fibrocystic adenoma, which is usually painless, mobile, and well-defined. It should be monitored regularly. 2. If you are experiencing left chest pain accompanied by pain and numbness in your left arm, along with coughing,...[Read More] Understanding Fibroadenomas: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Understanding Breast Discharge: Causes and When to Seek Help
Breast discharge Dear Doctor: Since the beginning of the year, I have noticed that when I press around my left breast, a yellowish, transparent, sticky discharge appears from the same area of the nipple, with varying amounts. Occasionally, when I press on the right breast, I also...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Patty: Nipple discharge is often related to the secretion of hormones in the body, especially when it occurs bilaterally. Yellowish transparent discharge is usually benign and may be associated with fibrocystic changes. However, it is recommended that you visit a breast specialis...[Read More] Understanding Breast Discharge: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy for breast cancer is a systemic treatment that uses drugs to target and kill cancer cells. It is often used in various stages of breast cancer, including early-stage and metastatic disease. The specific regimen may vary based on factors Dear Dr. Wu, My mother-in-law...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
1. Currently, the National Health Insurance does not cover MRI examinations of the breast for the assessment of axillary lymph nodes. 2. It is unclear whether surgical treatment has been received; if a surgical resection has been performed, it is important to know if a sentinel ...[Read More] Understanding Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Is It Breast Cancer? Understanding Lumps and When to Seek Help
Is it breast cancer? Hello Doctor: Recently, I felt a movable lump under my breast that feels like a lymph node, and it is painful when pressed around it. Could this be a hard lump associated with breast cancer, or is there another condition that I should monitor? Should I go to ...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Liao, 1. Breast lumps that are mobile are mostly benign lesions, often adenomas or cysts. In addition to noting the hardness of the lump, it is important to observe the skin appearance for any dimpling, as well as the relationship between the size of the lump and the menstr...[Read More] Is It Breast Cancer? Understanding Lumps and When to Seek Help
Post-Mastectomy Pain and Side Effects: Understanding Your Concerns
Postoperative Issues After Breast Cancer Surgery Hello Doctor: My mother is currently 59 years old. Last June, a hard lump was discovered in her left breast, which was diagnosed as breast cancer with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She underwent surgery to remove both the tumor an...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Peggy, 1. During axillary lymph node dissection, there can sometimes be damage to the sensory nerves of the arm, which may result in pain in the left arm. This can be managed with neuropathic pain medications, and you may also consider consulting a rehabilitation specialist...[Read More] Post-Mastectomy Pain and Side Effects: Understanding Your Concerns
Understanding Gynecomastia: Surgical Options and Insurance Coverage
Gynecomastia If gynecomastia is not severe (with obvious external signs), but after visiting several hospitals it is confirmed as gynecomastia, can this condition still be treated surgically? Additionally, is this type of surgery covered by health insurance? Thank you for your re...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Jim: Hello, if there is a continuous increase in size, affecting appearance or causing pain, surgical removal may be considered, and it is covered by health insurance. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Minis...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Surgical Options and Insurance Coverage
Understanding Male Gynecomastia: Laser Treatment vs. Surgery Options
Gynecomastia Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask if gynecomastia in males can be treated with laser therapy, or is surgery the only option? If surgery is necessary, what is the approximate cost? Will there be any complications or scarring after the procedure?
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello: 1. Currently, laser treatment for gynecomastia in males is not available; the usual management involves surgical excision or liposuction. 2. Patients often request surgery due to aesthetic concerns, psychological factors, or pain, and the National Health Insurance does pro...[Read More] Understanding Male Gynecomastia: Laser Treatment vs. Surgery Options
Caring for Injured Breasts During Breastfeeding: Tips and Recovery Time
What should I do about strawberry milk? Hello doctor, I recently gave birth and am currently breastfeeding. However, I may have injured my breast tissue due to improper pumping techniques, resulting in blood in the expressed milk. What should I do to care for the injured breast? ...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Ms. Wang, Hello. 1. Please refrain from breastfeeding for now, but be careful to express milk by hand to avoid worsening the wound. 2. Clean the area with warm water, avoiding soap, and finish with warm or saline solution. Use a warm hairdryer on a low setting to gently ...[Read More] Caring for Injured Breasts During Breastfeeding: Tips and Recovery Time
Understanding Nipple Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Nipple pain? After having lunch today and taking a nap, I noticed that my left nipple is tender to the touch. I have checked around for any lumps, but I didn't find any. However, I do feel tenderness when pressing below the left breast. Should I see a doctor, or can I wait f...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Ah Rui: Based on your condition, it seems that you can "wait for it to heal naturally." Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Wu Ching-Tang, Attending Surgeon, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Nipple Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Thyroid Issues: What Does a Bubbling Sound Mean?
Thyroid issues When pressing on both sides of the thyroid gland, a popping sound similar to a bubble is heard, but there is no pain. Is this a concern?
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Yan: Regarding your question: When pressing on both sides of the thyroid gland, there is a sound like a bubble popping, but it is not painful. Is this a problem? --> It should not be a problem! If necessary, you may also consult an otolaryngologist for an examination. Wis...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: What Does a Bubbling Sound Mean?
Dietary Considerations and Pregnancy Tips for Thyroid Dysfunction
What should be considered regarding diet and pregnancy for individuals with thyroid dysfunction? 1. If you have autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), dietary considerations are important. It is generally advised to avoid seaweed and foods high in iodine, as they ...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello, 1. Iodine-rich foods include: seafood (sardines, lobster, shrimp, crabs, jellyfish, clams, sea cucumbers, scallops, eel, cod liver oil, etc.), seaweeds (kelp, nori, purple seaweed, etc.), and vegetables (iodine-rich soil-grown vegetables such as radish leaves, sunflower ...[Read More] Dietary Considerations and Pregnancy Tips for Thyroid Dysfunction
Post-Surgery Concerns for Male Gynecomastia: Uneven Fat Recovery
Please provide your questions regarding male gynecomastia surgery? Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you a question. Recently, I underwent gynecomastia surgery at Taipei City United Hospital. According to my doctor, the glandular tissue was close to a D cup, which is quite larg...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Mr. Mao Mao, Based on your description, wearing a sculpting bra and applying heat to the breasts after surgery can help alleviate your condition. However, this may take some time (3 to 6 months), so it is important to approach it with patience! If necessary, you may consult...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Male Gynecomastia: Uneven Fat Recovery
Understanding Tendon Cysts: Causes, Recurrence, and Treatment Options
About tendon tumors? Hello Dr. Wu: First of all, thank you for being willing to share your knowledge and experiences with me. I have a few questions that I would appreciate your explanation on. 1. I have a hard lump about 1 cm in size near my armpit close to the breast. It is m...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Miss Nenny: 1. There is a hard lump about one centimeter near the armpit close to the breast that is movable and not painful. What could it usually be? --> It resembles an adenoma; however, I recommend further examination at a hospital (such as a mammogram or breast ultr...[Read More] Understanding Tendon Cysts: Causes, Recurrence, and Treatment Options
Understanding Breast Tumors: Insights on Hard Lumps and Symptoms
Breast tumor In February of this year, a lump measuring 1.7 centimeters was found on the left side during an examination at a medical center, with a slight indentation of the nipple.
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Xin Xin, Hello. Based on your condition, you should have undergone a breast ultrasound (or possibly a mammogram). It is difficult to determine the next steps without knowing the results of the imaging studies. Generally speaking, if the imaging shows an irregular appearance...[Read More] Understanding Breast Tumors: Insights on Hard Lumps and Symptoms
Understanding Breast Disorders: Key Questions and Insights from Experts
Breast diseases? Dear Dr. Wu, I apologize for bothering you once again. First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to provide a detailed explanation regarding my questions, and I appreciate your reminder about the importance of regular breast ultrasounds every six mont...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Miss Nenny, 1. Does frequent chest X-rays and mammograms increase the risk of breast cancer? --> Due to the low radiation dose from chest X-rays, the frequency of examinations under normal circumstances should not lead to excessive exposure. Annual chest X-rays as part o...[Read More] Understanding Breast Disorders: Key Questions and Insights from Experts
Survival Rates of Untreated Breast Lumps and Dents: What You Need to Know
Breast lump What is the survival rate for untreated breast lumps and indentations?
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Hsin-Hsin, There have been significant advancements in breast cancer treatment, with many changes and flexibility in treatment methods that should be considered. As for survival rates, they must be assessed based on tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and whether there is di...[Read More] Survival Rates of Untreated Breast Lumps and Dents: What You Need to Know
Understanding Fibroadenomas and Cysts: Key Insights for Breast Health
Fibroadenoma and fibrocystic changes? Dear Dr. Wu, I apologize for the interruption, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding breast issues: 1. I came across a statement online from a physician mentioning that fibroepithelial tumors may contain cysts, sclerosing ade...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Miss Nenny, I apologize for the delayed response due to my busy schedule these past few days. 1. Some physicians online have mentioned that in cases of fibroepithelial tumors with cysts, sclerotic enlargement, epithelial calcification, and papillary changes, the risk of d...[Read More] Understanding Fibroadenomas and Cysts: Key Insights for Breast Health
Understanding Uneven Breast Development in Preteens: When to Seek Help
Uneven breast development? Dr. Wu: Hello! My daughter is going into fifth grade this year. One side of her breast has a slight protrusion and a hard lump, while the other side seems to be still developing. I would like to know if this is normal and if she needs to see a doctor. I...
Dr. Wu Jingtang reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello, it is most likely a developmental phenomenon! You can observe it for a period of time (6-12 months). If there is an increase in size or hardness, please consult a breast surgeon. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Wu Ching-Tang, Attending Surgeon, Taoyuan Hospital, Departm...[Read More] Understanding Uneven Breast Development in Preteens: When to Seek Help