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 Breast and Thyroid
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 Breast and Thyroid
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 Breast and Thyroid
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 Breast and Thyroid
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 Breast and Thyroid
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 Breast and Thyroid
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
Can Medication Help Treat Gynecomastia in Young Men?
Can gynecomastia in men be resolved by seeing a doctor and taking medication? An 18-year-old male has been consuming fried foods since the ages of 11 and 12. By middle school, he noticed that his chest started to gradually enlarge, and this has continued to the present. He visite...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Rock: Hello, in cases of gynecomastia in males, some may experience a reduction in size while others may not. It is recommended to control diet by reducing fried foods and animal fats, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, and limiting caffeine-containing foods or substance...[Read More] Can Medication Help Treat Gynecomastia in Young Men?
Can You Breastfeed While Taking Propylthiouracil for Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism and Breastfeeding Hello doctor, can I breastfeed while taking Propylthiouracil (PTU) for hyperthyroidism? Is it safe for my baby to consume breast milk while I am on this medication?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello: Yes, it is important to consume enough iodine to ensure that breast milk provides sufficient iodine for the infant, but it is also advisable to regularly monitor the thyroid function of the infant. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Director of ...[Read More] Can You Breastfeed While Taking Propylthiouracil for Hyperthyroidism?
Understanding Gynecomastia in Men: Treatment Options and Clinics in Taipei
Gynecomastia Hello, I would like to inquire if there is any coverage for gynecomastia under health insurance for men. This issue has troubled me for 10 years. I am from Taipei; could you please advise which clinic would be the safest to visit?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Dou Dou Er, Hello, 1. In cases of gynecomastia in males, if there are symptoms, health insurance will cover the surgery, which primarily consists of liposuction and excision of breast tissue. However, liposuction will need to be paid out of pocket. 2. You may consult at...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia in Men: Treatment Options and Clinics in Taipei
Understanding Pain and Hard Lumps Near the Nipple: Causes and Solutions
There is a hard lump near the areola? Two days ago, I used a breast massage cream, and the next day I felt some swelling and pain in my right nipple. That night, I continued to use it, and the following evening I noticed a small hard lump swelling near the areola of my right nipp...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear KK Kang: Hello, do you have symptoms caused by blocked skin glands? If the symptoms persist (such as increasing in size or pain), it is recommended to seek an outpatient examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Director of Surgery, Taoyuan ...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Hard Lumps Near the Nipple: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Breast Lumps: What Young Women Should Know
There is a lump in the breast? I have noticed a lump in my left breast that seems to have appeared at some point. It is clearly a distinct lump that I can pinch and move. Sometimes it gets larger, and other times it gets smaller; most of the time, it is larger and does not hurt m...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Pi Pi, Hello. At your age, it is possible that you have a fibroid, which may fluctuate in size with your menstrual cycle. However, if it continues to grow, I recommend seeking an outpatient examination. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Director of Surger...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: What Young Women Should Know
Understanding Yellowish Transparent Discharge from the Areola
The areola may have yellowish transparent discharge? Recently, I have noticed a transparent, slightly yellow discharge on my areola, and sometimes it becomes crusty and itchy. When the crusted skin falls off, it appears somewhat transparent. Could this be due to the hot and humid...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Madam, Hello, it may be eczema. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek outpatient examination. Wishing you safety and health, Director of Surgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare Zhou Jiazhen[Read More] Understanding Yellowish Transparent Discharge from the Areola
Understanding Itchy Nipples: Causes and When to Seek Help
Itchy nipples? Recently, I've started experiencing sudden itching in my nipples. It's unbearable, and I find myself scratching, which is very uncomfortable. There is also some discharge. What could this be? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello, Xiao Xiao: The issue is mostly caused by old secretions accumulating on the surface of the nipple. Sometimes, there may be invisible tiny secretions on the nipple that can cause itching and discomfort. In such cases, a topical ointment containing a small amount of steroi...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Nipples: Causes and When to Seek Help
Is It Normal to Feel a Hard Lump Above the Breast During Puberty?
Is it normal to have a hard lump above the breast during puberty? I recently noticed that there is pain and what seems to be a lump when I press on the upper part of my right breast. Is this normal?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Hi Gina: Hello, most cases are related to breast and duct hyperplasia, which can sometimes be associated with the menstrual cycle. If you are concerned, you may visit the breast surgery outpatient clinic for an examination. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou C...[Read More] Is It Normal to Feel a Hard Lump Above the Breast During Puberty?
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
There is a hard lump in the chest? There is a hard lump in my left chest that sometimes hurts. The lump has been there for a while but was small, and I recently noticed it seems to have grown. What could this phenomenon be? Is it something like a tumor? Which specialist should I ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello: Sometimes it is caused by hormonal stimulation. If there is still swelling after menstruation, you may follow up at the breast surgery outpatient clinic. Wishing you peace and health. Director of Surgery, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr. Chou C...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Can Breast Calcifications Disappear? Understanding the Gray Area in Diagnosis
Breast calcifications fall into a gray area; is it possible for calcifications to disappear? Hello Dr. Zhou, I underwent a mammogram at a hospital in Taipei, and the physician indicated that the results are in a gray area. I need to be hospitalized for three days and two nights f...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Xiao Zhen, Hello, 1. Common causes of calcification include malignant tumors, carcinoma in situ, fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, post-mastitis, post-trauma, and vascular sclerosis, among others. 2. If the mammogram shows ambiguous results and the ultrasound is incon...[Read More] Can Breast Calcifications Disappear? Understanding the Gray Area in Diagnosis
Pain Under Right Nipple: Understanding Breast and Thyroid Issues
Chest palpation may cause pain? I experience pain when pressing below my right nipple, but my left breast does not hurt. I am currently in the first year of junior high school. What could be the cause of this?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Xiaoxuan, Hello. Most of the symptoms are caused by ductal hyperplasia of the breast, as the breast tissue on both sides responds differently to hormones, resulting in varying symptoms. It is recommended to perform a self-examination every month to check for any painless lu...[Read More] Pain Under Right Nipple: Understanding Breast and Thyroid Issues
Understanding Nipple Discharge: Causes and Concerns in Breast Health
Nipple discharge I would like to ask about occasionally squeezing the nipple and noticing a yellowish substance that resembles a pimple or keratin coming out. This happens sometimes but not always. Is this a pimple or something like keratin? There are also multiple areas on the n...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Yuan Yuan, Hello, some of these are remnants from skin glands, while others are secretions from the milk ducts that have dried up. Please pay attention to any eczema-like changes around the nipple and areola. If these changes persist, it is advisable to follow up with a bre...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Discharge: Causes and Concerns in Breast Health
Is It Normal for Sixth Graders to Start Menstruating? Breast Development Insights
Breast development Is it normal for menstruation to start in the sixth grade? Will breast development continue after menstruation begins?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello, 1. It's considered normal; improvements in diet and living environment can lead to an earlier onset of menstruation. 2. It will still occur. Wishing you peace and good health. Director of Surgery, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr. Chou Chia...[Read More] Is It Normal for Sixth Graders to Start Menstruating? Breast Development Insights
Understanding Non-Painful Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know
There is a hard lump above the chest? During menstruation, I noticed a hard lump about the size of a red bean located between my collarbone and nipple, slightly towards the inner side of my left breast. It is not painful and does not move; I can feel the protrusion when I gently ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen reply Breast and Thyroid
Dear Mimi, 1. Is this lump movable? If it does not move, it may not be easily grasped, which increases the likelihood of it being a malignant tumor. It is advisable to have it examined as soon as possible. 2. Other possible causes include a skin cyst. Please seek examination pr...[Read More] Understanding Non-Painful Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know