Understanding Nipple Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the center of the nipple? I have a hard spot in the middle of my nipple. It doesn't hurt when I don't press on it, but it does hurt when I do. Could it be breast cancer? I don't want my parents to know. What is the most likely cause?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Master Yi: Gynecomastia is mostly seen in males and can sometimes present with tenderness similar to that experienced in females before menstruation. This condition is often related to an imbalance of female hormones in the body. It is advisable to reduce the intake of fried...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Can men get breast cancer? Can men get breast cancer? I have pain in the middle of my nipple.
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Master Yi: Most cases of gynecomastia occur in males and can sometimes present with tenderness similar to that experienced in females before menstruation. This is often related to an imbalance of female hormones in the body. It is advisable to reduce the intake of fried and ...[Read More] Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Understanding Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Family Risk Factors
Breast cancer report + child's examination issues? Hello, about a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two weeks ago, I underwent a left modified radical mastectomy at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I have now received a pathology report, and when I asked my doctor, ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Chien: 1. For Stage III C, which is classified as locally advanced breast cancer, there is a high likelihood of metastasis. Chemotherapy is necessary, and the tumor size ranges from 2 to 5 cm, with lymph node involvement exceeding 10 nodes. However, I have not seen any ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Family Risk Factors
Understanding Breast Calcifications: Risks and Management Options
Breast calcifications? Hello, during my health check-up, I found clustered microcalcifications in my left breast. After the examination, the health check center recommended referral to a major hospital for further evaluation. However, due to family reasons, I need to move abroad ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Jin: It is not that calcifications turn into breast cancer, but rather that breast cancer itself may cause calcifications. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the calcifications are associated with breast cancer. If they resemble benign calcifications, then monit...[Read More] Understanding Breast Calcifications: Risks and Management Options
Understanding Nipple Discharge and Pain: Is Breast Cancer a Concern?
Nipple discharge with swelling and pain? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing eczema on my nipples for a while now! I have applied medication but it hasn't healed! Sometimes there is discharge on my underwear! Recently, I have been feeling pain in my chest! My nipples are ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Anonymous: If there are rashes, eczema-like changes, or recurrent issues on the skin of the nipple or areola, it is recommended to have an outpatient examination, and a biopsy may be necessary if warranted.[Read More] Understanding Nipple Discharge and Pain: Is Breast Cancer a Concern?
Understanding Breast Calcifications: What You Need to Know and Do
Breast calcifications issue? (1) I am 47 years old and regularly undergo mammography and ultrasound follow-ups at a teaching hospital. About a year ago, calcifications were found in both breasts, and two doctors I consulted said that monitoring was sufficient (the calcifications ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Annie: 1. The assessment of calcifications depends on their distribution, density, and whether they are unilateral or bilateral. If they are bilateral, scattered, and without localized clustering, they are mostly benign changes and can be monitored. It is recommended to ha...[Read More] Understanding Breast Calcifications: What You Need to Know and Do
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
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
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 Concerns: Inverted Nipples and Lumps in Teens
Breast indentation and hard lumps around the breast? I am a 14-year-old middle school student, and I have a retracted nipple on one side. Both breasts have lumps, and I didn't notice when they started. I am very scared that this could be breast cancer, but I am still very yo...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Student Chen: 1. A young woman has lumps on both sides, mostly benign fibroadenomas; however, if they increase in size or present symptoms, an outpatient examination is recommended. 2. Nipple inversion can sometimes be a constitutional issue; just monitor for any enlarging l...[Read More] Understanding Breast Concerns: Inverted Nipples and Lumps in Teens
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Massage Techniques
Breast lump I have hard lumps on both sides of my chest, and when I pinch them, I can feel a round hard lump that is painful. These lumps have been present since puberty and have not gone away for almost four years. Could this be breast cancer, or can it be resolved through massa...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Kiu: 1. No need for massage. 2. Since there is a tumor, you should still go for an outpatient examination. Given your situation, it could be a fibroma or a fibrocystic lesion.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Massage Techniques
Understanding DCIS: Treatment Options and Controversies for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Stage 0 breast cancer Hello, this year during a mammogram, some calcifications were found in the right breast. After undergoing breast ultrasound and biopsy, it was determined to be DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ). Since the lesion is smaller than 1 cm and has not invaded beyond ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Hommie: 1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is classified as a non-invasive breast cancer, with statistics indicating that approximately 30% may progress to invasive breast cancer within 5 to 10 years. 2. Knowing that one has DCIS and the associated risk of malignant prog...[Read More] Understanding DCIS: Treatment Options and Controversies for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Is Right Breast Pain a Sign of Breast Cancer? Understanding Symptoms
Early signs of breast cancer? Experiencing sharp pain in the right side of the chest could be concerning, but it is not necessarily an early sign of breast cancer. Chest pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, anxiety, or other non-cancerous condition...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear, hello: 95% of breast cancer cases are painless, with most presenting as painless lumps. However, persistent pain should still be evaluated in an outpatient clinic.[Read More] Is Right Breast Pain a Sign of Breast Cancer? Understanding Symptoms
Understanding Breast Health: Concerns About Size, Pain, and Lumps
Breast Concerns At 16 years old, with breast size less than A, what are some ways to improve this? Additionally, my left breast is larger than my right. Recently, I experienced nipple pain, which has since subsided. However, in the past few days, I noticed what seems to be a hard...
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 Health: Concerns About Size, Pain, and Lumps
Itchy Left Nipple and Areola Skin Breakdown: Causes and Concerns
Itchy left nipple and broken skin on the areola? Hello doctor, about five years ago when I was 20 years old, I noticed a small white bump on my left nipple. After I tried to remove it, my nipple became irritated, and the areola also got scratched. At that time, applying medicatio...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
It resembles eczema and is treated by a dermatologist, but if symptoms persist, a biopsy may sometimes be necessary.[Read More] Itchy Left Nipple and Areola Skin Breakdown: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Adenomas
Breast mass A few days ago, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound and found that there are tumors (adenomas) on both sides of my chest. The doctor said they are benign and that I should return in three months to monitor for any growth. My sister also had an adenoma but has had...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor in women aged 20 to 30. It does not undergo malignant transformation; however, since diagnosis is often based on clinical experience, it is still recommended to manage it if there are changes, such as continued growth or the presence o...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Adenomas
Understanding Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) Hello Dr. Chou, At the end of last year, I discovered a hard lump in my breast. I went to Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital for examination and biopsy, and the report indicated it was benign. The doctor advised me not to undergo surgery and to ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Candy, 1. Ultrasound has a higher diagnostic rate for palpable lumps. If there is suspicion, a core needle biopsy is recommended. If the result is benign, surgical removal of the tumor or short-term follow-up is suggested (if there is suspicion from ultrasound or physical e...[Read More] Understanding Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring
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 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