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 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
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:
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
Do Benign Tumors Require Removal? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Do benign tumors need to be removed? Will more grow after removal? Hello Doctor: I currently have three small tumors on my body. One is located 8 cm from my inner wrist, another is 3 cm above my nipple, and the last one is on my inner thigh. All three are less than 1 cm in size. ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Rong-er, Hello. The principles for managing tumors are as follows: if there is an increase in size or if symptoms arise that affect daily living, surgical removal is recommended. For breast tumors, regular follow-up is advised, with benign lesions undergoing outpatient ultr...[Read More] Do Benign Tumors Require Removal? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding Breast Cancer Genetics: Should You Get Tested?
Breast cancer genetics Hello, my maternal grandmother and aunt have undergone surgery for unknown tumors near their breasts, and reports indicate a high hereditary rate of breast cancer genes among relatives. Should I (a male) and my sister undergo genetic testing? What is the li...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello, 1. In principle, men do not need to undergo genetic testing. 2. As for women, whether they should undergo genetic testing depends on their individual mindset. If they are mentally prepared for preventive mastectomy, it may be beneficial; otherwise, it may only increase ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer Genetics: Should You Get Tested?
Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lumps or masses felt in the armpit? Hello Doctor: Recently, I found a hard lump about the size of a mung bean in my armpit. It doesn't hurt when pressed, and I can feel it when I gently touch it. It feels somewhat like a larger, deeper comedo. Although it seems to be beneath...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Xiang, Hello, general surgery would be appropriate. Based on your description, it may be a skin cyst, which is the most common benign tumor of the skin. If it increases in size or presents symptoms (such as hardness, swelling, or pain), surgical removal is recommended....[Read More] Understanding Lumps Under the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Hard Lumps After Breast Cancer Surgery: Is It Normal?
Post-operative lumps after breast cancer surgery? It has been over two months since the partial mastectomy on September 23, and there is still a hard area on the outer part of the wound. Is this normal? Is it safe to massage or apply heat to the area? Thank you.
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: It may be scar tissue. You can apply warm compresses and massage, but you should monitor for any enlargement. Regular outpatient follow-ups are necessary, and if you notice any increase in size, it is recommended to seek immediate outpatient evaluation. Wishing you peace a...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps After Breast Cancer Surgery: Is It Normal?
Understanding Nipple Inversion: Is It a Sign of Breast Cancer?
Inverted nipple? Doctor, I noticed that one side of my areola is slightly indented, but it's not completely sunken; it's just a little bit at the top. This indentation is only noticeable when I take off my bra; when I'm not wearing one, it doesn't appear. I ha...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Zinni, Hello, if there are times when the symptoms improve and other times when they worsen, it is less likely to be a malignant tumor. If a malignant tumor were affecting the symptoms, they would likely be persistent and become increasingly pronounced. Regular hospital che...[Read More] Understanding Nipple Inversion: Is It a Sign of Breast Cancer?
Breast Ultrasound vs. Mammogram: Pain Levels and Key Differences
Breast ultrasound What is the difference between breast ultrasound and mammography? Will it be very painful?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Yide, Breast ultrasound: There is no issue with radiation exposure, and it is not very painful. It requires careful manual operation and can be performed on all age groups. However, the resolution is poorer for breasts with more abundant fatty tissue; conversely, it has bet...[Read More] Breast Ultrasound vs. Mammogram: Pain Levels and Key Differences
Understanding Potential Breast Cancer Recurrence and Bone Metastasis
Does breast cancer recur and metastasize? Dear Director Zhou, My mother was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in August 2008. She underwent surgery to remove her breast and axillary lymph nodes, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and 35 sessions of radiation therapy. Ac...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Shin, 1. Bone metastases from breast cancer primarily occur in the so-called axial skeleton, which includes the skull, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae, the ribs, pelvis, and hip joints. 2. If there is unfortunate metastasis to the skull, the current treatment rema...[Read More] Understanding Potential Breast Cancer Recurrence and Bone Metastasis
Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Symptoms and Concerns
Breast lump? Hello doctor, four years ago I experienced sharp pain in both breasts and consulted a physician who performed an ultrasound, which was normal. I would like to ask about the hard areas I feel when I lie down and palpate my breasts in a clockwise direction; they feel q...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Bu, 1. Lymph nodes are generally not palpable; those that can be felt are mostly due to infections. However, if there are lymph nodes in the axillary and groin regions, it is advisable to seek further examination at an outpatient clinic to rule out any lymphatic tumors...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: What You Need to Know About Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding the Decision Against Chemotherapy After Breast Cancer Surgery
Chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery or not? The physician believes that chemotherapy is not necessary after the right mastectomy because the tumor extent is minimal at 0.1 cm and the tumor grade is intermediate (Grade 2). Although the pathology report shows that both estroge...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Mei, 1. Have you undergone chemotherapy or other treatments prior to the surgery? This is important because there is a residual tumor of 0.1 cm. If not, please provide the size of the tumor, whether there is lymph node metastasis, and the stage of the tumor. 2. HER-2-neu: ...[Read More] Understanding the Decision Against Chemotherapy After Breast Cancer Surgery
Understanding Breast Thyroid Issues: Biopsy Insights and Genetic Testing
Testing issues Dear Doctor, For stage 0 breast cancer patients, can a biopsy after surgical excision determine the type of cancer? Which type would it be? Additionally, how should we approach testing for hereditary factors? An email response would be appreciated. Thank you!
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Jacqueline, 1. A biopsy that cannot be visually classified must be confirmed through pathological examination, which may indicate possible diagnoses such as ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ; however, the basic treatment remains the same. 2. For genetic...[Read More] Understanding Breast Thyroid Issues: Biopsy Insights and Genetic Testing
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Breast Cancer: Pain Management and Osteoporosis Prevention
Postoperative Rehabilitation for Breast Cancer Hello, Doctor: Thank you very much for your thorough response last time. I have a few more questions to ask you. (1) Postoperative pain is a common complication after breast cancer surgery, especially in patients who have undergone...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Daisy, 1. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad for 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a rest period of 30 to 60 minutes. This can be repeated, but if symptoms worsen, you should stop. 2. Joint exercises should include shoulder joint exercises, chest expansion exercises, and up...[Read More] Post-Surgery Rehabilitation for Breast Cancer: Pain Management and Osteoporosis Prevention
Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Side Effects After Breast Cancer Surgery
Post-operative complications after breast cancer surgery? Hello Doctor: My mother has undergone surgery for breast cancer, and since the operation, she has been experiencing sharp pain at the surgical site, which seems to be nerve-related. This pain occurs intermittently and has ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Daisy, Postoperative pain is a common complication following breast cancer surgery, particularly in patients who have undergone axillary lymph node dissection. The pain is typically located in the axilla, upper arm, and chest area, with some patients experiencing severe sho...[Read More] Managing Post-Surgery Pain and Side Effects After Breast Cancer Surgery
Understanding Breast Lumps: Are They Signs of Breast Cancer?
Breast lump There are small raised bumps on the areola, and sometimes the nipple has small yellowish hard lumps. When palpating the breast, there are noticeable hard lumps. Should I be concerned that this could be breast cancer?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiao Jiu, Hello. For the preliminary assessment of whether a lump is benign or malignant, consider whether the lump is smooth and movable, any changes in size, and its relation to the menstrual cycle. At the age of 20, a fibrocystic tumor is most likely, but it is still rec...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Are They Signs of Breast Cancer?
Understanding Right Chest Nipple Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
There is a lump on the right nipple, accompanied by discomfort and slight pain? This issue has been troubling me for many years, starting from middle school, which has been almost 10 years now. It has been intermittent, with periods of improvement and worsening. Recently, the dis...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Carlos, Hello. The curative method can be surgical excision. Whether liposuction is an option should be discussed with a plastic surgeon. There are very few cases of breast cancer that are referred to as gynecomastia in men, but this is generally associated with older age. ...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Nipple Lumps: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments
Understanding Breast Development: Concerns and Myths for Teens
My breasts have not grown since I was in the first year of junior high school! During middle school, which is typically a period of development, I started wearing a student-style bra from the first year of junior high. I even wore it to sleep! Later on, I noticed that my breasts ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Han, Hello. The development of breasts is related to the stimulation of female hormones in the body. If there is insufficient secretion of female hormones, it can affect breast development. Wearing a bra too early does not hinder breast development. Furthermore, there is no...[Read More] Understanding Breast Development: Concerns and Myths for Teens
Causes and Management of Skin Necrosis After Breast Surgery: A Case Study
The causes and management of progressively expanding skin necrosis following breast surgery? A patient with stage II breast cancer [without lymph node involvement] underwent total mastectomy and the day after surgery, approximately 0.4 cm of hematoma was observed at both incision...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Anthony, 1. One of the postoperative complications of total mastectomy is flap necrosis, which can occur due to excessive wound tension (often seen when the tumor is large, more skin is excised, or when the breast is smaller) or due to inadequate circulation from a flap tha...[Read More] Causes and Management of Skin Necrosis After Breast Surgery: A Case Study