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 Fibroadenomas: Should You Consider Surgery?
Fibroadenoma Two months ago, I discovered a round, movable lump in my chest. I consulted a surgeon who performed an ultrasound and diagnosed it as a fibroadenoma. The doctor mentioned it is quite large, measuring 2.3 cm, and suggested considering removal. I would like to know if ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Kiki: Fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor in women aged 20 to 30. If it enlarges, it usually grows to about 2-3 centimeters and then stops growing. Surgical intervention is an option, but not always necessary. However, if there is continuous growth or if symptoms (i...[Read More] Understanding Fibroadenomas: Should You Consider Surgery?
Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Be Concerned?
There seems to be a lump in the breast? Hello, doctor. I am 25 years old, and my child is 4 years old (breastfed for two years). Since my student days, I have felt a lump in my breast, and recently I have noticed that the lump has become more pronounced. It is a movable lump that...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Xiaoyu: It may be a fibroadenoma (most commonly seen in women aged 20-30), but if the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters, it is recommended to have an outpatient examination.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Breast Pain and Hard Lumps: Is It Mastitis?
Redness and hard lumps in the breast? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing breast pain and lumps since I was 18 years old. Initially, the lumps were movable, and my chest would sometimes turn completely red. I am now 22 years old, and the lumps have become fixed but still painf...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. A: 1. It is rarely mastitis, but it cannot be ruled out. 2. Generally, painful lumps are mostly benign cysts, and some may be fibroadenomas; however, changes in the skin can be more difficult to explain. It is recommended to have an examination at a breast surgery clinic...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain and Hard Lumps: Is It Mastitis?
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenoma: What You Need to Know
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenoma (Follow-up Inquiry) Hello Dr. Zhou: I am Miss Li, who inquired about breast fibromas on January 6 and is considering surgical intervention. Thank you for taking the time to respond amidst your busy schedule! The minimally invasiv...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Li: It is possible to perform a partial resection of the tumor; however, there is still a chance that the patient may have malignancy. In fact, it is generally recommended to conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis before determining the subsequent management.[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenoma: What You Need to Know
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenomas: What You Need to Know
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenoma I am 47 years old, unmarried, and have never given birth. I discovered a fibroadenoma in my right breast when I was 18, and in my 30s, I found another fibroadenoma in my left breast. I have been undergoing follow-up with a breast...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Li: Is minimally invasive surgery the same as "Mammotome"? This procedure is not covered by health insurance and is primarily used for 1. the removal of benign tumors and 2. biopsies of suspected malignant tumors. It is not recommended for the excision of suspe...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Breast Fibroadenomas: What You Need to Know
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes and Concerns for Teens
A lump that increases in size with breast enlargement? I am currently a senior in high school and would like to ask about a hard lump in my breast that I have had since childhood. The lump has grown larger as my breast has developed, and now it feels like my entire breast is comp...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Most cases are caused by fibrocystic breast changes, and sometimes it may be a fibroadenoma. If you are concerned, you can have an outpatient examination. Pay attention to whether you notice any increase in the size of the lump or any symptoms. If so, please seek an outpat...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes and Concerns for Teens
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 Concerns in Adolescents: Hard Lumps and Inverted Nipples
Breast issues Hello, Dr. Chou. I would like to ask you, I am currently 12 years old and I have a hard lump in my breast. Is this normal? Also, one of my nipples is inverted; is this normal?
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Qi Qi: 1. If there is a lump, it is recommended to have an outpatient examination, as it is mostly a fibroadenoma. If it increases in size or presents symptoms, surgery may sometimes be necessary. 2. Inverted nipples are mostly congenital; you should monitor for any discharg...[Read More] Understanding Breast Concerns in Adolescents: Hard Lumps and Inverted Nipples
Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Hematomas After Fibroadenoma Removal
Post-operative issues following fibroepithelial tumor excision? Hello, I had surgery in September to remove a 4.7 cm fibroadenoma (using a self-paid needle, the incision is only half a centimeter). The wound has now scabbed over, but there are areas near the internal wound that f...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
It is common for bruising or fluid accumulation to occur within a wound. If it persists for more than a week, applying a warm compress can help accelerate absorption. As for the depressed area of the wound, it may take time to recover, especially if the tumor was larger.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Hematomas After Fibroadenoma Removal
Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Breast lump Hello Dr. Chou, I would like to ask about hard lumps in both breasts. The lump on the left side feels larger, while the one on the right is smaller. Since I was young, my left breast has always been slightly larger. Occasionally, I experience a feeling of fullness o...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
1. Breast self-examination involves using the pads of your fingers to press on the breast to check for any lumps, assessing whether the lumps are movable rather than pinching them. 2. Based on your description, a fibroadenoma is the most common diagnosis; just monitor for any c...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
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 Breast Cysts: Pain, Concerns, and Follow-Up Care
Fibrocystic breast pain? Hello, doctor. I live in Penghu. Two years ago, before I gave birth, I felt two hard lumps under my right breast, spaced about a finger's width apart. After an ultrasound, the doctor thought they were irregular, and I underwent a fine needle aspirati...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: 1. Cysts are often multiple, and they may or may not be painful. In most cases, if there are many cysts, observation without aspiration is usually sufficient. 2. Generally, aspiration is performed on cysts that are symptomatic or continue to enlarge. 3. Cysts are mostl...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cysts: Pain, Concerns, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Breast Lumps: Are Movable Hard Lumps Normal?
Breast lump The presence of movable lumps in both breasts can be concerning, and while some lumps may be benign, such as fibrocystic changes or fibroadenomas, it is important to have any new or unusual breast lumps evaluated by a healthcare professional. It is recommended to sche...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: It may be a fibrous adenoma. If it increases in size, please follow up at the outpatient clinic. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Director of Surgery, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Are Movable Hard Lumps Normal?
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
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:
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
Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Changes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Fibrocystic changes Hello, doctor. After my last visit, I found out that I have a fibrocystic tumor in my left breast measuring 0.5 cm, and surprisingly, there is one in my right breast measuring 4 cm! However, the doctor at the hospital only advised me to monitor it and did not ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello, if a fibroadenoma is discovered to be 4 centimeters, it can be monitored for any changes in size. If it continues to grow, surgical intervention is recommended. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chou Chia-Cheng, Director of Surgery, Taoyuan General Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Changes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Do I Need Surgery for a Growing Fibroadenoma in My Breast?
Do fibrocystic breast changes require surgical removal? Hello Doctor: A year ago, an ultrasound examination revealed a 1.2 cm fibrocystic mass in my right breast. During a recent follow-up, it was found to have grown to 1.7 cm. A fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed, and n...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, 1. After aspiration, a cyst should decrease in size or disappear (as it contains liquid). If it does not shrink or resolve, it may be a fibroepithelial tumor or a lipoma, among other possibilities. 2. The principle of tumor management: If the tumor enlarges or pr...[Read More] Do I Need Surgery for a Growing Fibroadenoma in My Breast?
Understanding Recovery After Fibroadenoma and Gynecomastia Surgery
Benign breast fibroadenoma and gynecomastia excision? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my surgery on May 6th, where I had a left breast fibroadenoma and gynecomastia excised. The drainage tube was removed on May 12th. The doctor mentioned that the drainage site would heal ...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Hello, 1. The wound from the drainage tube typically heals slowly, but if it continues to remain unhealed, it is important to check for any fluid accumulation beneath the wound. 2. In gynecomastia surgery, part of the adipose tissue may sometimes be removed, particularly arou...[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Fibroadenoma and Gynecomastia Surgery
Post-Surgery Concerns for Male Gynecomastia: Healing and Compression Guidance
Post-operative care for gynecomastia surgery in males? Hello Doctor: I had surgery on May 6 to remove male breast tissue and a benign fibroadenoma from my left chest. The drain was removed on May 12, but the drainage site has not healed yet. Is this normal? Additionally, after th...
Dr. Zhou Jiazhen Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao, 1. Post-operative issues with gynecomastia in males often involve the accumulation of serous fluid, which may indicate that there is still fluid present. 2. The surrounding area may appear swollen, possibly due to the removal of both glandular and adipose tissue du...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Male Gynecomastia: Healing and Compression Guidance