Patient's question:
BR>Age of the patient: 28Morphological contours of bilateral breasts are normal, echogenicity of glandular tissue is normal, no thickening is observed, and no dilation of breast ducts is seen. In the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, two hypoechoic areas are visible, measuring 74 mm and 63 mm, with clear boundaries. The examining physician recommends regular follow-up with breast ultrasound and consultation with a breast surgeon. Severity and treatment methods.
Onset and duration of the current illness: No symptoms are present during daily life; it was discovered during a physical examination.
Current general condition: The patient is currently unmarried.
Medical history: None.
Doctor's answer:
Common breast cysts include simple cysts and galactoceles. Simple cysts are the most common type of breast cyst. They are primarily caused by endocrine disorders leading to the hyperplasia of ductal epithelium, an increase in intraductal cells, resulting in duct extension, tortuosity, and folding. In the folded areas, the duct wall undergoes necrosis due to ischemia, forming a cyst.The X-ray appearance of a simple cyst is a round or oval dense shadow with smooth edges and uniform density. Due to the cyst compressing the surrounding fat tissue, a "halo" of lucency is often observed around the cyst wall. The density of the cyst is similar to or slightly denser than the breast glandular tissue. Solitary cysts are typically round, while multiple cysts are often oval, more commonly found on both sides.
Galactoceles, also known as (milk retention cysts), are less common than simple cysts. They are primarily caused by obstruction of a duct during lactation, leading to milk stasis and the formation of a cyst. The X-ray appearance of a galactocele is a round or oval lucency, with a diameter of approximately 1–2 cm, occasionally exceeding 3 cm. The density of the cyst is similar to that of fat. Galactoceles can occur in any part of the breast, but are most commonly found in the deeper regions.
The breast is composed of the nipple, areolae, surrounding breast tissue, and the skin covering them. Each breast contains 15–20 (lobules), each with a lactiferous duct leading to the nipple. The size of these (lobules) varies with age or hormones. For example, during puberty, a flat chest gradually develops into a mature breast. Before and after menstruation, the breasts may become noticeably swollen and then shrink. During pregnancy and lactation, they also swell. The changes in the breast are closely related to the estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries.
Fibroadenomas are another type of benign tumor, more common in women aged 30–50, especially those nearing menopause. The breast is a hormone-sensitive organ, and hormones are secreted in particularly high amounts during menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. Under excessive stimulation, the breast produces more secretions and is prone to developing cysts. A single cyst is called a "water sac," while a series of cysts are referred to as "fibroadenomas." When small, cysts may not cause any symptoms. However, if they grow large and coincide with a surge in hormones, they may cause pain and can even be felt as hard lumps. Women often become very frightened by such sudden lumps, fearing they may be breast cancer.
There are many treatment options for fibroadenomas. If the cyst is solitary, doctors often use needle aspiration to remove the fluid. Additionally, patients with more pronounced symptoms may take diuretics, pain relievers, hormone medications, or oral contraceptives to alleviate discomfort caused by the cysts.
Does a fibroadenoma turn into breast cancer? Currently, there is no definitive evidence to establish a link between the two. However, Dr. Qiming Chen, a breast surgeon at Ande Hospital, believes, "A fibroadenoma is a fibroadenoma, while breast cancer is the abnormal proliferation of cells from the outset. The two have completely different characteristics. What we should be concerned about is not identifying the focus of breast cancer."
Statistical data shows that women with fibroadenomas have a 2–4 times higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population. Therefore, women who have had fibroadenomas must strengthen self-examinations and undergo annual follow-up checks at the hospital.