Breast nodules are the collective name for breast masses, encapsulated benign nodules and malignant nodules. Most breast nodules are benign, but women over the age of 40 should be alert for breast nodules when they are detected.
With the popularity of breast ultrasound, more and more women are finding breast nodules on their physical exams. Some women are very worried about whether they have breast cancer. Usually, breast ultrasound will make a preliminary diagnosis of breast nodules, and those with a BI-RADS classification of 3 or less are basically benign, so there is no need to worry too much. If the nodule can be felt on the body surface, smooth and rolling, it suggests a breast fibroadenoma, which can be surgically removed. If the ultrasound BI-RADS grade 4 or above, you need to be alert to the possibility of malignancy, and depending on the doctor’s recommendation, further mammogram, MRI or puncture biopsy may be needed to clarify the diagnosis. If the nodes are relatively large, hard to the touch, with unclear borders and relatively fixed and inactive, they are often considered to be breast cancer. Be sure to seek prompt medical attention at the hospital.
Patients with nodules in the breast who are considered benign should still be aware of regular annual follow-up mammograms to monitor changes in the nodules.