Breast Diseases and Health Care

  The breast is the symbol of a woman, the organ that produces milk and nurtures her children, and it makes a woman experience the hard work and greatness of motherhood. There is no one who does not love their mother, but it is this pair of organs that have provided everyone with sweet milk, but because of diseases, it has become a pain and nightmare for many women.  Cystic hyperplasia of the breast: it is a female disease, commonly found in middle-aged women, and is a benign hyperplasia of the breast parenchyma. It is an endocrine disorder hyperplasia in women. Since the manifestation of this disease is sometimes confused with breast cancer, it is more important for us to recognize it properly. The prominent manifestations are breast swelling and pain and lumps. Characteristically, it is cyclical in nature, and the pain is related to the menstrual cycle. The pain is often worse before menstruation and decreases or disappears after menstruation. Some people also have pain throughout the menstrual cycle, which affects work and life.  Physical examination reveals diffuse thickening of one or both mammary glands, with granular, nodular or lamellar masses of varying sizes that are tough but not hard. The thickened area is not clearly demarcated from the surrounding breast tissue. In a small number of patients, there is nipple discharge. This disease has a long course and develops slowly. The diagnosis of this disease is not difficult, but the presence or absence of malignancy is debated, and some people may have the disease along with breast cancer. This requires patients not to ignore it because it is common and frequent. Treatment is mainly symptomatic. During the treatment process, regular checkups are needed to detect enlarged lumps and suspicion of malignant lesions, and timely surgery and pathology.  Breast cancer: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. The early manifestation is the appearance of a small painless solitary lump, which is often discovered unintentionally by the patient. The lump is hard and the surface is not smooth, and it is not easy to be pushed in the breast. In severe cases: (1) the lump becomes larger and the nipple has abnormal bloody discharge; (2) both breasts are asymmetrical; the nipple retracts and the dimple sign appears. The skin of the breast has orange peel-like changes; epidermal erosions and eczema-like changes at the nipple or areola; (3) significant enlargement, redness and swelling of the breast, with rapid progress of changes; (4) enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla and supraclavicular area, and sometimes a feeling of squeezing objects in the axilla; (5) local ulceration or pain in the breast. It is often intermittent and confined to the lesion, and the pain does not vary with the menstrual cycle.  (6) Unexplained bone pain, low back pain, abdominal distension, epigastric lump, anemia and weight loss. The cause of breast cancer is still unknown, so there is no exact etiology to prevent it. At present, mammography and ultrasound are considered to be very effective methods, while the doctor’s manual diagnosis must be done.  Men can also get it and need to self-examine and seek timely medical treatment when abnormalities are detected. It is recommended that asymptomatic women aged 18-39 should have a monthly breast self-examination and a physical examination every 1-2 years; above 40, a monthly self-examination and an annual physical examination census should be repeated regularly, and the purpose cannot be achieved with only one examination. This purpose is early detection, early treatment, reduce mortality.  Self-examination method: is a observation, two touch. On the 9th-11th day of menstruation, postmenopausal women, fix one day per month. Stand facing a mirror with your arms crossed and then raised, and observe whether there is any change in the contour of the breast, whether there is any abnormality in the nipple including change in shape, crusting, pain, depression, deflection and overflow. If you find painless lumps, sunken nipples, deviated nipples, overflowing nipples, and enlarged axillary lymph nodes by touch, seek medical attention promptly.  Breast health care: avoid breast binding during adolescence, choose a suitable bra, proper exercise, balanced nutrition, avoid dieting and weight loss, and do not abuse breast enlargement drugs. In middle and old age, strengthen physical exercise, promote walking, maintain emotional stability, eat less spicy and stimulating food, stabilize normal weight, breast massage, regular physical examination, and a small glass of red wine every day. Pay attention to nipple cleaning during pregnancy, wear brassiere correctly, correct nipple deformity, first wash with warm water and wet compress, then massage with fingers pulling outward, 1-2 times a day for 20-30 minutes each time.