Difference between breast cysts and nodules

The main difference between breast cysts and nodules lies in their nature and touch. Breast cysts are usually benign, soft, fluid-containing cystic structures, while breast nodules may be solid tissue hyperplasia with a hard texture. At the same time, the pathological nature of nodules may be diverse, including benign hyperplasia, fibroids and even malignant tumors, and more examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Breast cysts are generally degenerative lesions caused by hormone fluctuations, and they mostly occur in women of childbearing age. Some cysts may increase or decrease during the menstrual cycle as hormone levels in the body change. There is a sliding sensation when palpated, and it is painless or only slightly painful. The causes of breast nodules are complex, including local hyperplasia, inflammation, and trauma recovery. Benign nodules such as fibroadenomas and ductal tumors feel hard and smooth with clear boundaries; malignant nodules are often irregular in shape, with unclear boundaries, and are hard to palpate, inelastic, and have poor mobility. B-ultrasound, molybdenum target, and breast puncture biopsy are commonly used examination methods that can assist in determining the nature of cysts and nodules.

Breast cysts are generally degenerative lesions caused by hormone fluctuations, and they mostly occur in women of childbearing age. Some cysts may increase or decrease during the menstrual cycle as hormone levels in the body change. There is a sliding sensation when palpated, and it is painless or only slightly painful. The causes of breast nodules are complex, including local hyperplasia, inflammation, and trauma recovery. Benign nodules such as fibroadenomas and ductal tumors feel hard and smooth with clear boundaries; malignant nodules are often irregular in shape, with unclear boundaries, and are hard to palpate, inelastic, and have poor mobility. B-ultrasound, molybdenum target, and breast puncture biopsy are commonly used examination methods that can assist in determining the nature of cysts and nodules.

For breast cysts, if the symptoms are mild and no special treatment is needed, the symptoms can be relieved by adjusting the diet, such as eating more foods rich in vitamin E and low in fat, and maintaining a regular schedule and avoiding stimulating beverages. If the cyst is too large or the symptoms are significant, ultrasound-guided puncture and fluid extraction can be selected. For breast nodules, it is key to clarify the pathological characteristics. For confirmed malignant or suspected nodules, surgical resection is often required, such as minimally invasive resection and partial mastectomy; benign but larger nodules can be considered for resection according to patient needs, and nodules smaller than 1 cm and without obvious symptoms can be followed up and observed regularly with B-ultrasound. Breast health management should be strengthened at ordinary times, abnormal changes should be detected as early as possible, and medical examinations should be sought.