Is a breast cyst considered a nodule?

Breast cysts and breast nodules are different concepts, but both are lumps in the breast and can be found through physical examinations and imaging examinations (such as B-ultrasound). Breast cysts are usually cystic structures filled with fluid, while breast nodules may be solid or mixed structures. If you are unsure of the nature, you should seek medical attention in time to further clarify the diagnosis and take appropriate measures.

1. The difference between breast cysts and breast nodules

Breast cysts are cystic masses formed by the accumulation of breast secretions, which are filled with fluid. Breast nodules are abnormal masses that can be touched or found by imaging in the breast, which can appear as solid, liquid, or a mixture of the two. Breast cysts are mostly benign and not obviously dangerous, and are common in hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy. Breast nodules are diverse in nature, including benign nodules (such as fibroadenomas) and malignant nodules (such as breast cancer), which require a combination of imaging examinations and pathological tests for evaluation.

2. How to distinguish breast cysts and nodules

-B-ultrasound examination: This is a commonly used breast examination tool. Breast cysts appear as oval or circular echo-free areas with clear boundaries and transparent liquid inside under B-ultrasound; breast nodules may appear as low-echo solid lesions, with boundaries and shapes that vary depending on their nature.

-Palpation: Breast cysts are usually soft and movable lumps, which can sometimes be felt to fluctuate and are often related to changes in the menstrual cycle; breast nodules are mostly hard, fixed, regular or irregular lumps.

- Other tests: In unclear cases, the nature can be clarified by mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or needle biopsy.

3. What to do if you find a breast cyst or nodule

-Regular follow-up: If the cyst is small and has no symptoms or pain, you can follow up regularly under the doctor's advice, usually with an ultrasound every 3-6 months. If the cyst is simple in nature, no special treatment is usually required.

-Drug treatment: For some cysts caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, hormone-regulating drugs, such as oral contraceptives or progesterone drugs, can be taken under the guidance of a doctor, but other possible lesions need to be removed.

-Surgical intervention: If the cyst causes obvious pain or discomfort, or the breast nodule is diagnosed as malignant (such as breast cancer), puncture drainage, cyst wall resection or breast lump resection may be required. The specific treatment method needs to be formulated under the guidance of a professional doctor.

Although there are significant differences between breast cysts and breast nodules, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible after discovery to clarify the nature of both so that timely treatment or monitoring can be carried out. Through regular physical examinations and a healthy lifestyle, breast problems can be detected early and risks can be reduced, thus ensuring breast health.