Are breast nodules cysts?

Breast nodules are not the same as cysts. The two are different pathological concepts. Breast nodules are abnormal tissue structures in breast tissue, which can be caused by a variety of reasons, and cysts are one type of them. Understanding the difference between the two can help everyone better understand and judge their breast health.

Breast nodules are a general description, referring to abnormal "lumps" felt in breast tissue or found by imaging examinations. In terms of nature, it may be benign, such as fibroadenoma, breast cyst, etc., or it may be malignant, such as breast cancer. Cysts are small "sacs" containing fluid in the breast, like a small bubble filled with water. They are usually benign changes and most of them will not cause serious problems. But because cysts are also a manifestation of breast nodules, many people are easily confused.

Specifically, cysts are usually soft and have clear borders, and you may feel a "sliding" feeling when pressing with your hands. Other types of breast nodules, such as fibroadenomas, are relatively hard and their borders may not be clear. Malignant nodules often appear hard, irregular, with blurred borders and poor mobility. These subtle differences can be more clearly judged in imaging such as ultrasound examinations. Sometimes, doctors will perform further punctures or biopsies as needed to clarify the nature of the nodules.

In daily life, regular breast examinations are an important measure to protect breast health, especially for women over 35 years old or with a family history of breast disease. You can usually find abnormalities early through breast self-examination, such as choosing one week after the end of the menstrual period each month to check for abnormal lumps by gentle pressure. If you know you have breast nodules, it is also important to maintain good living habits, including eating a light diet, regular work and rest, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time and staying up late. As for whether further treatment is needed, it is recommended to make a professional evaluation based on the doctor's judgment.

Don't panic after discovering a breast nodule. Most benign lesions will not develop into malignant ones. However, if the lump grows rapidly in a short period of time or is accompanied by pain or other discomfort, you need to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.