Nine out of ten girls have breast hyperplasia? I was so scared I quickly covered my chest...

Author｜Zhuang Zhigang

　　Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital

Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel

It's that time of year again for a physical exam, and here's the report.

Breast hyperplasia, those four words.

In the past, many women, like myself, would feel very nervous upon hearing the words "breast hyperplasia".

Now, breast hyperplasia seems to have become a common term.

Searching some websites or posts, people seem very calm: breast hyperplasia is not a disease, and nine out of ten girls have it.

Is this really the case? Should breast hyperplasia be taken seriously?

The editor cleverly (and persistently) invited Dr. Zhuang Zhigang, Director of the Breast Department at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, to answer ten questions about breast hyperplasia!

Question 1

Is breast hyperplasia a disease? Should I take it seriously?

Director Zhuang of the Breast Department at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital clearly told the reporter that breast hyperplasia is not a disease.

During puberty, stimulated by estrogen, breast tissue may grow excessively, sometimes even exceeding its normal size, resulting in breast hyperplasia. Breast hyperplasia is not a disease, but rather an undesirable breast development, and requires no special attention. Aside from breast tenderness a week before menstruation, it has almost no symptoms.

After hearing this, I breathed a sigh of relief, and instantly felt my two lumps of flesh on my chest shining!

Question 2

It's one thing to have big breasts, but why did I, with small breasts, also get infected?

The answer is simple, because—

Breast size depends on many factors, including mammary gland tissue and adipose tissue, while breast hyperplasia is related to estrogen.

Therefore, breast hyperplasia has little to do with breast size.

Whether you have large or small breasts, you're at a disadvantage when it comes to breast hyperplasia...

Question 3

Being afraid of dying, I'll ask for you guys first: Doctor, can breast hyperplasia turn into cancer?

Don't worry too much. Breast hyperplasia generally doesn't turn into cancer, except for causing breast tenderness a week before menstruation. So it's neither a tumor nor an inflammation and won't harm your health!

Question 4

If I feel lumps while showering, does that mean I have hyperplasia?

When showering, many girls accidentally touch a lump in their breast. What is this lump called?

Director Zhuang said that sometimes when a lump forms in the breast, scientists give it a new name—a breast nodule. All lumps that form in the breast are called "breast nodules".

But besides breast hyperplasia, there is another major player in our breasts: breast tumors, also known as breast nodules.

Although it is a tumor, its borders are clear, it feels smooth, and it can move freely. It is clearly a high-quality benign tumor and cannot be compared with those vicious breast cancers.

Question 5

Is there any connection between the bras I wear and breast hyperplasia?

"Director, I often see online claims that wearing a bra can hinder lymphatic circulation in the breasts, causing toxin buildup and leading to breast cancer. Is this true? Could my breast hyperplasia also be related to my bra?"

Because breast hyperplasia is related to estrogen, there is no necessary connection between bras and breast hyperplasia. However, for breast health, it is recommended to choose a properly sized bra made of breathable material, which also makes it easier to detect abnormal breast conditions such as discharge.

Question 6

On behalf of foodies: Can we still enjoy soy milk , honey , and old hen ?

Of course you can! But don't overdo it; everything good needs to be balanced. Too much of anything can have negative effects.

Question 7

I developed breast hyperplasia at a young age, and my mother also has it? Is there a difference?

Indeed, many young women and older women commonly experience breast hyperplasia. In fact, there is no significant difference between breast hyperplasia in young women and in middle-aged women. There's no need to be overly anxious.

Question 8

My boyfriend is worried that I have breast hyperplasia, and I'm worried that he might get it too.

This... there's no need to worry too much. A small percentage of men do experience abnormal breast development, but breast hyperplasia will not occur.

Question 9

Can I get a breast massage if I have breast hyperplasia?

Breast hyperplasia can cause breast tenderness and swelling, which is related to factors such as endocrine disorders and excessive estrogen secretion. You can try gently pressing your breasts to relieve the pain, but only after a clear diagnosis from a doctor has been made and other diseases have been ruled out. It is not recommended to have breast massages done at beauty salons without a clear diagnosis, as this may delay proper treatment.

Question 10

What precautions should be taken if you have breast hyperplasia?

To reduce stress and improve mental well-being, it's important to alleviate life and work pressures, eliminate worries, and maintain a cheerful and peaceful state of mind. This can help relieve symptoms. Eat a light diet and get plenty of rest!

Expert introduction

Zhuang Zhigang is the Chief Physician at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. He has long been engaged in oncological surgery, particularly the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and soft tissue tumors . He has unique expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases and has conducted extensive research on the comprehensive treatment of breast cancer. He serves as a member of the Breast Cancer Professional Committee of the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association, a member of the Breast Disease Professional Committee of the China Maternal and Child Health Association, a member of the Oncology and Plastic Surgery Branch of the China Medical Promotion Association, a member of the Breast Disease Professional Committee of the Shanghai Association of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, and an editorial board member of the Tongji University Journal. He has presided over several scientific research projects, including those funded by the Shanghai Natural Science Foundation, the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (Medical Guidance Project), and the Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau. He has also participated in key medical projects funded by the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission. He is the chief editor of "Common Breast Diseases Consultation" and "Breast Cancer Consultation," and a co-editor of "New Challenges in Communication with Cancer Patients." He has published over ten SCI papers as first or corresponding author. He has received advanced training at UCLA in the United States and AKH Hospital in Austria.