Summarize

1, there is no clear definition, is a broad concept.

2, Most of them were benign lesions, and a few were malignant lesions.

3, Not all breast nodules are palpable.

4, Early diagnosis is very important for treatment and prognosis.

breast nodule (breast nodule) does not have a clear definition, just a popular name, whether it is touched by oneself or physical examination, can be described as breast nodule, this description does not refer to the nature of the lesion. Breast nodules can also be called breast masses, breast lumps, breast nodules are not necessarily breast tumors, need to undergo professional imaging evaluation to clarify.

Epidemiology
There are no exact epidemiological data. The most common breast nodules in young women are breast fibroadenomas, which account for 7% to 13% of breast outpatients.

Etiology
The cause of breast nodules is not clear. It may be due to breast infection or injury, endocrine hormone level disorder, gene mutation, environment and other factors, resulting in cancerous or non-cancerous growth of breast cells, and then the symptoms of nodules

Underlying cause
Breast nodules can be caused by a variety of lesions, common lesions are as follows.

Breast infection
It is a benign lesion characterized by the formation of tender nodules in the breast, accompanied by the production of nipple discharge, which occurs in lactating women.

Fat necrosis
It is a benign lesion characterized by the formation of nodules from fat deposits in the breast, often resulting from an accident or surgical injury.

Fibrocystic change
It is a benign lesion characterized by the formation of small, multi-focal nodules in the breast, the size of nodules is different, and the texture is relatively tough, which tends to occur in women over 35 years of age.

Fibroadenoma
It is a benign lesion, which is characterized by the formation of painless nodules in the breast, mostly round or elliptic, elastic, and tends to occur in women aged 20 to 30.

Simple cyst

Generally benign, some have the possibility of malignant change, which is characterized by the formation of a fluid-filled swelling in the breast, the activity of the swelling is large, often before menstruation, after menstruation subsided, more than 30 years old or close to menopausal women.

Intraductal papilloma
Generally benign, some have the possibility of malignant transformation, characterized by the formation of nodules under the areola, accompanied by painless papillary discharge, most commonly in women over 45 years of age.

Malignant tumor
It is a malignant lesion characterized by the formation of irregularly shaped, borderless, hard nodules in the breast, most commonly occurring in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women.