What should I do if my breast develops a hard lump?

A hard lump in the breast is a condition that many women may encounter, which could be caused by various factors including benign tumors, cysts, mammary hyperplasia, or mastitis. When a hard lump appears in the breast, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps for proper management:

1. Self-examination: Observe the shape, size, firmness of the breast lump, and whether there are accompanying symptoms such as pain or discharge. Also, check for any indentation or changes in the skin color of the breast.

2. Seek medical evaluation: Schedule an appointment with a gynecologist or breast specialist for examination. The doctor may recommend tests such as breast ultrasound, mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the nature of the lump. In certain cases, a biopsy may also be needed for a definitive diagnosis.

3. Medication therapy: If the lump is benign and symptoms are mild, drug treatment may be adopted, such as Xiaoyao San or Ruxiao Sanjie tablets.

4. Surgical treatment: If the lump is large, growing rapidly, or determined to be malignant, surgical treatment should be considered, such as fibroadenoma excision or modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.

5. General management: Maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid wearing tight-fitting bras, and reduce caffeine intake, which may help alleviate symptoms.

Throughout the treatment process, patients should maintain a positive mindset, follow medical advice, and attend regular follow-up appointments. Additionally, attention should be given to diet, rest, and exercise to enhance overall immune function.