Differential diagnosis between breast cancer and 4 common diseases

In clinical practice, breast diseases such as breast tuberculosis, simple breast cysts, milk cysts, and breast fibroids have similar clinical symptoms to breast cancer. To diagnose breast cancer, one should learn to differentiate it from these basic diseases.

1. Breast tuberculosis

Most patients with breast tuberculosis have a history of tuberculosis. The local tumor may have a history of redness and ulceration, and some cysts may have a cystic feel. Needle aspiration of the tumor can reveal caseous tissue and thin pus. Nipple discharge in patients with breast tuberculosis is mostly purulent.

2. Simple cyst of the breast

Simple breast cysts are mostly caused by the proliferation and increase of mammary duct epithelial cells, which leads to the elongation, tortuosity and folding of the duct. The duct may undergo necrosis due to ischemia at the folding part, forming a cyst, and then the duct wall atrophies. Single cysts are usually round; multiple cysts are usually oval, and are more common on both sides.

3. Milk cyst

Milk cysts mainly occur during lactation and can be single or multiple. They are grayish white and contain milk or cheese-like substances. The cyst wall varies in thickness and size and can occur in any part of the body, but is most common in the deeper breast area.

4. Breast fibroids

Single breast fibroids are usually small oval masses, and fibroids that grow before menarche can grow larger. They grow slowly, but can grow rapidly during pregnancy. Multiple breast fibroids appear uniform, medium hardness, and vary in size.