Author Archives: Dr. Li

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About Dr. Li

I am a professional surgeon based in Beijing, China.

Main Symptoms of Mammary Duct Ectasia

Mammary duct ectasia happens when a milk duct beneath the nipple widens and fills with thick, sticky fluid. It is most common in women aged 40–60 and can mimic more serious breast problems, so knowing its typical signs is helpful. The classic first complaint is a sticky, greenish, brown or black nipple discharge that may stain a bra or be noticed only when the nipple is squeezed. The discharge is usually painless and varies from a few drops to a constant moistness. Many women feel a dull, heavy ache or a burning sensation behind the nipple that can radiate into... Learn more

Main Clinical Manifestations of Intraductal Papilloma of the Breast

Intraductal papilloma (IDP) is a benign intraductal proliferative lesion arising from the epithelium of the mammary duct system. It occurs most frequently in women aged 30–50 years and may be solitary (central) or multiple (peripheral). Symptom expression correlates with lesion location, size, and the presence of epithelial atypia. Spontaneous nipple dischargeUnilateral, single-duct discharge is the hallmark symptom. Discharge is typically serous, serosanguinous, or frankly bloody; blood-stained fluid reflects torsion or ischaemia of the papillary stalk . Palpable subareolar massA small, firm, mobile nodule may be felt behind the nipple; tenderness is uncommon unless secondary infection or haemorrhage has occurred .... Learn more

Main Clinical Manifestations of Breast Atrophy

Breast atrophy is the partial or complete loss of glandular and adipose volume within the mammary envelope, most frequently encountered after substantial weight reduction, menopause, prolonged hypo-oestrogenism, or post-operative/radiation changes. Recognition is based on objective volume loss rather than subjective patient perception. Decrease in breast projection and circumferenceMeasurable reduction in bust circumference (> 2 cm compared with baseline) and loss of upper-pole fullness produce a flattened or “deflated” contour. Excess, lax skin envelopeThe mammary skin becomes redundant, often with fine wrinkling and loss of elasticity; the inframammary fold may descend or efface. Nipple-areolar complex changesAreolar diameter often decreases, and the... Learn more

Main Clinical Manifestations of Breast Cysts

Breast cysts are fluid-filled, epithelial-lined cavities that develop within terminal ducto-lobular units under hormonal influence. They may be solitary or multiple and are most prevalent in perimenopausal women. Symptom intensity correlates with cyst size, tension, and associated inflammation. Cyclic or non-cyclic mastalgiaA well-localised, dull or throbbing pain that increases during the luteal phase; larger cysts produce constant discomfort unrelated to menses. Palpable, resilient massA smooth, round, mobile lump with distinct borders that may feel fluctuant; tension within the cyst creates a firm “rubber-ball” consistency. Rapid variation in sizeCysts may enlarge within days and regress spontaneously, distinguishing them from solid tumours... Learn more

Main Clinical Manifestations of Breast Hypoplasia

Breast hypoplasia denotes under-development of glandular parenchyma beyond two standard deviations from age-specific norms. The condition may be unilateral or bilateral, isolated or associated with systemic syndromes. Recognition is based on quantitative and qualitative deviations from expected breast morphology rather than on isolated patient perception. Deficient breast volumeA mammary projection that remains ≤ Tanner stage II after age 16 years, or a breast circumference difference ≥ 150 mL compared with the contralateral side, defines objective hypoplasia. AsymmetryUnilateral hypoplasia produces visible volume discrepancy, often accompanied by contralateral hypertrophy; the nipple-areolar complex is smaller and may lie more superiorly on the affected... Learn more