Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Breast Fibroadenoma
Treatment of breast fibroadenoma with TCM begins with syndrome differentiation and individualized prescription based on the patient’s specific symptoms, aiming to correct organ function while using herbs to dissipate masses and resolve nodules, achieving simultaneous treatment of root and branch. Clinical outcomes are often favorable.
Stagnation of Liver Qi Type: Typically presents with small, slowly growing masses, non-red, non-hot, painless, movable upon palpation. Patients may experience breast discomfort, chest tightness, sighing. Tongue coating is thin and white, pulse is wiry. Treatment focuses on soothing the liver, resolving stagnation, dispersing masses, and resolving nodules. Formula: Xiao Yao San with modifications: 9 g of bupleurum, 12 g of angelica, 12 g of red peony, 15 g of whole trichosanthes, 15 g of pinellia, 12 g of turmeric, 9 g of cyperus, 30 g of stone breaker, 15 g of fritillaria, 30 g of kelp.
Blood Stasis and Phlegm Concretion Type: Usually presents with large, hard, heavy masses, discomfort, radiating pain in the chest and ribs, irritability, restlessness, or menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea. Tongue is dark red, coating thin and greasy, pulse wiry and fine. Treatment aims to soothe the liver, activate blood circulation, resolve phlegm, and disperse nodules. Formula: Xiao Yao San combined with Tao Hong Si Wu Tang with modifications: 9 g of peach kernel, 9 g of safflower, 12 g of angelica, 12 g of red peony, 30 g of curcuma, 12 g of pangolin scale, 30 g of kelp, 30 g each of raw and calcined dragon bone and oyster shell, 30 g of stone breaker, 30 g of August Fruit, 6 g of bupleurum, 12 g of poria.
During herbal intake, dietary restrictions apply: avoid cold, greasy, fishy, spicy foods; discontinue during menstruation; stop if infection such as cold occurs. If the tumor neither shrinks nor continues to grow rapidly after several weeks of TCM, discontinue treatment and proceed to surgery promptly.
Aside from syndrome differentiation, several commonly used patent medicines are available, such as Xiao Jin Wan, Xiao Jin Pian, and hospital-prepared formulations based on single prescriptions, which can be taken under physician guidance with regular follow-up.
External therapies can also play a role in treating breast fibroadenoma. For example, Yang He Jie Ning Gao mixed with black reduction powder and applied externally, or topical application of herbal mixtures (egg yolk or wine-based) with blood-activating, stasis-resolving, and phlegm-dissolving effects, may yield clinical benefits. However, it must be emphasized that external TCM treatments must be used under professional guidance. Do not self-administer any external remedy just because someone claims it works—some substances may be corrosive or toxic. Self-application may worsen conditions, cause skin ulcers, and lead to new complications. Never use them without medical advice.
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