Breast Disease
When dealing with breast diseases I find that most patients want one of two questions answered. One question is, "Do I have breast cancer?" The second is, "Can you prove to me that I do not have breast cancer?" Although these questions sound similar they are very different in how you approach the patient and in the patient's expectations. Patients will request surgical consultation for abnormalities identified on a physical examination, radiographic evaluation, or because of family history concerns. These problems may be acquired or congenital. They may involve males or females. Different disease entities can affect patients at different times of their lives. Adolescence, pregnancies, other diseases, new medications, and generalized aging all can contribute to specific breast abnormalities.
Most women experience breast changes at some time. Your age, hormone levels and medicines you take may cause lumps, bumps and discharges. If you have a breast lump, pain, discharge or skin irritation, see your health care provider. Minor and serious breast problems have similar symptoms. Although many women fear cancer, most breast problems are not cancer.
Common Causes of Breast Changes
- Fibrocystic breast condition - lumpiness, thickening and swelling, often associated with a woman's period
- Cysts - fluid-filled lumps
- Fibroadenomas - solid, round, rubbery lumps that move easily when pushed, occurring most in younger women
- Intraductal papillomas - growths similar to warts near the nipple
- Blocked or clogged milk ducts
- Milk production when a woman is not breastfeeding
- Injury