|
Most women associate lumps in their breast or underarms
as the classic symptom of breast cancer. Other signs and
symptoms include nipple discharge, changes in the size
or shape of the breast, or dimpling and puckering of the
breast. However, it is important to remember that women
experience changes in the look and feel of their breasts
throughout the lifetime. Most of these changes are perfectly
normal and do not require any sort of followup. Other
changes are defined as benign breast disease, meaning
they are noncancerous. Some require further diagnosis
and treatment as their symptoms are similar to those of
breast cancer, while others are of no concern. A clinical
breast exam by a physician is the best first step in determining
the status of any breast changes and appropriate next
steps.
Some of the more typical benign breast changes include:
Cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are
almost always benign. Often they can be left alone,
or if painful, they can be drained of the fluid (aspirated).
If cysts are large enough, they may feel like lumps
in the breast, one of the symptoms of breast cancer.
A mammogram may be indicated to accurately identify
the cause of the lump. The presence of cysts is not
associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas
Fibroadenomas are benign lumps, usually found in younger
women. They do not need to be removed because they pose
no risk, but if they are large enough they can produce
a lump that will be felt in the breast. Therefore some
women are more comfortable having it removed. Fibroadenomas
are generally not associated with an increased risk
of cancer.
Calcification
Calcifications are just randomly scattered bits of calcium
in the breast. Occasionally, clusters of tiny calcifications
(microcalcifications) can be indications of cancer or
precursors to cancer. Microcalcifications usually form
as small, tight clusters in the ducts that can be seen
on a mammogram. Although they are not themselves dangerous,
they can be a warning sign of cancer and lead a doctor
to perform follow-up tests to determine whether the
area is cancerous or not. Usually, the area is benign.
Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia is a term describing the
excessive accumulation (proliferation) of cells. There
are two main types of hyperlasia—usual and atypical.
As its name suggests, in usual hyperplasia the excessive
cells have a normal appearance. In atypical hyperplasia,
the cells have an abnormal appearance. Both forms of
hyperplasia increase the risk of breast cancer, with
the greater risk associated with atypical hyperplasia.
|
Introduction
Printer
Friendly Page