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Monday, February 2, 2015

BREAST DISEASES symptoms causes treatment medicines preventive care


The breast is an important part of the female reproductive system. And, like internal reproductive organs, it is dependent to an extent on the level of hormone activity. This is exemplified by changes in size and consistency of breast tissue during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy as hormonal levels change. The breast is made up of glandulartissue arranged in a complicated pattern of lobes. The milk ducts lead into the nipple at the approximate center of the lobes. The breast is subject to a number of disorders that are difficult to differentiate by physical examination alone, since they most commonly take the form of a lump or mass. 

The lump may be a benign growth, a cyst, or a cancer.

Since primary prevention for any of these conditions is limited, early detection of a lump and identification of its nature are an important preventive measure. Self-examination of' the breasts at least once a month, at the end of the menstrual cycle (after the monthly flow) when the breasts are normally soft, is an excellent means of early detection. Women who feel that they cannot adequately perform self-examination can make arrangements with their doctor for a brief monthly examination. The technique of self-examination is described. Of course, examination of the breast is an important part of a regular physical examination. In many cases, when a mass is found, the physician can determine if it is benign through history and examination.


Among other things, he will consider the age of the patient; breast cancer is rare below age 20 and quite uncommon until the 40'S. Any painand fluctuation in size of the lump usually indicate that the cause is benign cystic change of glandular tissue. Some women are prone to recurrent breast cysts, a condition referred to as chronic cystic mastitis or benign cystic disease (see below). Nipple discharge, with or without a lump, is almost always indicative of a benign growth. 

The physician also will consider the consistency of the mass, whether it is well demarcated, and whether there are skin changes over the area. In most cases, when there is any doubt as to the nature of the suspicious mass, the physician will remove it for microscopic examination. This will resolve doubts and fears of both doctor and patient. The surgery is minor even though it is usually done under general anesthesia