Loading ...Breast Lump And Breast Cancer
Most women will be alarmed if they find a lump or notice some changes in their breasts. What usually comes into their mind is it will probably be cancer. The normal reaction is to go to the doctor and have a test or keep it within her because of fear. However you should know that not all breast lump is cancerous.
Women’s breasts undergo some changes due to following factors:
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Menstrual cycle
- Breastfeeding
- Menopause
- Birth control
- Hormone pills
- Bruise or blow to the breast
The exact causes of benign breast lump or malignant cancer remained unknown but the fact that one out of eleven women will develop cancer at some time during her life is something not to be taken for granted. However, it is reassuring to know that breast cancer can be fought and that survival rates are improving. Early detection is the most important factor to achieve cure and survival.
How to know if having an unusual breast lump.
The first sign of a breast problem is often a lump that a woman herself finds. Make breast self examination a monthly habit so that you will get use to the normal feel of your breast. After you feel what is normal for you, you should be able to notice the changes. A lump is abnormal if you have not felt it during earlier breast exams and it now stands out as more prominent than the surrounding tissue. If you found this one, see your doctor immediately.
What kind of doctor should see if one notice unusual breast lump?
Seek the help of a gynecologist, family doctor or a general practitioner. He may refer to other doctors for second opinion or to a surgeon in case the lump should be removed and must undergo biopsy.
How to detect any potentially dangerous breast lump?
A woman aged 50 or older whose closest relative has had breast cancer has the highest risk of having it too. However generally, women from 20 – 40 years old should perform monthly breast self examination (BSE) and visit her doctor once every three years to have breast x ray or mammogram. Women from age 40- 49 should perform monthly breast self examination and have mammogram every one or two years. After 50 a woman should have an annual mammogram.
How is a breast lump evaluated?
The doctor has many ways to evaluate a lump:
- Palpation – The doctor conduct this test by using his or her own hands to thoroughly examine each breast in order to evaluate the consistency of the tissue.
- Mammography – This x-ray technique using low levels of radiation to create an image or picture of the breast on film is the most effective method in detecting if the lump is cancerous or benign.
- Biopsy – A portion or the whole lump will be remove by surgery and will be examine through microscopic examination. This test is commonly use by doctors because of its accuracy.
- Thermography – this test measures the heat patterns in the breast, an abnormal pattern indicates abnormal condition.
Ultrasound- in this test the visual image of the interior breast can be viewed.
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I had a lump in my right breast and I was really scared as my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and died after five months. However, when I went to the doctor, he said it was just a benign tumour and I have nothing to worry about.
I suggest if you are really worried about breast cancer and have a family history of it then see a doctor regularly. I find it difficult to examine my breasts by myself and I am sure others face the same problem. Seeing a doctor is the best way.
I am a new mother and currently breast feeding my little daughter. I was wondering is there any co relation between breastfeeding and breast cancer. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 36.