Breast cysts and fibrocystic changes Breast cysts ( fluid-filled lumps ) are very common in ladies in their 30 – 50 ’ s . During this time , the breast tissue undergoes a process of involution ( breast tissue starting to shrink ). The milk glands can turn into cysts and the surrounding breast tissue becomes more fibrous , and hence the term fibrocystic changes . It is not a disease as it does not cause ill-health and does not increase your risk of breast cancer significantly . It can however , make your breast lumpy and tender , and is a cause of nipple discharge ( straw to greenish discharge with no blood ). Occasionally , cysts can get infected .
Treatment options : Cysts are usually left alone . If they are large or painful , it can be drained using a small needle and syringe with local anaesthetics .
Cyclical lumpiness Ladies ’ breasts are sensitive to the hormonal changes that drive the menstrual cycle . One of the hormones called progesterone causes the breast to be lumpy and tender . Sometimes the lumpiness can be so prominent that a lump can be felt when all there is are normal breast tissue . This lumpiness occurs usually 7 days before and after the menses . It can persist occasionally .
Treatment options : This lumpiness will settle over time , but it is important that a lady is checked to make sure that she does not have any lumps .
3 . I ’ m a guy . Can I get breast lumps ? Yes , men have small amounts of breast tissue behind the nipples . These can develop over time ( a condition called gynaecomastia ) usually due to a combination of causes .
4 . Are there ways to tell if a breast lump is cancerous ? Any breast lump should be managed by a doctor experienced in looking after breast conditions . This is because a lump can look benign but turn out to be cancerous . To minimise this risk of missing a breast cancer , the doctor will perform “ triple assessment ”, which consists of clinical assessment ( history taking and physical examination ), radiological assessment ( mammograms and ultrasound as appropriate ) and if necessary , pathological assessment ( a biopsy ). To date , there are no blood tests clinically proven to have high levels of accuracy to detect breast cancer .
5 . What can I expect during a breast doctor appointment ? Your doctor will enquire into your symptoms and risk factors . During breast examination , you will be requested to remove your top and bra . There should be a chaperone . You will lie down with your hands behind your neck . Your doctor will examine your breasts and armpit , and may also do a bedside ultrasound scan . Depending on the findings , your doctor may arrange for mammograms and ultrasounds , followed by a biopsy if necessary .
6 . How often should I get a breast examination ?
All ladies should self-examine their breasts monthly . For those with menses , the examination should be done 7 days after the start of the menses . For those without menses , any day of the month is good .
Ladies between the ages of 40 – 50 should consider going for a breast screening annually . Ladies after the age of 50 should go for a breast screening every 2 years .
7 . What surgery options are available ? For benign lumps , some can be safely left alone in the breast , and removal is optional . There are some benign lumps , such as phyllodes tumour , that will require removal . As for breast cancer , there is a wide range of options available , which aim to get rid of the cancer and also to restore cosmesis . The key is to catch any lumps early when they are small by monthly self-breast examination and by attending routine breast screening .
If you have signs and symptoms that you are unsure about , speak to your doctor . You may also find out more about breast cancer screening by speaking with one of our specialists today .
If you ’ re worried about the cost of surgery , Gleneagles Hospital offers price guarantee for your breast lumps removal surgery so you can budget for the procedure without any bill shock afterwards . This will give you the peace of mind you need to go ahead without any unwanted surprise fees . Learn more about Price Guarantee Procedures .
The improvement on your quality of life can be dramatic , so it ’ s important to prioritise treatment if you need it .
This article was first published on Health Plus , an online health and wellness resource developed by IHH Healthcare Singapore .
For appointment bookings and enquiries ,
Contact our Central Patient Assistance Centre 24-hour hotline at ( 65 ) 735 5000 .
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GlobalHealthAndTravel . com ISSUE 5 | 2022
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