BREAST LUMP
A breast lump is a localized swelling, protuberance, bulge, or bump on the breast that feels different from the breast tissue around it or the tissue in the same area of the other breast.
Causes:
Possible causes of breast lumps include:
● Cysts
● Abscesses, which can indicate an infection, such as mastitis
● Fibroadenoma
● Intraductal papillomas
● Fat necrosis
● Lipoma
● Breast cancer
● Gynecomastia, in males, when there is swelling in breast tissue
Self Examination
It is important to be familiar with the breasts. Knowing how the breasts normally feel can help people recognize any problematic changes or lumps at the earliest.
The following guidelines will help people carry out a self-examination.
- Looking in a mirror, check the size, shape, and color and look for visible swellings or lumps
- Raise the arms and repeat step 1.
- Check for any discharge from the nipples that may be watery, milky, yellow, or with blood.
- Feel the breasts with a firm, smooth motion while lying down, including under the arms and down to the ribcage.
- Repeat step 4 while standing or sitting. It may be easier in the shower.
Diagnosis
may undergo one or more of the following tests:
- A physical examination
- A mammogram
- A breast ultrasound scan
- A breast biopsy to rule out cancer
- An MRI or CT scan to see if changes have occurred elsewhere in the body
Treatment
A doctor will check any unexplained breast lumps, but not all lumps will need immediate treatment.
For a cyst or a fibrous lump, a doctor may recommend monitoring the lump but not taking any further action.May recommend excision biopsy in case of any doubt.
If there is an abscess, the doctor may lance and drain it with a fine needle and prescribe antibiotics.
If cancer is present, treatment usually involves a combination of:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormonal drug treatment
Ultimately, the choice of procedure will depend on the individual case and the recommendation of the healthcare provider. It’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of each procedure with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
NEVER IGNORE BREAST LUMP
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