Breast (cont.)
What are the most common medical concerns about the breast?
When a woman or a man detects a
breast lump,
breast cancer is likely the greatest health concern. While most breast lumps are harmless (benign), every breast
lump should be evaluated by a doctor to exclude or establish a diagnosis of
cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. One in every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer. The risk is even higher for women:
- with previous breast cancer,
- those who have first-degree relatives with breast cancer,
- those with multiple family members with cancer, and
- those who have inherited "cancer
genes."
When detected early, breast cancer has a high cure rate, so the most important strategy in improving survival is breast cancer screening of women with regular
mammograms.
In addition to cancers, a number of benign tumors and processes can also affect the breast to cause a lump. Fibroadenoma is an example of a common benign tumor of the breast
that occurs in young women. Fibroadenoma is completely cured by surgical
removal. Other benign processes in the breast include
fibrocystic changes and
presence of benign cysts.
Infections of the breast, known as mastitis, are
particularly common in women who are breastfeeding. When the skin of the nipple
(areola) is injured or cracked, such as occurs with nursing, bacteria can enter the wound and cause infections. Infections can either be a deep pocket of pus, in which the
infection looks like it is growing down into the breast (an abscess), or a wider
area of skin redness that spreads out (cellulitis).
Cosmetic surgeries are sometimes performed when women
request breast reduction or breast augmentation. Although different techniques
are used, breast implants have been used for surgical breast enlargement. Breast
reconstruction is a cosmetic technique that is also commonly performed after
surgical breast removal (mastectomy) for breast cancer.
Last Editorial Review: 4/2/2009
- Breast Biopsy - Learn about the different types of breast biopsy procedures, which are used to remove suspicious breast growth and examined for the presence of cancer.
- Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Early Cancer Detection And Treatment - Learn about cancer detection - symptoms, exams, diagnosis and treatment for different types of cancer on MedicineNet.com
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