MedicineNet

Breast Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Breast. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Breast or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Swollen Lymph Nodes Article
    • What are lymph nodes?
    • Where are the lymph nodes located in the body?
    • What are the causes of swollen lymph nodes?
    • What are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes?
    • How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?
    • How are swollen lymph nodes treated?
    • When should I see the doctor for swollen lymph nodes?
    • What are the common lymph nodes that may get swollen?
    • What are the complications of swollen lymph nodes?
    • Swollen Lymph Nodes At A Glance
  • Cysts Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance....learn more »
    In This Article
    Cysts Article
    • What is a cyst?
    • What are the causes of a cyst?
    • What are the different types of cysts?
    • What are cyst symptoms and signs, and how are cysts diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a cyst?
    • Is prevention of cysts possible?
    • What is the prognosis of cysts?
    • Cysts At A Glance
  • Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Symptoms...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer Article
    • Breast cancer facts
    • What is breast cancer?
    • What are the different types of breast cancer?
    • What causes breast cancer?
    • What are breast cancer risk factors?
    • What are breast cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is breast cancer diagnosed?
    • How is breast cancer staging determined?
    • What is the treatment for breast cancer?
    • What is the prognosis of breast cancer?
    • Can breast cancer be prevented?
    • What research is being done on breast cancer? Should I participate in a clinical trial?
    • I may have breast cancer. What questions should I ask my doctor?
    • What type of breast cancer do I have?
    • Is my family history relevant to my breast cancer diagnosis?
    • What other studies should be done on my tissue biopsy?
    • Should I stop taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
    • Even though my breast tumor does not have hormone receptors, should I take tamoxifen to reduce the risk of a new tumor?
    • I have a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a type of localized cancer. Why have I been advised to have a mastectomy when other women with invasive cancer have lumpectomies?
    • Should I start chemotherapy before surgery?
    • If I am advised to have a mastectomy, what are the risks and benefits of immediate breast reconstruction?
    • Should my lymph nodes be removed?
    • What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and what are its benefits and risks?
  • Pregnancy Symptoms Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. There are some symptoms that are more frequent in some women. These symptoms ...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pregnancy Symptoms Article
    • Introduction
    • Missed period
    • Breast swelling, tenderness, and pain
    • Abdominal cramps and bloating
    • Food cravings
    • Fatigue and tiredness
    • Elevated basal body temperature
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Frequent urination
    • Changes in nipple color
    • Melasma (darkening of the skin)
    • Mood swings and stress
    • Headaches
  • Fibrocystic Breast Condition Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) is characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fibrocystic Breast Condition Article
    • What are fibrocystic breasts?
    • Is there a difference between fibrocystic breast condition and fibrocystic breast disease?
    • What causes fibrocystic breasts?
    • Which women are more likely to develop fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Can fibrocystic breast condition affect just one breast?
    • Why is it important to diagnosis fibrocystic breasts?
    • How is fibrocystic breast condition diagnosed?
    • Is there more than one type of fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Why can fibrocystic breast condition be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
    • Why don't all women with fibrocystic breast condition have breast biopsies?
    • What is the recommended follow-up for women with fibrocystic breast condition?
    • How is the risk of breast cancer in fibrocystic breast condition patients calculated?
    • What are the treatments for fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Are there any dietary or life style factors associated with fibrocystic breast condition?
    • Fibrocystic Breast condition At A Glance
  • Breast Lumps (In Women) Breast lumps in women can have a variety of causes such as breast inflammation, infection, injuries, cancer, and non-cancerous...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Lumps (In Women) Article
    • What are causes of breast lumps?
    • Infections that cause breast lumps
    • Injuries that cause breast lumps
    • Non-cancerous growths that cause breast lumps
    • Symptoms of breast cancer
    • What determines breast cancer risk?
    • How are breast lumps evaluated?
    • How can a woman be certain that a lump is not cancer?
    • How are breast lumps treated?
    • Breast Lumps At A Glance
  • Male Breast Cancer Male breast cancer accounts for 1% of all breast cancers, and most cases are found in men between the ages of 60 and 70. A man's...learn more »
    In This Article
    Male Breast Cancer Article
    • What is male breast cancer?
    • How common is male breast cancer?
    • What are causes and risk factors of male breast cancer?
    • What are the different types of male breast cancer?
    • What are male breast cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is male breast cancer diagnosed?
    • What is staging of male breast cancer?
    • What is the treatment for male breast cancer?
    • What is the outcome (prognosis) of male breast cancer?
    • Male Breast Cancer At A Glance
  • Prolactinoma (Pituitary Tumor) Prolactinoma is an adenoma (benign tumor) of the pituitary gland. Causes of many prolactinomas are unknown. Symptoms in women...learn more »
    In This Article
    Prolactinoma (Pituitary Tumor) Article
    • What is a prolactinoma (pituitary tumor)?
    • What is the normal function of prolactin?
    • What is the pituitary gland?
    • Where is the pituitary gland located?
    • What problems are caused by a pituitary tumor?
    • How common is a prolactinoma?
    • What are the types of prolactinomas?
    • What causes a prolactinoma?
    • What symptoms are caused by a prolactinoma?
    • Aside from a prolactinoma, what else can cause prolactin levels to rise?
    • How is a prolactinoma diagnosed?
    • What follow-up tests are done after a prolactinoma diagnosis?
    • What are the goals of treatment of a prolactinoma?
    • How is a prolactinoma treated?
    • What medications are used to treat prolactinomas?
    • What is the surgical treatment of a prolactinoma?
    • How do I choose a skilled neurosurgeon?
    • Does a prolactinoma affect pregnancy and oral contraceptives?
    • Do prolactinomas affect oral contraceptives?
    • Is osteoporosis a risk in women with high prolactin levels?
    • Prolactinoma At A Glance
  • Puberty The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a...learn more »
    In This Article
    Puberty Article
    • Puberty facts
    • What is puberty?
    • When does puberty occur?
    • What determines when puberty begins?
    • What are the physical changes of puberty in girls and boys?
    • What other changes in the body occur during puberty in boys and girls?
    • What are the medical concerns associated with normal puberty?
    • What are medical conditions associated with early or late puberty?
  • Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding Article
    • When should we decide about breastfeeding?
    • Why is the choice so important?
    • What are the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding?
    • What are the advantages and disadvantages of formula feeding?
    • Can we use both forms of feedings for our baby?
    • Is there any special preparation required for breastfeeding?
    • When can breastfeeding begin?
    • What is the proper technique for breastfeeding?
    • When should breast pumps be used?
    • Should certain foods be avoided while breastfeeding?
    • How can one manage minor discomforts related to breastfeeding?
    • Clogged milk ducts
    • Sore nipples
    • When should one seek medical care for problems with breastfeeding?
    • Can supplements or medications increase a low milk supply?
    • Is it possible to breastfeed while pregnant?
    • Is smoking harmful when breastfeeding?
    • Do breast implants, surgeries, or reductions affect breastfeeding?
    • How should one wean a baby from breastfeeding?
    • Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding At A Glance
  • Paget's Disease of the Nipple Paget's disease is a rare form of cancer that forms in or around the nipple and frequently coexists with breast cancer. The exact...learn more »
    In This Article
    Paget's Disease of the Nipple Article
    • What is Paget's disease of the nipple?
    • What are the possible causes of Paget's disease of the nipple?
    • What are the symptoms of Paget's disease of the nipple?
    • How is Paget's disease of the nipple diagnosed?
    • How is Paget's disease of the nipple treated?
    • Are clinical trials (research studies) available? Where can people get more information about clinical trials?
  • Women's Health Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Women's Health Article
    • Introduction to Women's Health
    • Women's General Health and Wellness
    • Female Anatomy
    • The Female Reproductive System
    • Female Hormones
    • Diseases More Common In Women
    • Cancer In Women
    • Women's Cosmetic Concerns
    • Menstruation
    • Sexuality
    • Fertility, Birth Control and Infertility
    • Pregnancy
    • Motherhood
    • Menopause
    • The Mature Woman - Post Menopause
  • Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Lymphedema is a common chronic, debilitating condition in which excess fluid called lymph collects in tissues and causes swelling...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Article
    • What is lymphedema?
    • Who is at risk for developing lymphedema?
    • What happens after my breast cancer surgery?
    • What are lymphedema symptoms and signs?
    • How is lymphedema diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for lymphedema?
    • How can I help prevent lymphedema?
    • Maintain good nutrition
    • Exercise regularly
    • Avoid infections
    • Stay alert for signs of infections
    • Avoid tight clothing, shoes, or jewelry
    • Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm (even a purse or bag)
    • Keep your skin meticulously clean
    • Take precautions during visits to your doctor
    • Inform your doctor of any symptoms
    • What can I do if I already have lymphedema?
    • What is the prognosis for lymphedema?
  • Breast Enlargement Surgery (Breast Augmentation) Second Source article from The Cleveland Clinic...learn more »
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound....learn more »
    In This Article
    Inflammatory Breast Cancer Article
    • What are inflammatory breast cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for inflammatory breast cancer?
  • Breast Cancer Prevention Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer Prevention Article
    • Introduction to breast cancer prevention
    • What are the biological causes of breast cancer?
    • What are the risk factors for developing breast cancer?
    • What is the importance of early breast cancer detection?
    • What are the advantages and limitations of mammography?
    • How frequently should women undergo mammography and breast examinations?
    • What is the risk of radiation with repeated mammography screening over the years?
    • Are there any controversies in the area of breast cancer screening?
    • How helpful are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic tests in identifying women at risk?
    • What is the link between estrogen and breast cancer?
    • What are breast cancer prevention treatments?
    • Are there other breast cancer prevention measures?
    • Conclusion
  • Breast Cancer in Young Women About 5% of cases of breast cancer occur in women under the age of 40 years old. Some risk factors for breast cancer in young...learn more »
    In This Article
    Breast Cancer in Young Women Article
    • Introduction
    • What is different about breast cancer in young women?
    • Can breast cancer in younger women be prevented?
    • Should women under age 40 get mammograms?
    • What's the best way for younger women to screen for breast cancer?
    • How is breast cancer treated in young women?
  • Pregnancy Basics Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pregnancy Basics Article
    • Introduction
    • Body Changes
    • Digestive Difficulties
    • Stretch Marks and Other Skin Changes
    • Sleeping Troubles
    • Weight Gain
    • Is it Safe to have Sex?
    • When to Call the Doctor
  • Estimating Breast Cancer Risk: Questions and Answers As breast cancer is the most diagnosed non-skin cancer in American women, it is important to know your breast cancer risk. Risk...learn more »
    In This Article
    Estimating Breast Cancer Risk: Questions and Answers Article
    • Who develops breast cancer?
    • What is the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool?
    • What are the risk factors used to estimate breast cancer risk in the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool?
    • Why are some other risk factors left out of the Tool?
    • Is the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool useful for all women?
    • What are some of the latest research findings on breast cancer risk?
    • Are there ways to decrease the chance of developing breast cancer?
    • How did BCPT and STAR use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool to add to our knowledge of breast cancer risk?
    • What else can a woman do about breast cancer?