Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Why can fibrocystic breast condition be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
Fibrocystic breast condition that involves hyperplasia is associated with a
slightly elevated risk of breast cancer, and atypical hyperplasia is associated
with a moderately increased risk of breast cancer when compared to women without
fibrocystic changes. This is because genetic errors (mutations) have begun to
accumulate in cells that no longer respond normally to the signals that usually
control cell growth and division. These cells may also have an impaired ability
to repair any genetic damage. As the atypical cells increase in number, they
accumulate additional genetic errors.
Environmental, dietary, and metabolic toxins may also interact with a woman's
complex hormonal system to increase the risk of mutations and thus increase the
risk of breast cancer. It has been demonstrated that individuals differ
significantly in their ability to break down and remove toxins from the body.
Some of this varied response to toxins may be due to inherited differences. The
potential for DNA damage (leading to genetic errors or mutations), which can be
caused by a variety of damaging agents combined with the stimulation of cell
division, is what ultimately leads to the risk of breast cancer that is
associated with some cases of fibrocystic breast condition; the ability to
recognize and repair DNA damage, a process that cells must continuously perform,
varies from person to person.
Why don't all women with fibrocystic breast condition have breast biopsies?
One reason to undergo a breast biopsy is to diagnose breast cancer. Another
reason is to identify those women with fibrocystic breast condition who are at an
increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future. However, it is
important to note that the severity
of a woman's symptoms and clinical signs of fibrocystic breast condition (pain and
lumpiness) do not necessarily correlate with the severity or the cellular
changes seen findings under the
microscope. Therefore, it is difficult to single out every woman with
fibrocystic breast condition for whom a breast biopsy would be useful.
Additional reasons why breast biopsies are not done on every woman with
fibrocystic breast condition include: (1) the invasive nature of the biopsy
procedure; (2) the necessity of anesthesia; and (3) cost-benefit considerations.
Instead, most women with fibrocystic breast condition are followed over time as if
they all are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer. The woman
herself must ensure that her clinician is appropriately monitoring her on a
regular basis.
Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, and wear and tear can cause cysts. Though some cysts may be palpable, others may not produce any symptoms. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the cyst.
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 include a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple pain, change in breast size or shape, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, and breast skin changes. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland comprised largely of fat. Within the mammary gland is a complex network of branching ducts. The ducts exit from sac-like structures called lobules, which can produce milk in females. The darkened area around the nipple is called the areola. Common medical concerns in regard to the breast include breast lumps, breast cysts, breast cancer, and breast infections.
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 diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Lifestyle changes, a healthy antioxidant-rich diet, exercise, and weight reduction can help reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It's important to be aware of how risk factors such as family history, lifestyle factors, breast conditions, radiation therapy, and hormonal factors may influence your chances of developing breast cancer. Mammography and breast self-examinations are crucial steps in breast cancer prevention.
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