BREAST ADVICE FOR LUMPS ~ 90% of Breast Conditions are Not Cancer

90% of Breast Health problems are benign - not Cancer.

Abnormalities may include:

CYSTS

They are NOT related to breast cancer.

About 60% of women will have at least one cyst during their lifetime.

Cysts are collections of fluids in breast tissue.

They are usually small and do not cause problems, but may increase in size, form a

lump, or cause pain or tenderness.

Cysts occur most commonly between the ages of 35 and 50 years and especially

between 42 and 48 years.

They are uncommon after menopause except in women on Hormone Replacement

Therapy.

HORMONAL THICKENING

Hormonal thickening is NOT related to the development of breast cancer.

This can occur at any age during the reproductive years and may come and go.

It is a response to hormone changes and is often related to pre-menopausal breast

tenderness. It usually disappears naturally after menopause.

Further diagnosis can be made with a combination of breast examination,

mammography, ultrasound and needle biopsy.

No treatment is necessary unless there is pain.

FIBROADENOMA

They are not related to breast cancer but do need to be accurately diagnosed. This

can usually be done by needle biopsy

These are very common nodules in the breast and are commonly benign.

They are common in young women (under 25) but can occur at any age. They

appear as oval, tender masses and may not be able to be felt as lumps.

Many women have more than one.

Diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound, needle biopsy and mammography (in

older women).

They may be removed by surgery but this is not essential.

NIPPLE DISCHARGE

Most nipple discharges are harmless - particularly if the discharge comes from more

than one duct and from both nipples.

If the discharge is bloodstained or watery it is important to see your Doctor.

These discharges are due to the production of fluid by normal breast cells in

response to hormones.