Vedi qualcosa da migliorare? Proponi una modifica.
Breast diseases are the many conditions and changes that can affect the breast. Most women have breast changes at some point: age, hormone levels and medicines can cause lumps, bumps and fluid discharge that isn't breast milk.
Many women fear cancer, but most breast changes are benign — not cancer. These are called benign breast disease. Still, see a health care provider about a lump, pain, discharge or skin irritation: minor and serious problems often look alike, and both may need treatment.
Common changes and conditions
| Condition | What it is |
|---|---|
| Fibrocystic breast changes | lumpiness, thickening and swelling, often just before a period; breasts may feel painful, swollen or tender |
| Cysts | fluid-filled lumps that may be tender |
| Fibroadenomas | solid, round, rubbery lumps that move easily when pushed; most common in younger women |
| Intraductal papillomas | wart-like benign tumors that grow in a milk duct |
| Blocked milk ducts | |
| Milk production when not breastfeeding |
Symptoms
They depend on the condition. Benign breast disease may cause no symptoms, or:
- a lump or firm feeling in the breast or under the arm;
- a change in the breast's size or shape;
- nipple discharge;
- skin changes on the breast or nipple — itching, redness or darkening, dimples, scaling or puckering;
- painful, swollen or tender breasts.
See your provider about these or any other unusual change: some can be warning signs of breast cancer.
Diagnosis
- Some changes can be felt or seen — by you, or by your provider during a clinical breast exam.
- Others show up only on a screening mammogram or other imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound.
- A breast biopsy may be recommended to check a suspicious change.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of condition. Some changes go away on their own; others need monitoring, a biopsy or surgery. Some benign changes raise the future risk of breast cancer and may need treatment now.
Sources
Based on "Breast Diseases," MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Cancer Institute; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licenza: CC0 1.0 (pubblico dominio) · Tratto da medlineplus.gov
1
0
0
0
Commenti