SERVICES
Breast
Benign breast disease
Most women typically experience one breast abnormality at least once in their lifetime. When this happens, on most occasions, we misconstrue these unusual changes as a sign of breast cancer.
Types of benign breast disease are:
- Fibroadenoma: A fibroadenoma is a smooth marble-like growth that moves around under the breast skin when touched. Fibroadenomas are quite common in young women, especially during puberty. Although rare, men can develop fibroadenomas too. Complex fibroadenomas comprise cells of unique features, and even though most don’t increase the risk of breast cancer, their removal, at times, is necessary.
- Breast cyst: A breast cyst is a pocket of clear fluid under the breast skin. Women are susceptible to one or several breast cysts. Breasts cysts are classified as micro or macrocysts. Only a diagnostic test such as mammography and ultrasound will pick up microscopic breast cysts, but macrocysts are apparent and measure to two to five centimetres. Breast cysts form when fluid accumulates in the breast’s glandular tissue. Hormonal changes and a monthly menstrual cycle contribute to the formation of breast cysts.
- Mastitis: Mastitis is breast inflammation as a result of an infection. Mastitis causes red, inflamed breast skin, breast pain and swelling. An obstructed milk duct and infiltration of bacteria in the milk duct are the main reasons for mastitis. A blockage in the milk ducts leads to a backflow of old milk, causing infection. Also, bacteria from a baby’s mouth can release into cracks in the breast skin or nipple, leading to mastitis.
- Fat necrosis due to trauma: Breast lumps can also occur due to a rise in scar tissue, which replaces injured breast tissue after trauma. A breast injury due to trauma arises from previous radiation therapy or injury.
- Intraductal papilloma: Intraductal papillomas are wart-like growths inside the milk ducts. Age is a risk factor. Women over forty are likely to develop intraductal papilloma. At the same time, when the breast undergoes significant changes in terms of its size, colour and skin texture, the likelihood of intraductal papilloma increases. Intraductal papilloma typically presents as unilateral nipple discharge.
A breast-self exam while showering or getting dressed is an ideal way to check for the following symptoms:
- Fluid leaking from the nipple
- Sore breasts
- Change in the colour of the areola and size of breasts
- Inverted nipples or dimply skin
Reasons for benign breast lumps are:
- Bacterial infections of the breast
- Medication like birth control pills
- Hormonal imbalance due to menstruation
- Breast trauma
Breast cancer surgery
Should the results from a breast biopsy indicate breast cancer, Dr Boesack will perform breast cancer surgery to remove cancer. The axillary lymph nodes will also be assessed surgically either as a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary node dissection (removal). A breast cancer is either a mastectomy, which removes the whole breast, or a lumpectomy, where only a portion of breast tissue is removed. Should a mastectomy be performed, breast reconstruction surgery directly after the procedure or delayed may be offered by a plastic surgeon.
- Lump under the armpit or breast
- Swelling in one part of the breast
- Dimply breast skin
- Breast pain
- Flakiness around the nipple/areola region
- Bloody nipple discharge
Breast cancer develops in the breast cells that multiply uncontrollably to form cancerous tissue masses. Malignant breast cells have the capability of metastasising to lymph nodes and other structures and organs.
Risk factors of breast cancer are:
- Genetics
- A family history of breast cancer
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
- Hormonal therapy
- Late childbirth
Surviving breast cancer can be one of the most emotionally draining experiences for patients living with the disease. Although feelings of vulnerability are normal, it’s important to remember that Dr Boesack remains available to answer any questions related to the after-effects of surgery. Patients are provided with a number to contact their breast care nurse to discuss any issues related to surgery or post-operative wound care.
Recovery after breast cancer surgery involves taking care of wound dressings and surgical drains with effective pain management strategies. Nausea is typical after surgery due to the effects of anaesthesia which eventually wears off after the use of anti-sickness drugs.
A breast lump like a fibroadenoma is an accumulation of breast cells that are soft and mobile. These types of breast lumps are usually harmless. It is, however, vital to undergo a medical exam like mammography or biopsy to determine whether a breast lump is cancerous.