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.
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