| Introduction |
| |
Breast lumps are very common
and most women will experience one or more lumps at some time
in her life. Happily, the vast majority (at least nine out of
ten) are benign, or not cancerous. These benign lumps can be caused
by cysts (sacs of fluid which build up in the breast tissue) or
fibroadenomas (solid growths made up of fibrous and glandular
tissue).
For more information on breast cancer, see the separate fact sheet.
|
| |
| Diagnosis |
| |
If you find a lump in your
breast, or notice any other changes such as:
- change in size or shape of your breasts
- dimpling of the skin (skin looks like texture
of orange peel)
- lumpiness or thickening
- newly inverted (turned-in) nipple
- bloodstained discharge from nipple
- rash on nipple or surrounding area
- swelling or a lump in the armpit
you must see your doctor straight away. Your GP will examine you
and then will arrange for you to have any tests or X-rays you
may need at the hospital or specialist clinic. These tests may
include:
- mammography (X-ray examination of the breasts)
- ultrasound (sound waves are used to create an
image of the lump)
- colour doppler (a special type of ultrasound which
gives a colour picture showing the blood supply to the lump
¡V tumours often have a very rich blood supply)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ¡V a scan using
a magnetic field to build up a cross-sectional picture of
your body
- needle aspiration; a fine needle and syringe is
used to take a sample of cells from the breast lump to send
to the laboratory for tests
- core biopsy; a small sample of the breast tissue
is taken for examination in the laboratory
- excision biopsy; the lump is removed under general
anaesthetic and sent to the laboratory for examination
|
| |
| Treatment |
| |
| Benign breast lumps do not
normally need treatment, although they may be removed as part
of the diagnostic process (if the lump is removed for biopsy,
for example). |
| |
| Breast awareness |
| |
| Early detection of breast
cancer is vital as it increases the chance of successful treatment.
Women are therefore encouraged to be 'breast aware'. This means
knowing how your breasts look and feel and the normal changes
that occur at different times of your menstrual cycle. Visit your
doctor if you feel a lump, or if one of your breasts changes shape
or become constantly painful. There is no need to examine yourself
on a strict routine, but it's sensible to look and feel your breasts
from time to time. Doing this while showering, bathing or standing
in front of a mirror may be convenient. |
| |
| Breast screening |
| |
Breast screening (mammography)
is an X-ray examination of the breasts. It can show up abnormalities
at an early stage, when they are too small for you or your doctor
to feel. A mammogram only takes a few minutes and involves only
a small dose of radiation - much less than an X-ray for a broken
bone. The health risk is therefore very small. Some women find
breast screening uncomfortable as the breasts have to be held
firmly in position and compressed for a few seconds in order to
take a clear picture. This discomfort is usually passes as soon
as the mammogram is over.
However, mammograms are not always 100% accurate so, even you
have had a clear X-ray result, if you feel a breast lump, see
your doctor at once. |
| |
| Further information |
| |
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/understanding-breast-changes/page5
CancerBACUP
http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/
Breast Cancer Care
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/ |
| |
Healthwise (Health Information Resource
Centre)
Tel : (852) 2849 2400
Fax : (852) 2849 2900
Email : info@healthwise.org.hk
Homepage : http://www.healthwise.org.hk/
This leaflet is for information only. For a detailed
opinion or personal advice, please consult with your own
doctor |
|
| |
| |
|
|