3 Most Common Breast Issues That Women Face ?

NORMAL (LEFT) VERSUS CANCEROUS (RIGHT) MAMMOGRAPHY IMAGE

Beasts, in earlier times, were only parts of the body which were meant to primarily provide milk to off springs. Their entire purpose has shifted now, as in recent times breasts are given more cosmetic value, thanks to the way in which they enhance any woman’s look.

This has resulted in a sudden surge in surgical breast implants, and in recent times natural breast enhancement supplements are making waves and enticing unsuspecting women to spend their money on these costly pills just to be disappointed with no end results in sight.

Most women try these supplements and end up with health problems like breast cancer. The three common breast issues that women face include breast lumps, breast tenderness or pain, and nipple discharge or inversion. These issues are common in women of all ages from adolescents (who have just entered puberty) to older women who have reached their menopausal state.

1. Breast Lump

A breast lump when detected can cause a sense of alarm in most women. You can feel a lump by running your hand over your breasts or by just looking at them. Not all breast lumps are cancerous and this notion should be dispelled from your mind at once. It’s advisable to undergo the necessary medical examinations to ascertain the same.

Early detection of cancer is important as you can restrict the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body through medication, chemotherapy and a change in lifestyle. Age remains a crucial factor in determining whether one needs to undergo further examination to determine whether the breast lump is indeed cancerous.

A woman below 30 who has a lump detected before her periods should subject herself to a breast examination before and after her periods. The breast lumps can be a result of hormonal changes. Methods like ultrasound and biopsy are advised only if the lump refuses to budge. Women above 30 years of age should undergo a mammogram if they do indeed have lumps in their breast, to rule out cancer. A biopsy is recommended if suspicion continues to prevail about the lumps.

2. Breast Pain and Tenderness

Another breast issue of importance is breast pain and tenderness, which most women experience from time to time. This occurs because of hormonal changes, during the onset of menstrual periods. The pain appears days before your periods are due to start and it can cause bodily discomfort. Your breasts will feel tender and you’ll experience pain.

However both these symptoms disappear on the onset of periods. There’s no cause for worry as this cannot lead to breast cancer. At times you may experience breast pain not as a result of your periods but because of some skin injury, spinal problems or muscle strain.

This pain is called non cyclical pain, and if it persists over a period of time, you should seek medical attention as such pain can be caused by breast cancer. If non cyclical breast pain and tenderness is your main concern, then you can take remedial measures like wearing good sports bras while exercising. Decrease the intake of medications withestrogen; and make changes to your diet by reducing the caffeine content. Some pain relief medications will also help but take it under the advice of your gynecologist.

3. Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge is another issue that some women experience. Galactorrhea or a milky white discharge is secreted from both the nipples especially in the first year after delivery. It can occur in women who suffer from underactive thyroid or hypothyroid problems, and it can also occur due to the side effects of certain medications or due to any growth in the pituitary gland inducing an increase in a hormone called prolactin.

If your nipple discharge is bloody then it can be a cause for concern, because it can be a result of breast cancer. In this case, you should seek medical advice immediately.

source: lifemojo.com

Posted in: Breast,Breast cancer,Breast lump,Breast self-examination,Mastodynia,Menstrual cycle,Nipple discharge